Name: Honey Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup cornstarch; Oil for frying; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1/4 cup water; 1 tbsp sesame seeds; Green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the perfect balance of crispy, saucy, and sweet. It’s easy to make at home, much healthier than takeout, and uses simple pantry ingredients. Serve it over rice for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breast or thighs
Cornstarch
Soy sauce
Honey
Garlic
Ginger
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Brown sugar
Water
Sesame seeds
Green onions (optional, for garnish)
Oil for frying

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with cornstarch until fully coated.
Fry the Chicken:
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Make the Sauce:
In a separate pan, mix soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, vinegar, sesame oil, and water. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine:
Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Baked Option: Bake the chicken instead of frying for a lighter version.
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or sriracha for heat.
Vegetarian: Use tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month, though the texture may change slightly.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, thighs are juicier and just as delicious as breast meat.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh. You can prep the sauce and chicken in advance.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water).

What’s the best oil for frying?

Vegetable oil or canola oil works best due to high smoke points.

Can I air-fry the chicken?

Yes, coat lightly in oil and air-fry at 400°F for 10-15 minutes.

What rice should I serve it with?

Jasmine rice or white long-grain rice pairs perfectly.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely—if you love it extra saucy, double the recipe.

How sweet is it?

It has a balanced sweetness, but you can reduce the honey or sugar if preferred.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, though the texture will be softer and not crispy.

Conclusion

Honey sesame chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that hits all the right notes—crispy, sweet, and satisfying. It’s a better-than-takeout recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.