Get ready to make your new weeknight favorite: Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple)! This dish brings everything you crave in a takeout treat—tender bites of juicy chicken, a glossy, sticky sauce that hits all the right notes of sweetness and umami, a sprinkle of toasty sesame seeds, and it all comes together in just over half an hour. Whether you’re cooking for the family or planning a cozy dinner for two, it’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s just as easy to whip up as it is to crave. If you love the flavors of classic Asian-inspired comfort food, this will quickly become a must-make recipe in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) is how each ingredient, though humble on its own, adds a special touch to the big, bold flavors you love. From the cornstarch-crusted chicken to the irresistible homemade sauce, here’s how to make every element shine.
- Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, chicken thighs soak up the sauce perfectly and stay super tender.
- Cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch gives it that restaurant-style crispy exterior.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral, high-heat oil for frying; ensures golden, crunchy chicken bites.
- Garlic: Just two fresh cloves add a gentle heat and aromatic base to the sauce.
- Fresh ginger: Brings a zingy brightness that keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds deep, salty flavor while letting the sweet elements shine through.
- Honey: The star sweetener—velvety and floral, it balances out the savory notes.
- Rice vinegar: Keeps the sauce vibrant and tangy, preventing it from becoming cloying.
- Sesame oil: A drizzle of this nutty oil adds irresistible depth.
- Ketchup: Just a touch adds a hint of tomatoey sweetness and a gorgeous color.
- Brown sugar: Provides a richer, caramel-like sweetness and helps thicken the glaze.
- Water: Used for the cornstarch slurry—it’s a small detail, but key for the perfect sauce texture.
- Cornstarch (for slurry): Thickens the sauce, so it coats the chicken beautifully.
- Sesame seeds, toasted: Bring crunch and classic sesame flavor to each bite.
- Green onions: Add color, freshness, and a delicate oniony aroma to finish.
- Cooked white rice: Fluffy rice soaks up every drop of sauce for a satisfying main course.
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple)
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Take your cut chicken thighs and toss them generously with cornstarch in a large bowl. This simple step is what gives Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) its signature crunchy edges while keeping the inside wildly juicy. Don’t rush this—make sure every piece is evenly coated!
Step 2: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a big skillet or wok over medium-high heat, making sure there’s enough space for the chicken to crisp up (work in batches if needed!). Add your coated chicken pieces and fry until both sides are beautifully golden and crispy—about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside while you get the sauce bubbling.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
If the pan looks a little dry, drizzle in a touch more oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds. This step unlocks those fragrant, warming notes that set the whole dish up for super-charged flavor.
Step 4: Whisk and Simmer the Sauce
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ketchup, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture into your hot skillet and let it come to a simmer. It’s the moment where everything starts smelling irresistible!
Step 5: Thicken with a Slurry
Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water in another small bowl to make a slurry. Stir this into the simmering sauce. In just a few minutes, the sauce will thicken up to that gorgeous, glossy finish that’s classic for Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple).
Step 6: Toss and Finish
Return your cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it around so every piece gets a generous coating of sauce. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is piping hot. To finish, shower the chicken with toasted sesame seeds and scatter over sliced green onions for a fresh, colorful accent.
How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple)
Garnishes
A classic sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions doesn’t just bring a pop of color—it adds crunch, nuttiness, and that signature look of irresistible Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple). If you want a hint of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced chilies is a fun bonus!
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up that glossy sauce. For a well-rounded meal, pair your chicken with steamed broccoli, stir-fried veggies, or even a fresh cucumber salad for contrast. The mild flavors of these sides let the sweet, savory sauce shine.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, try serving Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) in lettuce cups for a lighter, finger-food option. Or, build colorful rice bowls with the chicken as the star, layering on extra veggies, pickled ginger, or extra sesame seeds. You can even use leftovers for a sensational wrap or lunchtime bento!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your chicken completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches. The sauce will thicken a bit as it sits, but that only makes it cling to the chicken even better.
Freezing
Yes, Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) freezes like a dream. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for up to two months. For the best results, store the rice and chicken separately—this makes reheating easier and keeps everything tasting fresh.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, gently warm the chicken on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—heat in short bursts and stir often to help everything heat through evenly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat. Just be mindful not to overcook them—chicken breast dries out faster than thigh, so watch closely for doneness and keep the pieces evenly sized for even cooking.
What can I use instead of honey?
If you’re out of honey or want to experiment, pure maple syrup or agave nectar can be swapped in—a 1:1 substitution keeps the sauce just as sweet and sticky, with a slightly different but delicious twist.
How do I make it spicier?
For a kick of heat, toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger, or add thinly sliced fresh chilies to the finished dish. The spice plays beautifully off the sweetness of the sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) gluten-free, swap the soy sauce for a certified gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check your other ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Stir-fried bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or broccoli all play well with the sauce. Simply add them after crisping the chicken, sauté for a couple of minutes, then proceed with the rest of the recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about bringing restaurant-worthy Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) to your own table—especially when it’s this effortless! Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just beginning to explore Asian-inspired dishes, give this recipe a go and prepare for big flavor, happy smiles, and the ultimate dinner repeat.
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Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, creating a simple yet delicious dish that will satisfy your taste buds. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a crispy cornstarch exterior and then tossed in a sticky, flavorful sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- â…“ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- â…“ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for slurry)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Cook coated chicken pieces in oil until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic and ginger, then add a mixture of soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, ketchup, and sugar. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Combine and Serve: Toss cooked chicken in the sauce until heated through. Serve over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- This dish pairs well with steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
