Honey Sesame Chicken

Honey sesame chicken is one of those dishes that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and just a little bit of crunch. With tender pieces of chicken coated in a sticky honey glaze and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds, it delivers big flavor with every bite. Often found on takeout menus, this dish is surprisingly easy to enjoy at home, and it’s one that the whole family tends to love.

At the heart of the dish is the chicken, usually cut into bite-sized chunks and lightly coated in cornstarch or flour before being pan-fried or baked. This coating gives the chicken a lightly crispy texture, which holds up beautifully once the sauce is added. The cooking method can be adjusted depending on how light or crispy you want the final result to be.

The sauce is where the magic happens. A combination of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of vinegar creates a rich glaze that clings to the chicken. The honey brings a gentle sweetness that’s perfectly balanced by the salty soy sauce and the sharpness of the vinegar. Garlic adds depth, while a pinch of chili flakes or sriracha can introduce just the right amount of heat if you’re looking for a spicier version.

Once the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze, it’s poured over the cooked chicken and tossed until every piece is coated. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds nutty flavor and a subtle crunch, while chopped green onions bring freshness and color to the dish.

Honey sesame chicken is often served over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables, making it a complete and satisfying meal. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or serving guests something flavorful and crowd-pleasing, honey sesame chicken hits all the right notes with its combination of sweetness, saltiness, and just the right amount of umami.

Honey Sesame Chicken

3.75 from 16 votes

A delicious and sweet Honey Sesame Chicken that combines crispy fried chicken with a flavorful honey and sesame glaze.

Servings 4 people

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

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• 500 g chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce divided
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vinegar rice or white
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds toasted
• 2 cloves garlic minced

Instructions

 

• In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Mix well and let it marinate for 10 minutes.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
• In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the remaining soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and vinegar. Stir to combine.
• Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat with the glaze. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the chicken is well coated and heated through.
• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 22gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 8mg

Calories: 350kcal

Meal Type: Dinner

Cuisine: Chinese

Keyword: chicken, food, recipe

Cooking Method: Baked

Diet: Meatlovers

Time: <30 Min

Level: Easy

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