Name: Honey Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs, beaten; Vegetable oil, for frying; ; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted

Crispy, sticky, and irresistibly sweet, Honey Sesame Chicken is the perfect mix of comfort food and takeout vibes made right in your kitchen. With tender chicken bites coated in a light, crunchy batter and smothered in a luscious honey glaze, this dish delivers on both flavor and satisfaction.

Whether you’re prepping a quick dinner for the family or hosting a casual get-together, Honey Sesame Chicken has the kind of flavor that gets everyone asking for seconds. Pair it with jasmine rice or steamed broccoli, and you’ve got a complete, crowd-pleasing meal ready in under 30 minutes.

What Cut of Chicken Works Best?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the top pick for maximum tenderness and flavor. They stay juicy even after frying and soak up the glaze beautifully. Chicken breasts also work if you prefer a leaner option—just be sure not to overcook them.

Ingredients for the Honey Sesame Chicken

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the sauce:

1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted

How To Make the Honey Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and pat dry. In one bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. In another, beat the eggs.

Step 2: Dredge and Fry

Dip chicken pieces into the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture. Heat oil in a deep skillet and fry in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Toss the fried chicken in the warm sauce until well coated. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

How to Serve and Store Honey Sesame Chicken

Serve this dish hot over steamed white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Add a side of stir-fried veggies or a light Asian slaw for balance.

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat to keep the crisp texture, or microwave in short bursts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and cut the chicken in advance, but for the best texture, fry the chicken fresh.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes! Bake the coated chicken on a greased sheet at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. It won’t be as crispy but still delicious.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) and reheat it in the oven, then toss with sauce before serving.

What can I use instead of honey?

Maple syrup or agave nectar work well if you’re avoiding honey.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s mild as written. Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy twist.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If this sticky-sweet favorite made your weeknight better, you’ll want to check out these other chicken creations:

Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a creamy, dreamy comfort bowl.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for those craving a rich, garlicky sauce.
Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken for the set-it-and-forget-it lovers.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole if you’re looking for a cozy bake.
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles when time is tight but taste still matters.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s always within reach for those takeout cravings.

And let me know how yours turned out in the comments below! Did you go classic or spicy? Add a veggie twist? I love seeing your delicious spins on these dishes. Let’s swap ideas and make dinner exciting together!

For more daily recipes, follow me over on Pinterest: Nina Dishes

Honey Sesame Chicken

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Honey Sesame Chicken is a takeout-style dish made easily at home with crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a glossy honey-sesame glaze. It’s sweet, savory, and just the right amount of sticky, perfect for pairing with rice or veggies.

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and pat dry. In one bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. In another, beat the eggs.

2. Dip chicken pieces into the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture.

3. Heat oil in a deep skillet and fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

4. In a saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic. Bring to a simmer. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.

5. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.