Honey Sesame Chicken
This Honey Sesame Chicken is a sweet and savory dish that brings crispy, tender chicken together with a sticky honey-soy glaze, finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend treat, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or sautéed veggies.
Ingredients
- 1 lb g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 –3 tbsp vegetable oil for frying
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce low-sodium recommended
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
- 1 –2 tsp chili flakes optional for heat.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 2 tsp sesame seeds toasted
- 2 green onions sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and flour, then coat chicken evenly.
- Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken pieces until golden and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness).
- Remove chicken from skillet and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Honey Sesame Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Coat the Chicken
- Toss fried chicken pieces in the warm sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve
- Transfer chicken to a serving plate.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
For extra crunch, ensure chicken is dry before frying. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before cooking. Adjust honey level to suit your sweetness preference. Always monitor the glaze to prevent burning.