Honey Sesame Chicken

Honey Sesame Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish featuring crispy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce. This homemade version rivals your favorite takeout and is easy to prepare in under 30 minutes. With a perfect balance of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Better Than Takeout – Enjoy the flavors of restaurant-style Honey Sesame Chicken made right at home.
• Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Crispy and Flavorful – The chicken is lightly fried for a crispy texture, then coated in a rich, sticky sauce.
• Customizable – Easily adjust the sweetness, spice level, or even make it gluten-free.

Ingredients

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

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Cornstarch (for coating the chicken)
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs (for dredging)
• Salt and pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Green onions (optional, for garnish)

For the Sauce:

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Garlic (minced)
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
• Water
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Coat and Fry: Dredge the chicken in a mixture of cornstarch and flour, then dip it into beaten eggs before coating again in the dry mixture. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch mixed with water. Heat in a pan until it thickens.

4. Coat the Chicken: Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.

5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Baked Version: Instead of frying, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes for a healthier alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and replace flour with more cornstarch.
• Spicy Honey Sesame Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken separately from the sauce. Reheat and toss together before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Increase the amount of cornstarch slurry for a thicker sauce.

Can I make this dish in an air fryer?

Yes, cook the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

What can I serve with Honey Sesame Chicken?

Serve with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables.

Is this dish spicy?

Not typically, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat.

Can I make this without frying?

Yes, bake or air-fry the chicken for a healthier version.

What oil is best for frying?

Use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for the best results.

Can I use store-bought sesame sauce instead?

You can, but homemade sauce has better flavor control.

How do I prevent the chicken from getting soggy?

Serve immediately and avoid letting the chicken sit in the sauce for too long.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes, if you prefer extra sauce for drizzling over rice.

Conclusion

Honey Sesame Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With its crispy chicken, sticky sweet sauce, and sesame garnish, it’s a great alternative to takeout. Try different variations and enjoy this restaurant-quality meal at home!

Honey Sesame Chicken

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• Author: Sarra
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Honey Sesame Chicken is a crispy, golden-brown chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce. It’s better than takeout and comes together in just 30 minutes! Serve it over rice with steamed vegetables for a delicious and easy dinner.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• For the Chicken:
• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• For the Honey Sesame Sauce:
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

• 1. Prepare the Chicken:
• In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper.
• Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat in the cornstarch-flour mixture.
• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove and drain on a paper towel.
• 2. Make the Sauce:
• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
• Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry. Stir until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).
• 3. Combine & Serve:
• Toss the crispy chicken in the honey sesame sauce until fully coated.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
• Serve over white rice or with steamed vegetables.

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Notes

• Air Fryer Option: Cook the chicken at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Baking Option: Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping once.
• Add Heat: Stir in ½ tsp red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrients.
• Details