Honey Sesame Chicken is like a warm hug on a chilly evening—sweet, savory, and utterly satisfying. The aroma wafts through the house, enticing everyone to gather around the table as if it were an irresistible siren call. Picture succulent pieces of chicken coated in a glossy, sticky glaze that dances between sweet honey and savory soy sauce. Each bite bursts with flavor and crunch from toasted sesame seeds; it’s an experience you won’t forget.
As I stirred my latest batch of Honey Sesame Chicken, I couldn’t help but reminisce about the first time I made it for my family. There were wide eyes and happy groans as they dove into their plates, each bite eliciting cheers of delight. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without breaking a sweat!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy honey sesame chicken comes together quickly, making dinner prep a breeze
- The sweet and savory flavors create a delightful experience for your taste buds
- Visually appealing with its glossy finish and sprinkled seeds, it’s perfect for any occasion
- Enjoy it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that satisfies everyone!
The first time I served this dish at a family gathering, people kept asking for seconds—one cousin even licked his plate clean!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts will feed your hungry crowd; adjust based on appetite.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm garlic cloves to enhance the flavors of the sauce.
- Cornstarch: This helps achieve that crispy coating on the chicken before frying.
- Honey: Opt for pure honey for the sweetest touch; this is where the magic happens!
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce gives you better control over saltiness while maintaining flavor.
- Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way—it imparts that authentic Asian flavor we all adore.
- Sesame Seeds: Toast them lightly to bring out their nutty aroma; sprinkle generously on top before serving.
- Green Onions: Chopped scallions add freshness and color to your final dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients—chop the garlic and green onions while cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces. This makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable!
Coat Your Chicken: In a bowl, mix cornstarch with salt and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until they’re well-coated for that perfect crispy texture when fried.
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your coated chicken pieces in batches; cook until they turn golden brown and are no longer pink inside—about 5-7 minutes per batch.
Create the Sauce: In another bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth. Pour this heavenly mixture into the skillet after removing the cooked chicken; let it bubble gently for about 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Toss It All Together : Add back in your crispy chicken pieces into the sauce; toss well until all are beautifully coated in that shiny glaze—this should take about 1-2 minutes of gentle stirring!
Add Some Crunch : Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over everything along with chopped green onions before removing from heat; allow those colors to shine through on your dish!
Serve hot over fluffy rice or noodles for a complete meal that’ll leave everyone asking for more!
You Must Know
- Honey sesame chicken is not just a dish; it’s a delightful culinary hug!
- This recipe brings together sweetness and crunch, creating a perfect balance
- Don’t forget the crispy sesame seeds for that extra flair and texture
- It’s an instant crowd-pleaser!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then prepare your sauce while it cooks. This sequence ensures juicy chicken and rich flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap honey for maple syrup or add vegetables like bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your honey sesame chicken shines, marinate overnight for deeper flavor
- Always use fresh ingredients, as they elevate taste
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps achieve that golden-brown perfection while keeping things crispy
After making this honey sesame chicken, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! One even asked if I was hiding takeout menus in my apron pocket.
FAQ
Can I use bone-in chicken for honey sesame chicken?
Yes, but adjust cooking time for bone-in pieces to ensure thorough cooking.
What can I serve with honey sesame chicken?
Pair it with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.
How do I make honey sesame chicken spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick!
Honey Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the delightful flavors of Honey Sesame Chicken, featuring tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory glaze, topped with crunchy sesame seeds for a meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cloves fresh garlic
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions
Instructions
- 1. Prep your ingredients: Chop garlic and green onions; cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- 2. Coat the chicken: Mix cornstarch with salt and pepper. Toss chicken pieces to coat evenly.
- 3. Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through (5-7 minutes per batch).
- 4. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth. Add it to the skillet after removing the chicken and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
- 5. Combine everything: Return the crispy chicken to the skillet, tossing well in the sauce for about 1-2 minutes.
- 6. Finish with crunch: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (180g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
