If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and nutty flavors with an irresistible glaze, this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe will become your new weeknight favorite. The tender chicken thighs get a crisp coating from the cornstarch, then bathe in a luscious sauce made from honey, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil—making every bite bursting with flavor and delightfully sticky. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, this recipe offers a simple, quick, and utterly delicious dinner that feels both comforting and a little special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe are beautifully straightforward. Each one has a starring role in building the deep flavors, gorgeous color, and perfect texture—no fancy items needed, just pantry staples.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that stays moist through cooking.
- ¼ cup cornstarch: For giving the chicken an irresistibly crispy finish once cooked.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Helps achieve the golden-brown sear on the chicken pieces.
- â…“ cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and the signature glossy shine to the sauce.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: The savory backbone that brings umami depth without too much saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Enhances tang and adds a subtle complexity to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Brings a mild acidity that brightens and balances the sweet and salty.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses the dish with warm, nutty aroma and authentic Asian flair.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of aromatic sharpness that awakens the palate.
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger: Provides a subtle zing-iness and freshness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for a delightful crunch and nutty accent.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced: Adds a bright, fresh contrast and color as a final garnish.
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces—this ensures quick, even cooking and the perfect bite. Toss these pieces in cornstarch until they are fully coated. This step is key for getting that beautiful crispy crust during cooking, which provides an amazing textural contrast to the sticky sauce that will come later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally to make sure every side is evenly golden and cooked through. This searing locks in juices and starts to develop those deep flavors that make this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe so crave-worthy.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. This mixture creates the irresistible glaze that coats the chicken, blending sweet, tangy, and savory aromas for a dish that truly sings with flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir well to make sure each piece is generously coated. Let the chicken simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings beautifully to every morsel. This is where the magic happens—turning simple ingredients into a sticky, flavorful masterpiece.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions over the top. These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but add exciting crunchy and fresh elements that truly elevate the dish.
How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the sesame seeds and green onions! The sesame seeds provide a subtle crunch and nuttiness that contrast perfectly with the saucy chicken, while the green onions add a pop of vibrant color and a refreshing bite that brightens the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fragrant basmati to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. For more veggies, serve with quick stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to add both a nutritional boost and color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe over a bed of noodles tossed lightly in sesame oil and soy sauce. Or pile it atop a crisp salad with shredded cabbage and shredded carrots for a tasty bowl that’s equal parts crisp and saucy. Serving it in lettuce cups is another fun way to enjoy the flavors in handheld form!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Honey Sesame Chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce intensifies in flavor, making for just as enjoyable, if not better, next-day meals or packed lunches.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, cool it completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve the chicken’s tenderness and prevent the sauce from burning. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used as a leaner alternative, though thighs tend to remain juicier and more flavorful thanks to their higher fat content.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicier?
Definitely. Adding a teaspoon of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce into the sauce mixture gives the Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe a lovely spicy kick without overpowering the sweet and savory balance.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, you can enjoy a gluten-free version of this dish that still delivers full-flavored goodness.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
Potato starch or arrowroot powder works as great substitutes for cornstarch and will provide that same crispy coating you want on your chicken.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Try swapping the chicken for firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes, then proceed with the same batter and sauce steps for a delicious vegetarian take on this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about how the sweet honey and nutty sesame flavor glaze each tender piece of chicken in this dish. The Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe isn’t just simple to make—it’s endlessly delicious and a true crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to give it a try soon, and I promise you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
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Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe features tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken thighs coated in a light cornstarch crust, pan-fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a flavorful honey-soy glaze with garlic, ginger, and a hint of sesame. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions, it’s a quick and easy Asian-inspired main course perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sauce
- â…“ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces with cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This helps create a light crust when cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they have space to cook evenly. Cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together honey, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger in a small bowl until well combined.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir well to coat all pieces evenly. Let the chicken and sauce simmer together for 3–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the chicken pieces.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle the dish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. Serve immediately, ideally alongside steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred for a leaner option.
- For a spicier version, add 1 teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce mixture.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
