Honey Sesame Chicken

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Golden, crispy chicken bites coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey sesame glaze – that’s what you get with this irresistible Honey Sesame Chicken. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for when you want to bring Chinese takeout vibes to your kitchen without the delivery fees.

The flavors are well-balanced: honey adds a luscious sweetness, soy sauce brings umami depth, and sesame seeds provide a nutty finish. Served hot over rice or noodles, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Once you taste that glossy glaze clinging to each bite of crunchy chicken, you’ll understand why it’s a repeat recipe in many homes.

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Why You’ll Love This Honey Sesame Chicken

This dish brings the perfect mix of crispy and saucy. Whether you’re craving comfort food, feeding picky eaters, or trying to impress dinner guests, it ticks all the boxes. The homemade sauce tastes just like (or better than!) what you’d get at your favorite takeout spot, and you know exactly what’s going into it. Plus, it’s ready in less than 40 minutes—great for busy weeknights.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for their tenderness and juiciness, but chicken breasts work just as well if you prefer leaner meat. The key is to cut the chicken into evenly-sized pieces for uniform cooking. Marinating beforehand is optional but can boost the flavor even more.

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Ingredients for the Honey Sesame Chicken

Each ingredient plays a role in creating the iconic sweet-savory balance and crispy texture that defines this dish.

• Chicken thighs or breasts: The protein base. Thighs are juicier, while breasts are leaner. Either will work.
• Cornstarch: Helps coat the chicken for that ultra-crispy exterior when fried.
• Egg: Used to bind the cornstarch to the chicken, ensuring a nice crust.
• Soy sauce: Provides deep umami and saltiness.
• Honey: The star of the glaze—sweet, sticky, and golden.
• Garlic: Adds a rich, savory base note.
• Rice vinegar: Balances the sweetness of the honey with gentle acidity.
• Sesame oil: For that unmistakable nutty, toasty flavor.
• Sesame seeds: Garnish that brings crunch and visual appeal.
• Green onions or chives: Adds a fresh contrast to the sweet glaze.
• Red chili (optional): For a mild heat that cuts through the sweetness.

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How To Make the Honey Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, whisk the egg and add the chicken, coating thoroughly. Sprinkle in cornstarch and toss until every piece is well coated.

Step 2: Fry Until Crispy

Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Make the Honey Sesame Sauce

In a separate pan, add soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and turns glossy.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the crispy chicken to the sauce, tossing until each piece is well coated in the sticky glaze.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped green onions or chives, and sliced red chili if using. Serve hot over steamed rice.

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Serving and Storing Honey Sesame Chicken

This dish is best served immediately while the chicken is still crispy and the glaze is warm and sticky. It makes a satisfying main course for 4 people when paired with rice or noodles.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. While the chicken may lose some crispiness, a quick reheat in the oven or air fryer helps revive the texture.

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What to Serve With Honey Sesame Chicken?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

A classic choice that soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

Think broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers tossed with garlic and sesame oil.

Fried Rice

A heartier alternative to steamed rice that adds texture and extra flavor.

Asian Slaw

Crunchy cabbage slaw with a light sesame vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.

Noodles

Lo mein or sesame noodles work wonderfully as a base or side.

Dumplings

Serve a few on the side for a fun, restaurant-style meal at home.

Miso Soup

A light, comforting soup that adds balance to the bold flavors.

Pickled Vegetables

Add brightness and tang that cuts through the sweetness of the glaze.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can! To keep it crispy, bake the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. While it won’t be quite as crunchy as frying, it’s a great lighter alternative.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring the cornstarch and all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

3. Can I use store-bought sauce?
While homemade sauce is fresher and more flavorful, you can substitute with a store-bought honey garlic or sesame chicken sauce in a pinch. Just heat and toss with cooked chicken.

4. How spicy is it with chili?
The red chili adds a mild kick and can be adjusted to your preference. Leave it out if you want a kid-friendly version.

5. Can I meal prep this?
Yes, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and store the sauce separately. Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer, then toss in the reheated sauce right before serving.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for extra chili or keep it mild? Did you try it with noodles instead of rice?

I love seeing your takes on these dishes. Questions are welcome too — let’s make cooking easier together.

Looking for more sweet and savory dishes like this? Check out more recipes on my Pinterest: Life With Livia Recipes

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Conclusion

Honey Sesame Chicken is one of those meals that never disappoints. With its crispy chicken pieces, rich honey glaze, and nutty sesame finish, it hits all the right notes. It’s easy to make, versatile, and guaranteed to please anyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe is a keeper.

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