Name: Honey Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 egg; 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 tsp ginger grated; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds; 2 tbsp green onions chopped; Vegetable oil for frying

Sticky, crispy, sweet, and savory—Honey Sesame Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that brings your favorite takeout flavors straight to your kitchen. Imagine bite-sized chunks of golden-fried chicken, coated in a thick glossy glaze made from honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil. Every bite is tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and bursting with flavor.

Whether you’re craving an easy weeknight dinner or prepping a crowd-pleasing dish for a weekend gathering, this homemade takeout-style chicken hits all the right notes. No need to order out when you can whip this up in under 30 minutes with pantry staples and a bit of flair.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For the juiciest result, boneless skinless chicken thighs are the gold standard. Their natural fat keeps the chicken tender during frying. However, if you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken breast works just as well—just be sure not to overcook it to maintain that juicy texture.

Ingredients for the Honey Sesame Chicken

Chicken Thighs or Breasts: These are diced into bite-sized pieces. Thighs stay juicier, but breasts are a leaner alternative.

Cornstarch & All-Purpose Flour: The mix gives you that signature light, crispy coating perfect for soaking up the sauce.

Egg: Helps bind the coating to the chicken and adds crispness during frying.

Honey: The star of the glaze, delivering that warm, sticky sweetness.

Soy Sauce: Adds depth, saltiness, and an umami backbone to the sauce.

Garlic & Ginger: Freshly grated brings a savory kick that balances the sweetness.

Rice Vinegar: Brightens the sauce with just the right amount of tang.

Sesame Oil: Just a splash brings that irresistible nutty aroma.

Toasted Sesame Seeds & Green Onion: The final garnish that adds crunch and freshness.

How To Make the Honey Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Dice your chicken into bite-sized chunks. In a bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, beat an egg. Dip each chicken piece in egg, then dredge in the flour mixture until well coated.

Step 2: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through. Set them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Sticky Honey Sauce

In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Toss & Glaze

Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss to coat thoroughly. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to soak in that sticky glaze.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onion. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

How to Serve and Store Honey Sesame Chicken

Serve your Honey Sesame Chicken piping hot over a fluffy bed of jasmine or basmati rice for a comforting meal. Add a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas to balance the richness. Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to bring back the crispy texture.

What to Serve With Honey Sesame Chicken?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Its subtle fragrance makes it the perfect neutral base to soak up the sauce.

Stir-Fried Veggies

Think broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas for color, crunch, and nutrients.

Egg Rolls

Crunchy on the outside and savory inside—a classic takeout pairing.

Cucumber Salad

The cool, crisp contrast refreshes the palate between sweet bites.

Spicy Garlic Noodles

A savory-spicy counterpart that elevates the meal into a full-blown feast.

Pickled Radish or Kimchi

Adds a tangy, fermented note to cut through the richness.

Pineapple Fried Rice

For a tropical twist with sweet-savory harmony.

Want More Chicken Ideas with Bold Flavors?

If you loved this sticky Honey Sesame Chicken, check out these other crave-worthy dinners:

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe that combines creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with tender chicken.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a rich, garlicky main you’ll want to lick the plate clean.
Bang Bang Chicken with a crispy coating and fiery sauce.
Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken for crunch without the oil.
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for sweet heat meets cheesy comfort.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use chicken thighs or breasts? Try an air fryer version? Maybe add chili flakes for heat?

I love seeing the creative twists you bring to these recipes. Share your thoughts or ask questions—let’s make home cooking even more delicious.

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