Honey Sesame Chicken

introduction

As I prepare Honey Sesame Chicken in my kitchen, the sweet scent of honey mixed with garlic fills the air, inviting memories of family dinners and cozy gatherings. This dish matters to me because it beautifully blends flavors and textures that everyone loves. It’s easy to make and feels special, perfect for weeknight meals or a comforting dish to share with friends. You’ll find that it’s not just about the chicken; it’s about the joy of cooking for those you care about and the smiles it brings when served. This recipe stands out for its balance of sweetness and savoriness, making it a delightful addition to any dinner table.

why make this recipe

Honey Sesame Chicken is a fantastic choice for dinner because it is quick, simple, and full of flavor. When you cook this dish, you combine crispy chicken with a deliciously sticky sauce that is impossible to resist. It’s a great way to add variety to your weekly meal plans and impress your family or friends with your cooking skills. Plus, you can easily customize it to your taste. Whether you want it spicy or mild, this dish can satisfy everyone’s preferences.

how to make Honey Sesame Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
• ¼ cup honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
• 1–2 tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• 2 tsp sesame seeds (toasted)
• 2 green onions (sliced)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and flour, then coat the chicken evenly with this mixture.
2. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
3. Make the Honey Sesame Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Coat the Chicken: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the warm sauce until evenly coated.
5. Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

how to serve Honey Sesame Chicken

Serve Honey Sesame Chicken hot, straight from the pan. It pairs perfectly with a side of steamed white rice or noodles. You can also add stir-fried vegetables for a colorful and nutritious meal. Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds for an appealing presentation.

how to store Honey Sesame Chicken

To store leftover Honey Sesame Chicken, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it in a freezer-safe container or bag, where it can be frozen for up to 2 months.

tips to make Honey Sesame Chicken

• Make sure the oil is hot before frying the chicken to achieve a nice crispiness.
• You can adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your heat preference.
• For a lighter version, try baking the chicken instead of frying.
• Adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during the cooking process can enhance the dish and add more nutrients.

variation

You can easily customize this recipe by substituting the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different flavor and texture. Additionally, you might try different types of honey or add orange juice to the sauce for a citrus twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They will work just as well in this recipe.

2. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch in the slurry. Start with an extra teaspoon and adjust to your liking.

3. Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe can be made spicy, depending on how many chili flakes you add. Feel free to adjust or leave them out if you prefer a milder flavor.

Honey Sesame Chicken

A delightful combination of crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce, perfect for family dinners or a comforting meal with friends.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil for frying
• ¼ cup honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1–2 tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• 2 tsp sesame seeds (toasted)
• 2 green onions (sliced)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and flour, then coat the chicken evenly with this mixture.

Cooking

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
2. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Toss the fried chicken pieces in the warm sauce until evenly coated.

Serving

1. Transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Make sure the oil is hot before frying the chicken to achieve a nice crispiness. You can adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your heat preference. For a lighter version, try baking the chicken instead of frying. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during the cooking process can enhance the dish and add more nutrients.