Name: Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup honey; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry); 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds; Sliced green onions for garnish

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Few things brighten up a dinnertime quite like Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple). Imagine crispy, golden bites of chicken, glazed in a glossy, sticky sauce that’s the perfect blend of sweetness and umami, finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of fresh scallions. Whether you’re looking to turn a regular night into a celebration or craving the comfort of your favorite takeout, this recipe has all the cozy flavors that make you want to reach for seconds (and thirds!). It’s approachable, quick, and guaranteed to win over every palate at your table.

Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) is carefully chosen to create that crave-worthy blend of taste and texture. With a handful of pantry staples, you’ll whip up a dish that’s fresh, sticky, and satisfyingly crunchy – truly a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the most delicious way.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1½ pounds): Chicken thighs stay extra juicy, but chicken breasts work beautifully for a leaner bite.
Salt (½ teaspoon): A pinch brightens all those big, bold flavors.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds an undercurrent of warmth and depth to each piece.
Cornstarch (½ cup): The secret to that irresistible crispy coating on the chicken.
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Helps crisp up the chicken quickly without overpowering flavors.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Gives the sauce its signature savory punch.
Honey (½ cup): Brings sticky sweetness and beautiful shine to the sauce.
Low-sodium soy sauce (¼ cup): A salty, umami backbone that ties the sauce together.
Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Adds tang and rich color to the glaze.
Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): For that subtly sharp, balanced brightness.
Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Infuses every bite with nutty aromatics.
Cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water): Thickens the sauce so it sticks perfectly to every bite.
Toasted sesame seeds (1 tablespoon): For that authentic crunch and nutty finish.
Sliced green onions (for garnish): Adds fresh, peppery pops of color and flavor.

How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple)

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces, making for extra-tender bites that soak up every drop of sauce. Toss the chicken with salt, pepper, and coat generously in cornstarch. This light, powdery coat is the secret to locking in the juices and creating a perfectly crisp exterior even before the sauce gets involved.

Step 2: Pan-Fry Until Crispy

Heat up the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding, and cook the chicken pieces for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that golden, irresistible crust that makes chicken pieces stand out from the ordinary. Once cooked through and perfectly browned, set the chicken aside while you work on the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

With the chicken out of the pan, toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This quick step unlocks all those sweet, savory notes that are essential for the signature flavor of Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple).

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir them together and watch as the sauce turns shiny and slightly thick. Bring it up to a gentle simmer so all the flavors can mingle – you’ll notice the kitchen filling up with the most tempting aroma!

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Pour in your cornstarch slurry and keep stirring. You’ll see the sauce transform from thin and runny to thick and glossy, clinging to the back of your spoon after just a couple of minutes. This is your cue that it’s ready for the chicken to make its comeback.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the crispy chicken to the skillet and toss it well to coat every single piece in that luscious, sweet-savory glaze. Let it heat through for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors soak right in and the chicken is piping hot.

Step 7: Finish with Sesame Seeds and Green Onions

Sprinkle over the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions as a final touch. They add crunch, pop, and fresh brightness – exactly what sets Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) apart from any ordinary chicken stir-fry.

How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple)

Garnishes

A generous shower of toasted sesame seeds and a flurry of thinly sliced green onions not only look gorgeous but also pack a punch of nutty crunch and vibrant freshness. If you’re feeling festive, add a few curls of red chili or extra scallions for color.

Side Dishes

Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) begs to be paired with fluffy steamed rice that catches every drop of sauce. It also loves company from stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers, or even served over tender, chewy noodles for a little extra comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your chicken in lettuce cups for a party-ready appetizer, or pile it high over jasmine rice and sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts for crunch. Leftovers make a killer wrap or even a flavorful rice bowl with avocado and crispy shallots!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce actually gets richer as it sits, soaking further into the chicken for extra punch.

Freezing

You can freeze your chicken (sauce and all) in a tightly sealed bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. Keep in mind that while the chicken stays flavorful, the crispy coating might soften, but will still taste amazing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, but stovetop is best for texture. A quick toss in a hot pan revives a bit of the original crispness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both options work beautifully in Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple). Thighs tend to be juicier and a bit more forgiving, but breasts deliver a leaner, tender result that’s equally delicious.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

With a quick swap to gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, you can easily make this meal gluten-free. Just double-check your ketchup and vinegar labels as well to play it safe!

Can I make the sauce spicier?

Definitely! For a heat kick, whisk in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little squirt of sriracha when making the sauce. Adjust to your spice preference and taste as you go.

Will this work with tofu or shrimp instead of chicken?

Yes, it’s wonderfully adaptable! Use firm tofu (pressed and patted dry) or peeled shrimp, and follow the same method. The sweet, sticky sauce is irresistible on both.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?

For extra-crispy bites, be sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying and serve the dish right away. If you’re making ahead, store the sauce and chicken separately, combining them just before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that classic takeout magic at home, now’s your chance. Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) is truly a dish that brings joy to any table, packed with flavors that keep you coming back for more. Grab your skillet, gather your loved ones, and let the deliciousness begin!

Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe combines sweet and savory flavors in a simple yet delicious dish. Tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky honey sesame sauce make for a perfect Asian-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup cornstarch

Sauce:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup honey
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

Garnish:

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Sliced green onions for garnish

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Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, coat in cornstarch.
Cook the Chicken: Sear chicken in oil until golden; set aside.
Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic, add honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
Finish Dish: Return chicken to skillet, coat in sauce. Heat through.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.