Sweet, sticky, and full of bold flavors, Honey Sesame Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that’s easier to make than you might think! With tender, crispy chicken coated in a luscious honey-soy glaze and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or even noodles. This recipe will have your kitchen smelling amazing and your family asking for seconds!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Honey Sesame Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
1: Prep the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip the chicken pieces in the beaten eggs, then dredge them in the flour-cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess.
2: Fry the Chicken
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3: Make the Honey Sesame Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat and pour in the sauce mixture.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
4: Combine and Serve
- Add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside stir-fried vegetables.
Tips for the Best Honey Sesame Chicken
- Crispier Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, use chicken thighs and double-dip in the flour-cornstarch mixture after coating in egg.
- Toast Your Sesame Seeds: Toasting the sesame seeds in a dry pan enhances their flavor and aroma.
- Control the Sweetness: Adjust the honey in the sauce to suit your taste—start with less and add more as needed.
- Use a Wok: If you have one, a wok is great for frying and tossing the chicken in the sauce.
- Keep it Warm: If frying in batches, keep cooked chicken warm in a 200°F oven while finishing the remaining pieces.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration:
- Store leftover Honey Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Freezing:
- Freeze the fried chicken (without sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat in the oven or air fryer, and toss with freshly made sauce before serving.
Variations
- Spicy Honey Sesame Chicken:
- Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free Option:
- Use a gluten-free flour blend and substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce.
- Vegetarian Version:
- Replace chicken with bite-sized tofu or cauliflower florets. Fry or roast them before tossing in the sauce.
- Healthier Take:
- Skip frying and bake or air fry the chicken for a lighter version.
- Extra Veggies:
- Add sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the dish for added crunch and color.
Nutrition Details
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 110mg |
| Sodium | 760mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 22g |
FAQ
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Coat the chicken with a little oil spray and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
What can I serve with Honey Sesame Chicken?
Serve it over steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. Add a side of stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as well, though thighs are juicier and more forgiving if overcooked.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it gently before tossing with the chicken.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not inherently, but you can add chili flakes, sriracha, or hot sauce to the sauce if you prefer a spicier dish.