Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe because it’s incredibly flavorful yet surprisingly simple to whip up any night of the week. The combination of sweet honey and savory sesame paired with tender, juicy chicken thighs makes it a real crowd-pleaser at my house. You’ll find that it’s just the kind of dish that hits all the right notes without requiring fancy ingredients or complicated steps.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how quickly it came together and how the sauce perfectly coats every piece of chicken with this gorgeous sticky glaze. It’s great for a quick dinner, a casual get-together, or whenever you want a little Asian-inspired magic on your plate without ordering takeout. You’ll definitely want to keep this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe in your dinner rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe come together perfectly to create a sauce that’s sweet, salty, and savory—all balanced in just the right way. Plus, the potato starch gives the chicken that wonderful crispiness when fried. I always recommend using fresh spices and good quality soy sauce for the best flavor.

• Chicken thighs: I prefer boneless, skinless thighs for juiciness and flavor; they stay tender even with frying.
• Potato starch: This keeps the chicken coating light and crisp without being heavy or greasy.
• Garlic powder: Adds a gentle depth of flavor without overpowering the sweetness of the sauce.
• Onion powder: Works beautifully alongside garlic for savory complexity.
• Salt and pepper: Basic but essential—season well before frying for tasty bites.
• Avocado oil: Great for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
• Honey: The heart of the sauce’s sweetness; raw or regular honey works fine.
• Ketchup: Brings tang and a little smoothness to the sauce base.
• Sweet chili sauce: Adds a mild kick and sweetness—look for one with visible chili flakes for texture.
• Sesame oil: Imparts that signature nutty aroma you expect in sesame chicken dishes.
• Soy sauce: Adds salty umami and depth; low-sodium allows better control over saltiness.
• Green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds (for garnish): Fresh herbs and seeds brighten the finished dish.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. You can swap ingredients based on what you have or adjust for dietary needs, so it becomes your own signature dish.

• Make it spicy: I sometimes add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to give it some heat, which my family really enjoys.
• Use chicken breast: If you prefer leaner meat, chicken breast works fine—just be careful not to overcook it to keep it juicy.
• Gluten-free option: Use tamari in place of soy sauce and confirm your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free; potato starch keeps things crisp.
• Vegetarian twist: Swap chicken for crispy tofu cubes, fry them the same way, then toss them in the sauce for a delicious plant-based version.

How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken thighs into roughly 2-inch cubes; I find this size helps the chicken cook evenly and makes for perfect bite-sized pieces. Next, toss the chicken cubes in a bowl with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to season them well. Then add the potato starch, cover the bowl with a lid, and give it a good shake to evenly coat every piece. The potato starch is key to getting that fantastic crispy texture without a heavy batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken is seasoning, whisk together the sauce ingredients—honey, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, and soy sauce—in a small bowl. This combo delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory that clings beautifully to the chicken after frying. Set this aside for later; you’ll add it at just the right moment to create that sticky glaze everyone loves.

Step 3: Fry Your Chicken to Crispy Perfection

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and pour in about ¼ cup of avocado oil for shallow frying. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer but don’t overcrowd the pan — frying in batches really helps maintain crispiness. Fry each batch until golden brown and cooked through, usually about 4-5 minutes per side. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil. I like to give the pan a quick wipe with a paper towel afterward to remove leftover oil before moving to the next step.

Step 4: Toss Chicken in Sauce Until Glazed

Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce. Toss or sauté everything together on medium heat for 2-4 minutes, stirring frequently as the sauce thickens and caramelizes onto the chicken. You’ll see that gorgeous sticky coating develop — that’s exactly what you want! Just be careful not to overcook to keep the chicken juicy inside while the outside stays perfectly glazed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Hot

Once the sauce is thick and glossy, it’s time to plate. Sprinkle plenty of toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro over the top to add vibrant color and extra layers of flavor. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.

How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of the classic garnishes here: fresh chopped green onions, cilantro, and plenty of toasted sesame seeds. They add a gorgeous pop of color and fresh, crunchy texture that cuts through the rich sauce. I also sometimes add thinly sliced chili for heat or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts if I’m feeling a bit indulgent.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice to soak up all that tasty sauce. Simple garlic sautéed greens or a fresh cucumber salad make it feel balanced and refreshing. For a heartier meal, roasted broccoli or stir-fried snap peas are great too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, I sometimes serve the chicken in lettuce wraps topped with extra sauce and crunchy toppings like shredded carrots or toasted nuts. I also love layering it over a bed of pickled slaw for some tangy crunch at dinner parties. It’s a simple way to elevate your plating and impress guests without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover honey sesame chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the chicken from getting too soggy, I try to drain excess sauce before storing and add a little fresh sauce when reheating. This helps retain some crispness and flavor.

Freezing

If I want to freeze leftovers, I separate the cooked chicken from the sauce first. Freeze the chicken in a single layer to avoid clumping, then store the sauce in a small airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw both overnight in the fridge and reheat together gently on the stove. This method maintains the texture best.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the chicken in a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave. Adding a splash of water or reserved sauce helps revive the glaze and keeps the chicken from drying out. It usually only takes a few minutes and tastes almost as good as fresh!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to make—simple to prepare but with a restaurant-quality taste that never fails to impress. Whether you’re cooking for your family or friends, it delivers that perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and savory that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do; it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, ready whenever you need a little comfort food magic.

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