If you’re looking for a mouthwatering meal that’s equal parts weeknight-friendly and crowd-pleasing, look no further than Honey Sesame Chicken. Imagine crispy, golden bites of juicy chicken kissed with a rich, sticky sauce that dances between sweet, savory, and a gentle hint of ginger. Every time I make this dish, the kitchen fills with the aroma of toasty sesame and warm honey, setting the stage for a dinner that’s as comforting as it is irresistible. Trust me: once you taste this, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for takeout!

Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of homemade Honey Sesame Chicken comes from a handful of everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Each one brings something vital: a pop of color, depth of flavor, satisfying texture, or all three. Let’s break down what you’ll need, plus the little reasons why nothing here is optional!

Chicken thighs: These stay wonderfully juicy and tender—perfect for soaking up that glossy sauce.
Cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch helps it crisp up while keeping the inside moist.
Vegetable oil: Neutral and ideal for achieving that quick, high-heat sear without overpowering flavors.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the whole sauce with aromatic warmth.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Balances salt and umami with just the right intensity—no need to go overboard.
Honey: The secret to that signature sticky-sweet glaze that’s impossible to resist.
Ketchup: Adds a delightful tang and a subtle depth that quietly enhances the sauce’s sweetness.
Rice vinegar: A splash cuts the richness and keeps everything lively.
Sesame oil: A few drops are all you need for that signature nutty aroma and finish.
Grated fresh ginger: It’s bright, zesty, and gives the sauce just the right kick.
Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkle these on for a satisfying crunch and true sesame flavor.
Sliced green onions: The finishing touch that adds freshness and color to your plate.

How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken thigh pieces with cornstarch until every morsel gets a light, even dusting. This isn’t just about crispiness—it’s the foundation of that irresistible crust the sauce will later cling to. If you want that signature Honey Sesame Chicken look and texture, don’t skimp on this part!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet (or wok, if you’re feeling fancy) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches, giving each piece space to crisp up, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning so they cook evenly. As soon as they’re temptingly golden and cooked through, set them aside—you’ll bring them back for their saucy encore.

Step 3: Infuse the Aromatics

Reduce the heat to medium and toss in your minced garlic. Let it sizzle for just 30 seconds—enough to become fragrant but not so much it turns bitter. Your kitchen will already smell amazing at this point!

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and freshly grated ginger. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll see the sauce begin to bubble and thicken, taking on that signature sheen. Resist tasting it—at least until the chicken returns!

Step 5: Toss and Finish

Bring the chicken back to the skillet, stirring to coat every piece in that luscious sauce. Continue cooking for a couple more minutes, just until everything is piping hot and evenly glazed. Turn off the heat, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and a generous handful of green onions. Your Honey Sesame Chicken is ready to shine!

How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken

Garnishes

No plate of Honey Sesame Chicken is complete without a flourish. A scatter of toasted sesame seeds delivers crunch and the essence of sesame, while a generous sprinkle of fresh, sliced green onions wakes up the whole dish with color and brightness. For even more visual (and flavor) pop, you could try a handful of cilantro or even a pinch of chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

This dish just sings when paired with a mountain of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice—it soaks up every drop of that glossy sauce. If you’re feeling like sneaking in more greens, stir-fried broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy round out the meal beautifully with freshness and crunch. Even a simple cucumber salad makes a cool counterpoint to the warmth of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow guests or liven up family dinner, serve Honey Sesame Chicken in lettuce wraps for an easy, handheld bite. For party platters, pile it high on a bed of rice and let everyone dig in family-style. Or spoon it into vibrant bento bowls, alongside steamed veggies and a soft-boiled egg, for a fun and modern take.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool before transferring them to an airtight container—this keeps the chicken as moist as possible and prevents that sauce from thickening up too much. Stored in the refrigerator, Honey Sesame Chicken tastes just as good for up to three days, with flavors that only get deeper.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? Freeze fully cooked and cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When freezing, consider keeping the sauce separate from the chicken to help preserve the crispy coating, though it’s still delicious reheated together in a pinch.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat thawed chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce looks too thick. You can also microwave it in short bursts, but be sure to stir halfway for even heating. If you want to revive the crunch, a quick blast in a hot oven or air fryer before saucing does wonders.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well for Honey Sesame Chicken if that’s your preference. Just be careful not to overcook, as breast meat tends to dry out faster than thighs. Thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving, but either cut tastes great coated in sauce.

How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

If you crave even more crunch, after pan-frying, pop the cooked chicken into a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes before tossing it with the sauce. This gives the coating an extra crispy edge that stands up to the sticky glaze.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Swap out the regular soy sauce for a certified gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and you’ll have a gluten-free version of Honey Sesame Chicken. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy the dish with peace of mind.

Can I add vegetables to the stir-fry?

Definitely! Stir-fried bell peppers, snap peas, or even baby corn mix in beautifully with the chicken and absorb the flavors of the sauce. Just sauté your chosen veggies with the garlic step, before adding the liquids, for the perfect bite.

What’s the best way to serve Honey Sesame Chicken for a potluck?

For a potluck, I love presenting this dish in a slow cooker set to warm. It keeps everything hot and ready to go, and guests can easily help themselves. Add the sesame seeds and green onions right before serving for maximum freshness and crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Sesame Chicken brings together everything I love about home-cooked comfort—bold flavor, a touch of sweetness, and a hearty, satisfying finish. Whether you’re sharing it with family or whipping up a batch for yourself, I can’t wait for you to experience just how delightful (and easy) it is. Give it a try the next time a takeout craving hits—you may never order out again!

Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. Tender chicken pieces coated in a honey soy sauce glaze, sprinkled with sesame seeds, and served with steamed rice or vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Cornstarch Coating:

1/2 cup cornstarch

Sauce:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Garnish:

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Sliced green onions for garnish

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Instructions

Toss the Chicken: Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch.
Cook Chicken: Brown chicken in oil until cooked; set aside.
Make Sauce: Cook garlic, add soy sauce, honey, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger.
Combine: Add chicken to the sauce, toss to coat.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

Serve over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables.
You can substitute chicken breast for thighs if preferred.
For extra crunch, bake cooked chicken at 400°F for 10 minutes before adding the sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian