Irresistible Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crispy, golden chicken pieces glazed with honey sesame sauce promise a mouthwatering meal that will make you smile.

sweet meets tangy in this incredibly simple dish bursting with Asian-inspired flavors.

Weeknight dinners just became way more exciting with minimal ingredients and maximum taste.

Every bite combines crunchy chicken coated in a silky, glossy sauce that feels indulgent yet light.

Fragrant sesame seeds add delightful texture and nutty undertones to each perfectly crisp morsel.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality recipe without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Dinner is about to get seriously delicious – let’s get cooking!

Why Honey Sesame Chicken Is So Easy and Addictive

• Perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques.
• Adaptable for different spice levels and dietary preferences, you can adjust the sauce or swap chicken for tofu or other proteins to suit your taste.
• Delivers a mouthwatering balance of sweet and savory notes that rivals takeout, making it a budget-friendly alternative to dining out with restaurant-level taste.
• The honey sesame sauce creates a universally appealing flavor profile that satisfies both picky eaters and food enthusiasts, making it an excellent family dinner option.

Ingredients You Need for Honey Sesame Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: Lean protein for a hearty main dish.

• Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy chicken exterior.

• Honey: Adds natural sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: Provides rich umami flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness.
• Sesame Oil: Brings nutty depth to the sauce.
• Garlic, Ginger: Adds aromatic and spicy undertones.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides cooking medium for chicken.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Adds texture and fresh flavor.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick.

Step-by-Step for Sweet and Savory Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Coat Chicken in Cornstarch

Grab your chicken pieces and toss them thoroughly in cornstarch, ensuring every inch gets a light powdery covering.

This magical step creates an incredible crispy texture when cooking.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken in Hot Pan

Fire up a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle vegetable oil across the surface.

You want that pan screaming hot before adding chicken.

Step 3: Cook First Batch of Chicken

Carefully place chicken pieces into the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd.

Let each piece cook for 4-5 minutes per side until they transform into gorgeous golden-brown chunks.

Transfer cooked pieces to a separate plate.

Step 4: Complete Chicken Cooking

Repeat the cooking process with remaining chicken pieces, ensuring each gets that perfect crispy exterior.

Step 5: Create Magical Sauce

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Blend these ingredients until they become a harmonious mixture.

Step 6: Simmer Sauce

Pour sauce into the same skillet and let it bubble gently.

Watch as it transforms into a glossy, slightly thickened liquid within 3-5 minutes.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return all cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet.

Toss and twirl until every morsel gets beautifully coated in the honey sesame goodness.

Step 8: Add Crunchy Toppings

Sprinkle sesame seeds across the chicken, stirring to distribute evenly.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and optional crushed red pepper flakes.

Serve piping hot over fluffy steamed rice or alongside your favorite side dishes.

Cooking Tips for Juicy and Flavorful Chicken

• Cornstarch coating ensures chicken stays crunchy and prevents soggy texture during cooking.
• Cook chicken in batches to maintain high heat and achieve perfect golden-brown exterior without steaming.
• Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to blend honey's sweetness, soy sauce's saltiness, and aromatic garlic and ginger.
• Simmer sauce until it transforms into a glossy, slightly thickened glaze that clings perfectly to chicken pieces.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions for added texture, color, and authentic Asian-inspired visual appeal.

How to Store and Reheat Honey Sesame Chicken Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the chicken completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal securely, and freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Warm chicken in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to restore moisture. Stir gently and heat until completely warmed through, about 3-5 minutes.

What to Pair with Honey Sesame Chicken

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: Light, slightly sweet German white wine perfectly balances the honey's sweetness and cuts through the chicken's richness, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• Match with Jasmine Rice: Soft, fragrant rice absorbs the savory-sweet sauce, providing a delicate base that enhances the chicken's complex flavor profile and adds textural contrast.
• Complement with Asian Slaw: Tangy, crunchy cabbage-based side dish with rice vinegar dressing offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, sweet chicken, adding brightness and texture to the meal.
• Serve with Ginger Kombucha: Zesty, slightly effervescent fermented tea provides a probiotic-rich drink that cleanses the palate and echoes the ginger notes in the sauce, creating a modern and healthful beverage pairing.

Creative Flavor Variations for Honey Sesame Chicken

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to eliminate gluten. Use cornstarch-coated chicken as a crispy alternative to traditional breading.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce honey quantity and use monk fruit sweetener to lower carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Press tofu to remove excess moisture and coat with cornstarch for similar crispy texture.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce to the honey sesame sauce. Include diced jalapeños for extra heat and complexity in flavor profile.

FAQs

• Why coat the chicken in cornstarch?

Cornstarch creates a crispy, golden exterior on the chicken by forming a light protective layer that helps seal in moisture and promotes even browning during cooking.

• Can I use other types of chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or chicken breasts. Just ensure the pieces are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking and adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the meat.

• Is this dish spicy?

The base recipe is mild, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat. The amount of spice is completely customizable to your preference.

• What gives this dish its unique flavor?

The combination of honey’s sweetness, soy sauce’s umami, rice vinegar’s tanginess, and sesame oil’s nutty flavor creates a perfectly balanced sauce that coats the crispy chicken.

Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent honey sesame chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors from traditional Chinese cuisine. Crispy chicken pieces glazed with golden honey and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds will satisfy your cravings with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted)
• Green onions (chopped, for garnish)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly covered for a crispy texture when cooked.
2. Preheat a large skillet to medium-high temperature and add vegetable oil.
3. Cook chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding, searing each piece for 4-5 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking.
4. Remove cooked chicken and set aside on a clean plate.
5. Create a vibrant sauce by whisking together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until ingredients are fully integrated.
6. Reduce sauce in the skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop a glossy consistency.
7. Reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure complete and uniform sauce coverage.
8. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the dish.
9. Optional: Enhance flavor profile by garnishing with finely chopped green onions and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for added heat.
10. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or complementary side dishes while hot and fresh.

Notes

• Coating chicken with cornstarch creates an irresistibly crispy texture that locks in moisture and provides a golden-brown exterior.
• Cooking chicken in batches prevents overcrowding, ensuring each piece gets perfectly caramelized and maintains a delightful crunch.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels, making the dish more diet-friendly and adaptable for those watching sodium intake.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free, allowing everyone to enjoy this delectable meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg