Honey Sesame Chicken

The sweet, sticky glaze of honey and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds come together in this dish to create a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and comforting. As the chicken cooks, it soaks up the rich honey sauce, which caramelizes beautifully, giving the dish a slight crispy edge while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The sesame seeds provide just the right amount of texture and a subtle, earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, making it nearly impossible to wait for the first bite. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, and you’ve got a dish that’s not only bursting with flavor but also feels like a warm, cozy hug. The best part? You can tweak the balance of sweetness and saltiness to your own taste, making it as perfect as you want it.

Key Ingredients in Honey Sesame Chicken

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. From the tender chicken to the rich honey glaze, each component adds something special. Here’s a closer look at the ingredients that come together to make this dish truly shine:

* Chicken breast – The star of the dish! Tender, juicy, and lean, chicken breast takes on the sweet sesame glaze beautifully and soaks up all the flavor.

* Cornstarch – Helps create that light, crispy coating on the chicken when it’s tossed before cooking. It gives a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender chicken inside.

* Salt – Essential for balancing out the sweetness of the honey and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.

* Black pepper – Adds a subtle kick of heat that cuts through the richness of the honey and sesame, giving the dish a nice balance.

* Vegetable oil – Used for frying the chicken, it provides the right amount of heat and ensures the chicken crisps up nicely without burning.

* Honey – The star ingredient for the glaze, honey brings a luscious sweetness and richness that coats the chicken perfectly and caramelizes for that beautiful crispy edge.

* Soy sauce – Adds a deep, savory umami flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey. It’s the saltiness that really pulls everything together.

* Rice vinegar – Offers a touch of acidity to cut through the richness of the honey and sesame oil, adding brightness and depth to the sauce.

* Sesame oil – Imparts a fragrant, nutty flavor that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. Just a small amount makes a huge difference.

* Garlic – Fresh and aromatic, garlic gives the dish that familiar savory punch that pairs so well with the sweetness of the glaze.

* Fresh ginger – Adds a warm, slightly spicy kick that complements the honey’s sweetness and the sesame oil’s nuttiness. It gives the dish a lovely, zesty warmth.

* Sesame seeds – These provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the honey sauce. They add texture and visual appeal to the finished dish.

* Green onions – Fresh, crisp, and slightly sharp, green onions add a pop of color and a subtle bite to the dish, helping to balance the richness of the other ingredients.

* Water – Helps adjust the consistency of the sauce and ensures it coats the chicken evenly without being too thick or sticky.

How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken

1. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, aiming for even chunks so they cook uniformly.

2. In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Stir to ensure the mixture is evenly distributed.

3. Toss the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture until they are evenly coated, ensuring each piece has a light, dry coating.

4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough for frying but not smoking.

5. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your skillet.

6. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through. The cornstarch coating will give it a crispy texture.

7. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, leaving the flavorful bits in the pan.

8. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir to combine, creating a smooth sauce base.

9. Stir the sauce mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing it to simmer and thicken slightly. You’ll notice the sauce becoming more glossy as it reduces.

10. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the sauce, stirring to combine. This will bring in that aromatic punch you love.

11. Continue to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until the garlic and ginger are fragrant and the sauce has thickened to your liking.

12. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until it is fully coated. Make sure every piece of chicken is enveloped in that delicious glaze.

13. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the chicken, stirring to combine them evenly throughout. These add texture and a nutty crunch to the dish.

14. Add the sliced green onions and stir them into the dish just before serving. The fresh crunch will balance out the richness of the sauce.

15. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to the skillet and stir. This will help achieve the perfect sauce consistency.

16. Serve the honey sesame chicken hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired. Pair it with a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all that luscious sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Honey Sesame Chicken

– Over a bed of steamed rice – The classic pairing! Fluffy white rice soaks up the sticky glaze and adds a perfect neutral base to balance out the bold flavors of the chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, try jasmine rice or brown rice for a little extra fragrance and texture.

– With a side of sautéed vegetables – Add some color and crunch to your plate with a side of lightly sautéed veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas. The freshness of the veggies complements the rich, sweet sauce, creating a well-rounded meal.

– Wrapped in lettuce leaves – For a fun twist, try serving the honey sesame chicken in crisp lettuce leaves. The cool crunch of the lettuce is the perfect contrast to the warm, sweet chicken, making each bite feel refreshing and light.

These options are sure to elevate your honey sesame chicken experience and make your meal feel even more special!

How to Store Honey Sesame Chicken

Leftovers? No problem! Honey sesame chicken makes a fantastic meal for the next day, and with the right storage, it’ll stay just as delicious.

– Refrigerate: Let the chicken cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce will still be flavorful, and the chicken will stay juicy. Just be mindful that the coating might lose a bit of its crispy texture over time. You can easily revive it by reheating in a skillet with a splash of water to help loosen the sauce.

– Freezing: If you’ve made a larger batch and want to store it for later, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pan until hot.

– Reheating: For the best results, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or a little extra honey to help bring back the sauce’s smooth consistency. Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken heats evenly without drying out.

With these simple storage methods, you can enjoy your honey sesame chicken even after it’s made!

Conclusion

And there you have it, friends! A perfectly balanced, sweet, savory, and downright delicious honey sesame chicken recipe that’s sure to impress anyone at your table. The crispy chicken, the rich honey glaze, and those crunchy sesame seeds come together in harmony, creating a dish that’s not only tasty but also comforting. Whether you’re serving it over fluffy rice, alongside sautéed veggies, or wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves, every bite is bound to be a flavor-packed delight.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading through this recipe and are excited to give it a try in your own kitchen! Feel free to leave any comments or feedback if you make it—I’d love to hear about your experience. Or, if you have any questions or need a little extra help along the way, I

Print Recipe

Honey Sesame Chicken

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 30 mins

Calories: 350

Description

Crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey-sesame glaze, with a perfect balance of crunchy sesame seeds and a touch of warmth. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

• ¹⁄₄ cup cornstarch

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• ¹⁄₄ cup honey

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

• 2 green onions, sliced

• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
3. Toss the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture until they are evenly coated.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
5. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer.
6. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through.
7. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
8. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
9. Stir the sauce mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing it to simmer and thicken slightly.
10. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the sauce, stirring to combine.
11. Continue to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until the garlic and ginger are fragrant and the sauce has thickened.
12. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until it is fully coated.
13. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the chicken, stirring to combine them evenly.
14. Add the sliced green onions and stir them into the dish just before serving.
15. Add a tablespoon of water to the skillet if the sauce is too thick.
16. Serve the honey sesame chicken hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.

Note

• The chicken can be coated in cornstarch for extra crispiness.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce if you're watching sodium intake.
• For added flavor, use toasted sesame oil instead of regular sesame oil.
• Serve the dish over steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
• You can substitute fresh ginger with ground ginger if needed.

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