Name: Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1/4 cup cornstarch; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/3 cup honey; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp garlic (minced); 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated); 1 tbsp water (optional, for thinning); 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying); 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish); 2-3 green onions (chopped, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that satisfies every taste bud with a sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible flair, you’re in for a treat. Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) has always held a special place at my table, thanks to its glossy, sticky sauce and crunchy finish. This recipe delivers all the restaurant-style magic in the comfort and ease of your own kitchen, perfect for busy nights or special gatherings alike. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each item brings something essential to the experience, creating a balance of flavor, irresistible crunch, and a mouthwatering sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything in sight!

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts create tender, juicy bite-sized pieces that soak up every drop of flavor.
Vegetable oil: Provides a neutral, high-heat option perfect for getting that deeply golden, crispy exterior.
Cornstarch: The secret to a light, crunchy coating—don’t skip this!
Salt and pepper: A simple sprinkle to perfectly season the chicken from the inside out.
Honey: Adds the signature sweetness and creates the sticky glaze everyone loves in Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple).
Soy sauce: Brings bold, salty depth that balances out the honey perfectly.
Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity keeps the sauce from feeling heavy and brightens the entire dish.
Sesame oil: Toasted, nutty aroma elevates the dish to restaurant-quality heights.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic complexity.
Fresh ginger: Grated ginger brings a gentle heat and zest that wakes up every bite.
Water (optional): Just a tablespoon can thin out the sauce if it gets too thick—totally up to you.
Sesame seeds: For garnish and a subtle crunch on top—the classic finishing touch!
Green onions: A pop of color and oniony brightness for that perfect fresh contrast.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures every morsel gets evenly coated and cooks quickly in the pan. Season the pieces lightly with salt and pepper, then toss them in cornstarch until every surface is coated. This quick coating forms that tantalizing crunch once cooked!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches so the pan isn’t crowded—this is key for crispy results. Cook each batch for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until every piece is a gorgeous golden brown and fully cooked through. Set them aside on a plate while you prepare that luscious sauce.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same pan, lower the heat just a touch and add minced garlic and grated ginger. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds to bloom their fragrance—your kitchen will already smell incredible! Pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken and get glossy. If it seems too thick, add a splash of water until it’s just right.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it with the sauce, making sure every piece is completely coated. This is where the real magic of Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) happens—the chicken gets enveloped in that rich, sticky glaze that clings to every bite.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer your Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) to a serving platter or individual bowls. Shower with a handful of toasted sesame seeds and a generous sprinkle of chopped green onions. Dive in while it’s piping hot for the ultimate experience!

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

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of simple garnishes! A scattering of sesame seeds brings a gentle crunch and that classic look. Fresh, chopped green onions add a pop of color and a hint of brightness that balances the flavors. I love adding both just before serving for maximum visual and flavor impact.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, which eagerly soaks up the extra sauce. For a lighter take, try it with cauliflower rice or a quick vegetable stir-fry. Roasted broccoli or snap peas add a welcome crunch and make your Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) meal feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress, try serving your chicken over a bed of crispy rice noodles for textural contrast. For parties or game nights, skewer chicken pieces on toothpicks and drizzle with extra sauce for bite-sized treats. Or pile it into lettuce cups for a fresh, hands-on appetizer that disappears fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will meld even further, making tomorrow’s lunch just as tempting as tonight’s dinner.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe, airtight container. Freeze for up to two months. For best texture, store the chicken and sauce separately if possible, but it’s absolutely fine to freeze them together for convenience.

Reheating

For reheating, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring halfway through. The chicken stays surprisingly juicy, and that glorious sauce comes right back to life!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and add even more flavor, so feel free to swap them in if that’s your preference. Just be sure to trim any excess fat and cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. It’s a delicious twist for Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) lovers.

What can I substitute for rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, try using apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. They add a gentle acidity without overpowering the sauce, letting the sweet and savory notes still come through beautifully.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The base recipe can be gluten-free if you use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Always check labels on your cornstarch and other ingredients if you have dietary restrictions to be safe.

How spicy is this dish?

This version of Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) is very mild, letting the sweetness and nuttiness shine. If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little sriracha to the sauce—customize to your taste!

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes! Place the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. While you won’t get quite the same crunch as frying, it’s a lighter and hands-off option that still delivers big flavor.

Final Thoughts

Treat yourself (and your lucky guests) to the joy of Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) whenever the craving strikes. There’s something magical about seeing everyone’s faces light up with that first sweet-and-savory bite. Give this simple, crowd-pleasing recipe a try—you’re going to love bringing restaurant-style comfort to your own kitchen!

Honey Sesame Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Simple) Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 13 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that come together in a simple and delicious dish. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a sticky honey glaze and sprinkled with sesame seeds for a delightful crunch. Serve this dish with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until fully coated.
Cook the Chicken: Add chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Add water if needed to adjust consistency.
Coat the Chicken: Toss the cooked chicken in the prepared sauce until well coated.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken to ensure crispy results.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying, Simmering
Cuisine: Asian