If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy texture with a luscious sticky glaze, this Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender bite-sized pieces of chicken, golden fried to perfection and then enveloped in a sweet, savory honey sesame sauce that clings irresistibly to every chunk. It’s a fantastic way to bring the flavors of your favorite Asian-inspired takeout into your own kitchen, with a comforting, homemade twist that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the list—the ingredients for this Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe are straightforward and bring magic to the dish. Each component is carefully chosen to create a harmony of flavor, texture, and color, ensuring your chicken ends up both crunchy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside.
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, they provide juicy, tender bites that soak up the sauce perfectly.
- ½ cup cornstarch: Essential for that unbeatable crispy coating that sticks just right.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Helps create the perfect batter texture alongside the cornstarch.
- 2 large eggs (beaten): Acts as the glue for coating the chicken with the flour mixture.
- ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Needed for frying to get that golden crust you’re craving.
- â…“ cup honey: The sweet heart of the sauce that adds stickiness and shine.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Delivers that deep umami kick.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds tang and a little richness to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides a gentle acidity to brighten the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Brings a nutty, aromatic finish that defines the dish.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with savory warmth.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Introduces subtle spice and zestiness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: This slurry thickens the sauce to the perfect sticky consistency.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: For garnish and extra crunch.
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced): Adds freshness and color as a finishing touch.
- Steamed rice: The perfect bed for soaking up all that amazing sauce.
How to Make Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Chicken
Start by mixing together the cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This blend is your secret for a crunchy texture that stays crisp under the sauce. Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s coated well, then dredge in the flour mixture. This two-step coating helps create that iconic crispy outer layer you’ll love.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken Until Golden Brown
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the chicken in manageable batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and make the coating soggy. Cook each batch for about 4 to 5 minutes until the pieces turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. Drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil, keeping the crust light and crisp.
Step 3: Whip Up the Honey Sesame Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Let this mixture come to a gentle simmer. This combination creates a tantalizing balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors that hug the chicken beautifully.
Step 4: Thicken and Glaze
Stir in the cornstarch and water slurry, cooking the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency. Toss the freshly fried chicken into the saucepan, coating every piece evenly so the crispy bites are drenched in sticky, flavorful goodness. This step is where the magic truly happens in this Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the chicken with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh crunch and vibrant color. Serve the dish piping hot on a bed of steamed rice, allowing the sauce to soak into every grain. You’re now ready to dive into a plate of comfort that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
How to Serve Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds provides a nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the sticky glaze. The fresh green onions add a little sharpness and pop of color that brings the whole dish to life. You might also consider a few thin slices of red chili for an optional spicy kick—just enough to contrast the sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine rice is the classic choice, as it soaks up all the honey sesame sauce and makes every bite more satisfying. For a slightly lighter texture, steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy complement the dish beautifully, adding crunch and freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, fried rice or even simple noodles work well too!
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, arrange the chicken on a rustic wooden platter and scatter sesame seeds and green onions artistically on top. Serve alongside small bowls of extra honey sesame sauce for dipping. Another fun twist is to serve the chicken in lettuce wraps for a handheld delight that balances crunchy, sticky, and fresh all at once. These touches make your Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe feel special for guests or a cozy night in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the glazed chicken separate from steamed rice if possible, as this prevents sogginess and preserves the crispiness of the chicken coating as much as possible.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe later, freeze the cooked chicken pieces (without sauce if possible) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Then, gently toss with freshly warmed honey sesame sauce on the stovetop. Avoid microwaving when reheating as it tends to make the chicken soggy and the coating lose its crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as well, especially if you prefer leaner meat, but be careful not to overcook since breasts can dry out faster. Cutting them into smaller pieces ensures juicy bites every time.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe?
Yes! Firm tofu or even cauliflower florets can be used instead of chicken. For tofu, press out excess water to help it crisp up nicely, then follow the same batter and frying steps before coating in the sauce.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
You can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free (tamari is a great alternative). The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t lose any flavor.
What can I do to make the chicken extra crispy?
Double-dipping the chicken pieces in egg and then in the flour-cornstarch mixture can help create an even crunchier exterior. Also, make sure the oil is hot enough, but not smoking, before frying to seal in the coating quickly.
Can this sauce be made ahead and stored?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to two days in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container. Warm it gently on the stove before tossing with freshly fried chicken to maintain that wonderful sticky texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into your own Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe, where crispy meets sweet in the most delicious way. Once you taste this dish, it’s hard to go back to takeout versions. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every step of making this irresistible meal that’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Print
Crispy and Sticky 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: Dairy-Free
Description
This Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with tender bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a crunchy batter and tossed in a rich honey soy sauce. An Asian-inspired main course that’s easy to prepare and perfect for serving over steamed rice, delivering restaurant-style deliciousness right at home.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the sauce:
- â…“ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)
To finish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Steamed rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken coating: In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will form the crispy batter for the chicken.
- Coat the chicken: Dip the bite-sized chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then dredge them thoroughly in the flour and cornstarch mixture to ensure a good coating.
- Fry the chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches for 4 to 5 minutes each or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Place the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces into the saucepan and toss them well to coat evenly with the sticky honey sesame sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chicken. Serve immediately over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, bake or air-fry the chicken until crispy, then toss with the sauce instead of frying.
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute chicken with firm tofu and cook accordingly.
- The sauce can be adjusted for sweetness or saltiness by varying the honey and soy sauce quantities.
- Ensure the oil temperature is medium-high to achieve a crispy exterior without overcooking the chicken.
