The Ultimate Sesame Chicken Recipe: Sweet, Savory & Irresistible
Honey Sesame Chicken is a delicious, quick, and easy dish featuring crispy chicken coated in a sticky-sweet, savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in just 30 minutes using pantry staples. Serve over rice for a complete meal!
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp water (optional, for thinning)
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2–3 green onions, chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken (5 min)
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt & pepper.
- Toss chicken in cornstarch until fully coated.
2. Cook the Chicken (10 min)
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken in batches (to avoid overcrowding) for 4–5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce (5 min)
- In the same pan, sauté garlic & ginger for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add water if too thick.
4. Coat the Chicken (3 min)
- Return chicken to the pan and toss in the sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes until well-glazed.
5. Serve (2 min)
- Garnish with sesame seeds & green onions. Serve over steamed rice or with veggies.
Notes
✔ Spicy Version: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or 1 tbsp sriracha.
✔ Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
✔ Add Veggies: Stir-fry bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas with the sauce.
✔ Crispier Chicken: Double-fry the chicken or use an air fryer.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 25g