If you’re searching for an irresistible dinner that’s faster than ordering takeout, this Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is about to become your new go-to. Juicy chicken pieces are lightly crisped and tossed in the perfect sticky, sweet, and savory sauce, all finished with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions. Whether you’re cooking for your family or indulging in some solo comfort food, Honey Sesame Chicken delivers that magical restaurant flavor right at home, with just the right touch of homemade love in every bite.

Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great dishes start with great ingredients, and Honey Sesame Chicken is no exception. Each component doesn’t just add flavor but also builds the beautiful color and crispy-tender textures that make this dish so addictive. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Use 1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces for maximum juiciness and quick cooking.
Cornstarch: 1/4 cup for coating the chicken, which crisps it up beautifully and helps the sauce cling.
Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons, perfect for high-heat cooking and getting that gorgeous golden crust.
Honey: 1/3 cup brings the signature sweetness and glossy finish to the dish.
Low-sodium soy sauce: 1/4 cup balances the sweetness with savory depth without making the dish overly salty.
Ketchup: 2 tablespoons adds tang and a subtle rich color to the sauce.
Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon provides a gentle, bright acidity that keeps the flavors lively.
Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon offers that unmistakable nutty aroma which makes Asian-inspired dishes shine.
Garlic cloves (minced): 2 cloves for fragrant, spicy undertones.
Grated fresh ginger: 1 tablespoon, giving a zesty warmth and depth to the sauce.
Water: 1 tablespoon for making the slurry that thickens the sauce just right.
Cornstarch (for slurry): 1 teaspoon, helps stabilize the sauce so it hugs every piece of chicken.
Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon, adds both crunch and a toasty flavor pop to finish the dish.
Green onions (sliced): 2, for fresh color and a subtle oniony bite to top everything off.
Cooked white or brown rice: for serving – a soft, neutral base to soak up every drop of that irresistible sauce.

How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken pieces in cornstarch. This quick step ensures each piece gets a delicate, crispy shell once it hits the pan. The cornstarch also helps the sauce cling later, so don’t skimp! Use a large bowl and your hands to get every bit evenly coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, making sure the oil is shimmering but not smoking. Add your coated chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally so they brown evenly. You’re looking for golden, crispy edges and fully cooked centers—no need to overcrowd the pan; work in batches if you have to.

Step 3: Whisk the Honey Sesame Sauce

Grab a small bowl and combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Whisk until the mixture is totally smooth, letting the aromas mingle. This magical blend is what transforms your chicken into classic Honey Sesame Chicken territory!

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken

Pour your whisked sauce straight into the skillet over the cooked chicken, stirring so every piece gets coated. In a separate tiny bowl, mix the remaining water and cornstarch to make a slurry. Add this to the skillet, and watch the sauce bubble and thicken in just 2-3 minutes, turning glossy and irresistibly sticky—the ultimate honey sesame finish.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle in the sesame seeds and sliced green onions for crunch and color. Give it all a gentle toss to distribute, then serve hot over fluffy rice so all that sauce has somewhere to land. Dinner’s ready!

How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken

Garnishes

Take your Honey Sesame Chicken to the next level by showering it with extra sesame seeds and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Not only do these add a burst of color and crunch, but their fresh flavors also cut through the sweet-and-savory sauce, making every bite pop. You could even add a few thin chili slices for gentle heat and a gorgeous red contrast if you like things spicy.

Side Dishes

This dish is a real star when served with plain white or brown rice, which soaks up that wonderful sauce. If you want a little extra color or nutrition, add a side of steamed broccoli, snap peas, or even some quickly stir-fried bell peppers. The veggies add crunch, freshness, and balance out the richness of the chicken—that “something green” makes everything feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t limit Honey Sesame Chicken to a bowl of rice! Tuck the saucy chicken into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer, or pile it high over a bed of Asian slaw for a crispy, refreshing crunch. You can even spoon it onto a plate of warm noodles, then top with more toasted sesame seeds, for a satisfying twist on sesame noodles that’ll wow your family or guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Sesame Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken a bit as it chills, but that means every bite gets even more flavor soaked in. Just be sure to let the chicken cool down first before sealing it up, to keep it from getting soggy.

Freezing

If you want to make this meal ahead, Honey Sesame Chicken freezes well! Let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so it keeps its best bite.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Honey Sesame Chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. This keeps the chicken tender and the sauce glossy. You can also microwave it (covered) in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until piping hot. Add a few fresh sesame seeds and green onions to revive that just-cooked look and taste!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work well in this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and a little more forgiving if you cook them a tad longer, but chicken breast will give you slightly leaner results while still soaking up all the delicious Honey Sesame Chicken sauce.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative, such as tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss a beat when enjoying your favorite Honey Sesame Chicken flavors.

Does this taste like Chinese takeout?

If you crave classic takeout, you’re going to love this homemade Honey Sesame Chicken! The flavors are spot-on—sweet, savory, and just the right amount of sticky—without any of the mystery ingredients. Plus, you control the sweetness, saltiness, and freshness right at home.

Can I add vegetables directly to the skillet?

Yes! Feel free to toss in chopped broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking the chicken. They’ll soak up some of the sauce and add color, crunch, and nutrients, making the Honey Sesame Chicken even more satisfying as an all-in-one meal.

What should I do if the sauce is too thick?

If your sauce thickens a little more than you’d like, just whisk in a tablespoon or two of water while the skillet is still hot. Stir gently until it reaches your perfect consistency, ensuring your Honey Sesame Chicken stays glossy and perfect for drizzling over rice.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is everything you love about takeout, but even better when made at home. It’s sweet, savory, and ridiculously easy—perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress with something homemade. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let this dish be your new weeknight winner. Your taste buds (and family!) will thank you.

Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy a delicious homemade version of Honey Sesame Chicken with this easy recipe. Tender chicken bites coated in a sweet and savory sauce, served over rice, and topped with sesame seeds and green onions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1/4 cup cornstarch

Sauce:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon cornstarch (for slurry)

Garnish:

1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 green onions (sliced)
cooked white or brown rice (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Coat the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Sauce: Whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Pour over cooked chicken and stir to coat.
Thicken the Sauce: Mix water and cornstarch in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir into the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice.

Notes

For extra crunch, lightly pan-fry the coated chicken until crispy before adding the sauce.
Try adding steamed broccoli or snap peas for additional vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired