Honey sesame chicken is a delicious Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet, savory, and sticky honey sesame sauce. This easy homemade version rivals any takeout, delivering juicy, golden-brown chicken with a thick, glossy glaze. Serve it with rice or noodles for a perfect meal the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Better than takeout: Tastes fresher and more flavorful than restaurant versions.
Crispy and juicy: The double-frying method ensures perfectly crunchy chicken.
Sweet and savory balance: The honey sesame sauce coats the chicken beautifully.
Easy to make: Simple steps with readily available ingredients.
Customizable: Adjust sweetness, spice, or use different proteins.

Ingredients

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

For the Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
Chicken bouillon powder
Salt and white pepper
Eggs
All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
Baking powder
Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Honey Sesame Sauce

Light soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Rice vinegar
Ketchup
Honey
Brown sugar
Garlic (minced)
Sesame oil
Cornstarch (for thickening)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with bouillon powder, salt, and white pepper. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Make the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Add the marinated chicken and mix until well coated.

Fry the Chicken

Heat Oil: In a deep pan or pot, heat vegetable oil to 365°F.
First Fry: Add battered chicken pieces in batches and fry for 3 minutes until lightly golden. Drain on a wire rack.
Second Fry: Increase the oil temperature to 375°F and fry the chicken again for 2 minutes until crispy and deep golden brown. Drain excess oil.

Prepare the Honey Sesame Sauce

Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
Cook the Sauce: Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a wok over medium heat. Sauté the garlic, then pour in the sauce mixture. Stir until thickened (about 1 minute).
Combine Chicken & Sauce: Add the crispy chicken to the wok and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Healthier Version: Instead of frying, cook the chicken in a skillet or air fryer.
Spicy Honey Sesame Chicken: Add red pepper flakes, chili oil, or sriracha to the sauce.
Ginger Twist: Incorporate freshly grated ginger for a bolder flavor.
Vegetarian Alternative: Use crispy tofu instead of chicken.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the chicken crispy.

FAQs

What is the difference between sesame chicken and General Tso’s chicken?

Sesame chicken is milder and sweeter, while General Tso’s chicken has a spicier, tangier sauce.

Can I make honey sesame chicken without frying?

Yes, you can bake or air-fry the chicken for a healthier alternative.

How do I prevent my chicken from getting soggy?

Double-frying ensures a crispy texture that holds up to the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but store the fried chicken and sauce separately to maintain crispiness.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, chicken thighs add more juiciness and flavor.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce longer or add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

Is honey sesame chicken gluten-free?

No, but you can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas make great additions.

Does honey sesame chicken contain dairy or nuts?

No, this dish is dairy-free and does not contain nuts. The nutty flavor comes from sesame seeds.

Conclusion

Honey sesame chicken is an irresistible combination of crispy, golden chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey glaze. Whether you’re looking for a takeout-style dinner or an easy homemade meal, this recipe is simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy. Pair it with rice or noodles for a complete meal and enjoy the perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and umami flavors!