If you’re craving ultimate comfort food with irresistible sweet-and-savory flair, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Honey Sesame Chicken. Imagine golden, crispy pieces of chicken tossed in a glossy, sticky honey sauce, showered with toasted sesame seeds and a sprinkle of green onions for that final pop—this homemade version delivers serious takeout vibes, all from your own kitchen. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or want to wow friends at a casual get-together, this Honey Sesame Chicken comes together in under 40 minutes and tastes every bit as fantastic as it looks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Honey Sesame Chicken masterfully combines simple pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each ingredient matters:
- Chicken (1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless thighs or breasts): Go for thighs if you love extra juiciness; breasts make for a leaner bite—cut into even, bite-sized pieces for perfect cooking.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): The secret to that irresistible crisp coating—cornstarch creates a light, shatteringly crisp exterior after frying.
- Eggs (2 large, beaten): Acts as the glue for the cornstarch and helps achieve great crunch.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil suitable for frying to get the chicken golden-brown without any overpowering flavor.
- Sesame seeds (2 tablespoons): These toasted seeds add nutty depth and the signature sesame crunch—don’t skip them!
- Sliced green onions (optional): For a fresh, oniony zip and a vibrant finish atop your saucy chicken.
- Honey (1/2 cup): The star ingredient for that glossy, sticky sweetness we all love.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Adds savory backbone and balances the honey’s sweetness.
- Ketchup (1/4 cup): Surprising, but key! Brings color, tang, and extra umami depth.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Deepens the caramel notes in the sauce—so lush with honey.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Cuts through all the sweetness to keep the flavors perky and bright.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Don’t be shy—this brings lovely roasted sesame aroma that instantly shouts “takeout night.”
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses every bite with warming, aromatic savoriness.
- Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Fresh zing heightens the sauce with a gently spicy kick.
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water): Makes the sauce beautifully thick so it clings to every crispy piece.
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken
First, pat your chicken pieces dry and cut them into bite-sized pieces for even frying—keeping sizes similar ensures no one ends up with over- or under-cooked morsels. Toss the chicken with cornstarch until all pieces are evenly coated; this sets up that signature crispy coating. Next, dip each piece into the beaten eggs, making sure every bit is well-covered—egg helps bind the crust so it cooks up gorgeously golden.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Pour about half an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok and heat it to shimmering over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid crowding the pan, turning the pieces for an even golden-brown color and a crunchy shell. Each batch should take just 4–5 minutes to cook through. Once finished, transfer your crisp chicken chunks to a plate lined with paper towels to blot up any excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Honey Sesame Chicken Sauce
In a clean pan or saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring this fragrant mix to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir regularly—your kitchen will instantly smell amazing! Once bubbling, introduce the cornstarch slurry; this is your pro move for a luxuriously thick sauce that sticks to every piece of chicken. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens up to silky perfection.
Step 4: Toss and Finish
Add your hot, crispy chicken to the thickened sauce and toss until every bite is evenly coated—don’t hesitate to use a spatula to fold the pieces until everything is gloriously glossy. Finish with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds and, if you like, a handful of sliced green onions for bold color and crunch. Your Honey Sesame Chicken is ready to serve steaming hot!
How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken
Garnishes
A perfect finish takes Honey Sesame Chicken from great to unforgettable. Always shower the finished dish with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. A flurry of green onions or even a pinch of chili flakes offers a pretty pop of color and a layer of freshness that balances all those sticky, sweet flavors. If you want to kick things up, a handful of fresh cilantro or a few grates of extra ginger work beautifully, too!
Side Dishes
This dish is basically made to be piled onto a bed of fluffy steamed white rice, letting every drop of that delectable sauce soak in. For something a bit different, try jasmine rice or even lightly toasted noodles. If you crave crunch, pair your Honey Sesame Chicken with quick-sautéed bok choy, steamed broccoli, or a fresh cucumber salad.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, serve your Honey Sesame Chicken family-style on a big, beautiful platter, letting everyone help themselves. For a lunchbox, pack it in bento-style containers alongside rice and bright veggies. Or skewer the saucy chicken pieces and serve as party appetizers with extra sauce for dipping—guaranteed to disappear fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature before sealing in an airtight container. The honey sesame sauce will remain glossy and delicious for up to 3 days in the fridge, and the flavors actually meld and intensify overnight!
Freezing
You can freeze Honey Sesame Chicken for easy future meals. Place cooled chicken (preferably without garnishes) in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty ziplock bag. It will keep its texture well for up to two months. For best results, freeze the sauce and chicken separately, then reheat and combine when ready to eat.
Reheating
For ultimate crispiness, reheat chicken pieces in a 350 F oven or air fryer for about 10 minutes until hot and sizzling, then toss in gently warmed sauce. If you’re in a rush, a microwave works too—just heat in short bursts so the chicken doesn’t get too chewy. Add a few drops of water to the sauce before reheating to keep it loose and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs have a juicier texture and more flavor, chicken breast works just as well for Honey Sesame Chicken and is a great option if you prefer a leaner bite.
What can I substitute for honey in the sauce?
While honey is key for that classic flavor, you can swap in maple syrup or agave for a slightly different sweetness, or even a mix of brown sugar and a splash of extra water if you’re in a pinch.
Is it possible to bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep-frying?
Yes, for a healthier take, bake breaded chicken pieces on a parchment-lined tray at 425 F for about 18–20 minutes or use your air fryer for similar crispiness with far less oil!
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
If your sauce isn’t clinging quite enough, whisk another teaspoon of cornstarch with two teaspoons of water and add to the simmering sauce. Stir for a minute or two until thickened to your liking.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check that your other ingredients are gluten-free. The dish stays every bit as delicious.
Final Thoughts
Once you make homemade Honey Sesame Chicken, it’s tough going back to takeout—nothing can beat freshly cooked, crispy chicken smothered in sweet, savory, and sticky goodness. So grab your favorite pan and whip up this feel-good classic; I promise your family and friends will be asking for seconds!
Print
Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is a delightful take on Chinese takeout chicken, featuring tender, crispy chicken bites coated in a sweet and savory sauce. Serve this Asian-inspired dish over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- vegetable oil for frying
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Coat and Fry the Chicken: In a bowl, coat chicken with cornstarch, then dip in beaten eggs. Fry in oil until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a pan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Simmer, then add cornstarch slurry. Cook until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Toss fried chicken in the sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice.
Notes
- To make this dish healthier, you can bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep frying.
- Adjust the sweetness by reducing the honey or increasing the vinegar to taste.
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