If you’re craving a dish that brings the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a little nutty crunch, then you have to try this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels comforting and special all at once, with tender chicken coated in a glossy honey-soy sauce and speckled with toasted sesame seeds. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe has the kind of flavor and texture combination that keeps everyone reaching for another bite. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy and quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that iconic taste and texture. From the juicy chicken to the sweet honey and the toasty sesame seeds, each element contributes layers of flavor and visual appeal that make this dish irresistible.
- Chicken breast (1 pound): Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Cornstarch (1/4 cup): Creates a light, crispy coating on the chicken that holds the sauce beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick that balances the sweetness.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Ideal for frying the chicken to a perfect golden brown.
- Honey (1/4 cup): The star sweetener that brings warmth and a lovely shine to the sauce.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Delivers that essential umami depth with a salty edge.
- Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds a tangy brightness to cut through the richness.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Offers a fragrant, nutty aroma that defines the dish’s character.
- Garlic, minced (1 tablespoon): A punch of pungency that elevates the sauce.
- Fresh ginger, grated (1 tablespoon): Brings a fresh, slightly spicy note to balance sweetness.
- Sesame seeds (2 tablespoons): Toasted seeds give the dish crunch and visual appeal.
- Green onions, sliced (2): Provide a mild sharpness and vibrant color as a finishing touch.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Used to adjust the sauce to the perfect consistency if needed.
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and quickly. This not only helps with a tender bite but ensures every piece gets coated with the delicious sauce later.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Mix cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a bowl, then toss the chicken pieces until they’re evenly coated. The cornstarch creates a light crispy layer once fried, which gives this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe its signature texture.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken in a single layer to ensure even frying. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through—this step locks in juiciness and adds crunch.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and pour in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir and let the mixture simmer to thicken slightly. This slow simmer is how the sauce gets that irresistible glossy coating perfect for the chicken.
Step 5: Add Aromatics
Stir in minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more until fragrant, letting their warm, spicy notes infuse the sauce completely. This step brings the dish alive with vibrant flavors.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss well to coat every piece in the luscious sauce. This ensures every bite is bursting with that sweet and savory goodness that makes this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe a beloved classic.
Step 7: Final Touches
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken and stir to distribute them evenly. Then fold in sliced green onions just before serving to add freshness and color. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water to loosen it—perfect for drizzling over rice or noodles.
How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for that final pop of flavor and texture. These simple garnishes elevate the presentation and provide a contrast in bite that’s simply delightful.
Side Dishes
Serve your honey sesame chicken over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce. For a lighter option, stir-fried vegetables or steamed broccoli are fantastic companions that add crunch and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken over a bed of noodles tossed lightly in sesame oil and soy sauce. You could also spoon it over a crunchy Asian-style slaw for a fun textural mix. Even wrapping the chicken in lettuce cups with a drizzle of extra sauce creates a fresh and handheld version that’s perfect for casual meals or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it an ideal meal to enjoy as a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but for best results, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from any rice or sides. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, and use within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken crispy, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving directly if you want to preserve the perfect texture, but it’s handy in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor, but you might want to adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is there a substitute for cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or potato starch as alternatives. Both will create a similar crispy coating on the chicken.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep the flavor intact without gluten.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before tossing with freshly cooked chicken for the best texture.
Is this dish spicy?
This Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is not spicy by default, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha if you want a little heat.
Final Thoughts
If you love dishes that thrill your taste buds without a fuss, this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is a winner every time. From the crisp chicken to the rich, sticky sauce, it delivers warmth and comfort in every bite. Next time you want a meal that’s quick, delicious, and impressive, give this recipe a try—you’re going to love it!
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Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Honey Sesame Chicken recipe featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a crispy cornstarch crust, then tossed in a flavorful honey-soy glaze balanced with garlic, ginger, and sesame. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thinning sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
- Mix Coating: In a bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and black pepper to create a light coating mix that will crisp up the chicken.
- Coat Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture until each piece is fully coated, which helps create a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Heat Oil: Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to get ready for frying the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer to the hot oil; cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken onto a plate and set aside to prepare the sauce in the same skillet.
- Make Sauce Base: Lower heat to medium, then add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to the skillet; stir and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and sauce thickens further.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss well to coat every piece evenly with the flavorful sauce.
- Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken, stirring them in so they distribute evenly across the dish.
- Finish with Green Onions: Stir in the sliced green onions just before serving to add freshness and color.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the honey sesame chicken hot, optionally garnished with additional green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For crispier chicken, cook the pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Adjust honey and soy sauce quantities to taste for preferred sweetness or saltiness.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles to complete the meal.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content if desired.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes into the sauce.
