Honey Sesame Chicken is a classic favorite that blends sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in every bite. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a special family gathering. With tender chicken coated in a sticky honey-sesame glaze and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and impressive.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or trying your hand at something new, this recipe is approachable and highly customizable. Plus, it pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or a side of sautéed vegetables.

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced, for garnish

Instructions:

Prep the Chicken:
Pat chicken pieces dry and toss them with cornstarch in a medium bowl until lightly coated. This creates a slight crisp on the chicken once cooked.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine Sauce Ingredients:
Add soy sauce, honey, water, rice vinegar, and brown sugar (if using). Stir to combine and let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Coat the Chicken:
Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss until every piece is coated in the honey sesame glaze. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to allow the sauce to adhere.
Garnish and Serve:
Transfer chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Honey Sesame Chicken:

Even Cooking: Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Crispier Chicken: For extra crisp, lightly dredge chicken in flour before cornstarch.
Adjust Sweetness: Honey adds natural sweetness, but you can add brown sugar for a richer glaze.
Thickening Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir in to thicken.

Variations to Try:

Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
Vegetable Boost: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a balanced stir-fry.
Alternative Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or pork for variety.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve over jasmine or brown rice for a wholesome meal.
Pair with sesame noodles for a complete Asian-inspired dinner.
Garnish with extra toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for a gourmet touch.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context:

Sesame chicken is a staple in Chinese-American cuisine, beloved for its balance of sweet and savory flavors. The dish is thought to have originated in American Chinese restaurants in the 1980s as a milder, more approachable alternative to traditional Chinese dishes. The use of honey as a natural sweetener adds depth while complementing the nutty aroma of sesame seeds. Today, Honey Sesame Chicken is a go-to comfort dish worldwide, admired for its simple ingredients and restaurant-quality taste made at home.

Nutrition (Approximate per serving):

Calories: 350
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 650mg

Storage:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in a skillet to retain glaze texture.