This Honey Glazed Chicken with Sesame is a delightful dish that balances sweet, savory, and nutty flavors to create a meal that’s both simple and elegant. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish combines tender chicken with a rich honey glaze, finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also delivers restaurant-quality flavor with ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens. The sweet honey glaze complements the juicy chicken, while the sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty undertone. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Additionally, this dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables, making it a versatile addition to any meal plan.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless
Soy sauce
Honey
Garlic, minced
Ginger, freshly grated
Sesame oil
Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Sesame seeds
Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Salt and pepper
Green onions (optional, for garnish)

directions

In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar to create the glaze. Stir well to combine.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil it.
Sear the chicken on both sides until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side.
Pour the prepared glaze over the chicken and reduce the heat to medium.
Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze thickens. If a thicker glaze is desired, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce.
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken just before serving.
Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a spoonful of sriracha to the glaze for some heat.
Citrus Infusion: Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrusy note.
Vegetarian Version: Use tofu instead of chicken and follow the same marination and cooking steps.
Oven-Baked Option: Bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, basting with glaze occasionally.
Grilled Style: Grill the chicken and brush with the honey glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.

storage/reheating

Store leftover honey glazed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat until warmed through or microwave in short intervals, covering to retain moisture. Avoid overheating to prevent the glaze from burning or the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

How do I prevent the glaze from burning?

Keep the heat at medium or lower once the glaze is added, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching.

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but the cooking time will need to be extended to ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. It stores well in the fridge and reheats easily, making it ideal for meal prepping.

What sides go well with this dish?

Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a light salad pair well with this chicken.

Can I substitute maple syrup for honey?

Yes, though the flavor will be slightly different. Maple syrup offers a richer, deeper sweetness.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make it gluten-free.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear.

Do I have to use sesame oil?

While sesame oil adds a distinct flavor, you can use another oil if necessary, though the taste will change slightly.

Can I cook the chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, cook the chicken in the air fryer and heat the glaze separately on the stove, then coat the chicken before serving.

How can I make the glaze thicker?

Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the glaze while simmering until the desired thickness is reached.

Conclusion

Honey Glazed Chicken with Sesame is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines everyday ingredients into a harmonious and satisfying meal. Whether served on a weeknight or at a dinner party, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its perfect balance of sweetness and savory depth, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Honey Glazed Chicken with Sesame