Honey sesame chicken coats bite-sized chicken in cornstarch, pan-fries it until crispy, then tosses it in a honey-soy-garlic sauce thickened with a cornstarch slurry, ready in about 25 minutes. Coating the raw chicken in cornstarch before frying, rather than flour or nothing at all, is what gives it the light, crisp exterior characteristic of takeout-style sesame chicken.
Honey Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (for coating)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame oil)
- For the sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
- For garnish
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook 6–8 minutes, turning to brown all sides until golden and crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Return cooked chicken to skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve hot over rice.
Recipe Notes
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Make it spicy with a squeeze of sriracha or pinch of red chili flakes.
- Double the sauce if serving over noodles or veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size
- 1 bowl
- Calories
- 430
- Sugar
- 14g
- Sodium
- 550mg
- Fat
- 20g
- Saturated Fat
- 4g
- Unsaturated Fat
- 13g
- Trans Fat
- 0g
- Carbohydrates
- 28g
- Fiber
- 1g
- Protein
- 29g
- Cholesterol
- 95mg
Why you'll love this
- Building the sauce directly in the same skillet the chicken was fried in lets it pick up any browned bits left behind, adding flavor a sauce made separately wouldn't have.
- Using a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, rather than relying on reduction alone, is a fast way to get a glossy, clinging sauce texture in just 1-2 minutes.
Tips for the best result
- Cook the chicken in a single layer, per the instructions, turning pieces to brown all sides rather than crowding the pan.
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness, per the recipe's own notes, if breast meat has run dry in past attempts.
Troubleshooting
The chicken isn't crispy.
Make sure the pan wasn't crowded during frying, since too many pieces at once lowers the pan's heat and causes steaming instead of the browning that gives the coating its crunch.
The sauce is too thin.
Make sure the cornstarch slurry was fully dissolved before adding, and let the sauce simmer the full 1-2 minutes afterward, since that's when the starch actually activates and thickens the sauce.
Sauce isn’t thickening properly.
the most common culprit is heat that’s too low. The caramelization process requires medium-high heat to properly reduce and concentrate the flavors. Another frequent issue is chicken that sticks to the pan—this usually means you’re trying to flip it too early. Let it develop that golden crust completely before turning.
Store covered in the refrigerator; the coating will soften on reheating, so a skillet reheat holds up better than a microwave.
The recipe's own notes suggest a squeeze of sriracha or a pinch of red chili flakes for heat, doubling the sauce if serving over noodles.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Easy Honey Sesame Chicken?
Absolutely! Thighs actually stay juicier and are more forgiving if slightly overcooked. The rich flavor pairs beautifully with the honey sesame sauce.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check that your vinegar is gluten-free, and you’re all set for a delicious gluten-free meal.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just warm it slightly before combining with freshly cooked chicken for a super-quick meal.
What vegetables work best with this dish?
Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, and water chestnuts all complement the flavors perfectly while adding color and nutrients to your meal.
Is Easy Honey Sesame Chicken very sweet?
The sweetness is balanced by savory soy sauce and vinegar. If you prefer less sweetness, simply reduce the honey by 1-2 tablespoons.
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