Honey Sesame Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of sweet and savory dishes, Honey Sesame Chicken will quickly become a favorite. The chicken is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and enveloped in a glossy honey sesame sauce that’s both flavorful and comforting. The addition of sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch that makes every bite exciting. Plus, this dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings. Whether served over rice, noodles, or with veggies, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

• Salt and pepper to taste

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

Directions

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.

2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the sesame oil and cook the minced garlic and ginger for about 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar to the skillet. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it to coat in the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken and garnish with chopped green onions.

7. Serve the Honey Sesame Chicken over rice or noodles, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4-5 people. The preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and the cooking time is around 15 minutes. The total time for this dish is about 25 minutes.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken for a vegetarian-friendly version.

• Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a bit of heat.

• Different Nuts: For extra crunch, you can use chopped peanuts or cashews in place of or in addition to sesame seeds.

• Different Proteins: This recipe can also work well with shrimp or even pork, offering variety while maintaining the same sweet sesame flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of water or broth to help rehydrate the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave the dish in short bursts, stirring in between, to prevent the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

To make the chicken extra crispy, ensure that it’s coated evenly with cornstarch before frying. You can also double fry the chicken for an even crunchier texture.

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use boneless, skinless chicken for this recipe, as it cooks faster and gets crispier. However, you can use bone-in chicken, but it will require longer cooking time.

Is there a substitute for sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use vegetable oil, but it won’t give the dish the same nutty flavor. A few drops of toasted sesame oil can be added to the dish at the end if needed.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the chicken is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Reheat the chicken and sauce together just before serving.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply allow it to simmer longer to reduce and thicken, or you can add a cornstarch slurry (a mix of cornstarch and water) to help thicken the sauce.

Can I use honey substitutes?

You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup, but honey offers the best flavor profile for this dish.

Can I freeze Honey Sesame Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken after it’s cooked. Let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It will last in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in a skillet.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots to the dish for more flavor and nutrition. Stir-fry them before adding the chicken back into the pan.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) instead of regular soy sauce.

What can I serve Honey Sesame Chicken with?

Honey Sesame Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fried rice, or even noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables to make it a complete meal.

Conclusion

Honey Sesame Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s quick, easy to make, and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a meal for a special occasion, this dish will impress your guests and leave them asking for more.