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
Scale
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.
