If you’re craving a dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a straightforward cooking process, this Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy chicken thighs coated in a crispy cornstarch crust are tossed in a luscious sauce made from honey, soy, and sesame, creating an irresistibly sticky glaze that clings to every bite. It’s a fantastic home-cooked alternative to takeout favorites, packed with vibrant aromas from fresh garlic and ginger, and finished with the satisfying crunch of toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a go-to weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and impressive!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the best part about this recipe—the kind of things you might already have on hand that come together to create incredible taste, texture, and even a pop of color.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that stays flavorful after cooking.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Essential for creating that crave-worthy crispy coating on the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for frying and achieving a golden crust without overpowering the dish.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a deep, salty umami note crucial to the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons honey: The natural sweetness that balances the savory elements beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Brings a slight tang and richness to the overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Offers a bright acidity to keep the sauce lively.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A few drops infuse the dish with a toasty, nutty depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic packs a fragrant punch that is absolutely essential.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds warmth and subtle zing to complement the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon water: Used for making the slurry which thickens the sauce perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for slurry): Helps the sauce cling beautifully to every piece of chicken.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Toasted for a satisfying crunch and visual appeal.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Bright and fresh, these provide a crisp garnish to finish the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Chicken
First things first, pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavor. Then, toss the chicken in 1/4 cup of cornstarch until every piece is evenly coated. This step is key for achieving that perfect crispy exterior we all love.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the hot oil and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until each piece becomes a gorgeous golden brown and is cooked through. This part fills your kitchen with the most tantalizing aroma and seals in all the juiciness.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, mix together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. This blend creates the signature sweet and savory sauce that defines the Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) Recipe.
Step 4: Make the Slurry and Combine
In another small bowl, stir 1 tablespoon of water with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to make a slurry. After reducing the heat to medium, pour the sauce mixture over the cooked chicken in your skillet. Stir well to coat all pieces. Then add the slurry to the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze that hugs every chicken piece.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the cooked chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. These garnishes add both a burst of texture and fresh flavor that elevate this recipe from simple to spectacular.
How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) Recipe
Garnishes
The sesame seeds and green onions aren’t just pretty—they provide delightful crunch and freshness that contrast beautifully with the tender, saucy chicken. If you want an extra pop, a small sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
Side Dishes
This Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) Recipe pairs perfectly with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up all the saucy goodness. For a dose of veggies, serve alongside stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy to keep the meal fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make this dish extra special for guests or family, try serving it over a bed of crunchy baby kale or alongside roasted cauliflower rice. You can also portion it out as a filling for lettuce wraps or stuffed into bao buns for an exciting fusion twist that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply place any leftover Honey Sesame Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, giving you a quick and tasty meal option ready to enjoy.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag. It holds up well for up to 2 months. When freezing, be sure to leave a little space for expansion and label with the date so you always know when to use it by.
Reheating
The best way to reheat this dish is in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through and the sauce is bubbly. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the chicken crispy and maintain the sauce’s sticky texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook them since they tend to dry out faster than thighs.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Yes, to add a little heat, simply sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to the sauce while cooking. You can adjust according to your preferred spice level.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can chop the chicken and prepare the sauce ingredients in advance and refrigerate separately. Just wait to toss the chicken in cornstarch and cook everything fresh for best texture.
What other garnishes can I use?
Besides sesame seeds and green onions, try chopped cilantro or toasted chopped peanuts for an added layer of flavor and crunch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. All other ingredients in this Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) Recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) Recipe is one of those dishes that bring warmth and joy every time you make it. Its straightforward ingredients and easy steps mean you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table fast, perfect for busy nights or sharing with friends. I encourage you to try it soon—you’ll be amazed how quickly it becomes one of your favorite weeknight dinners!
Print
Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
Honey Sesame Chicken is a sweet and savory skillet dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken thighs coated in a crispy cornstarch crust and tossed in a luscious honey-soy glaze. This quick and easy Asian-inspired recipe combines garlic, ginger, and sesame for flavor depth, finished with crunchy sesame seeds and fresh green onions. Perfect for a weeknight dinner served over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried veggies.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for slurry)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and lightly season them with salt and pepper. Toss the chicken in 1/4 cup cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated for a crispy crust.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Mix the sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl.
- Make the slurry: In a separate small bowl, stir 1 tablespoon of water with 1 teaspoon cornstarch to create a smooth slurry that will thicken the sauce.
- Combine and thicken: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir well to coat all pieces evenly. Add the cornstarch slurry, then cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice or with your favorite stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables to make a complete meal.
- Chicken breast can be used instead of thighs for a leaner option.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
