Name: Honey Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 eggs; 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for marinade); ¼ cup cornstarch (for marinade); ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup cornstarch (for dredging); Vegetable oil, for frying; ¼ cup soy sauce (for sauce); ⅓ cup honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 2 scallions, thinly sliced

Craving something crispy, saucy, and just a little sweet? Honey Sesame Chicken might just be the answer. It’s that magical blend of golden fried chicken pieces tossed in a sticky honey glaze, finished with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds and scallions. It tastes like your favorite takeout, but better, because it’s made fresh at home.

This dish is a weeknight winner, crowd-pleaser, and leftover-stealer all in one. Whether you’re cooking for family or trying to impress dinner guests, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal fuss. Plus, once you master the sauce, you might just find yourself putting it on everything.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this flavor-packed recipe, you’ll want to make sure you have the right tools on hand. These are more than just utensils—they help you cook efficiently and achieve the perfect crispy texture and glossy sauce.

Wok or Deep Frying Pan: This is essential for frying the chicken evenly and quickly. A wok retains high heat, ensuring that your chicken stays crispy without becoming greasy.

Mixing Bowls (at least 2): You’ll need one for marinating and coating the chicken and another for tossing the fried chicken in the honey sesame sauce.

Wire Rack and Baking Sheet: After frying, placing the chicken on a wire rack prevents it from getting soggy. Let that crispiness shine.

Tongs or Chopsticks: For safely handling the chicken during frying and for tossing it in the sauce afterward.

Whisk: You’ll use this for mixing the honey sesame sauce ingredients so everything emulsifies smoothly.

Measuring Spoons and Cups: Precision matters—especially in balancing the sweet and savory elements of the sauce.

Ingredients for the Honey Sesame Chicken

Each ingredient in this recipe brings its own unique texture or flavor to the table, making the final dish balanced, savory, and deeply satisfying.

Boneless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: These are the stars of the dish. Thighs offer more juiciness, while breasts provide a leaner bite.

Cornstarch & All-Purpose Flour: The combination creates a coating that fries up ultra crispy—perfect for holding that luscious sauce.

Eggs: Help bind the flour mixture to the chicken pieces for an even coating.

Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and a hint of saltiness to the marinade and sauce.

Honey: Brings the signature sweetness to the dish and helps create a glossy, sticky finish.

Rice Vinegar: Cuts through the sweetness with a little tang, balancing the sauce.

Garlic & Ginger: These aromatics provide bold, punchy notes that elevate the entire flavor profile.

Sesame Oil: Just a dash brings out toasty, nutty undertones essential to this dish.

Sesame Seeds: For both texture and visual flair—they toast slightly on the hot chicken, adding crunch and richness.

Scallions: Thinly sliced, they brighten the dish with a touch of fresh onion flavor and color.

Vegetable Oil (for frying): Neutral in flavor and ideal for crisping the coated chicken to golden perfection.

How To Make the Honey Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut your boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, a splash of soy sauce, and a little cornstarch. Toss the chicken pieces into this mixture to marinate for about 15 minutes. This helps tenderize the meat and start building flavor.

Step 2: Coat for Crispiness

In another bowl, combine equal parts cornstarch and flour. Take the marinated chicken and dredge it thoroughly in this dry mix. This is what gives it that signature crunchy exterior once fried.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or deep skillet. Once hot (around 350°F), fry the coated chicken in batches to avoid crowding. Each batch should take about 4-5 minutes. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack to stay crisp.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, around 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Toss and Finish

Add the crispy chicken into a clean bowl and pour the warm sauce over it. Toss to coat each piece thoroughly. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions on top for the final touch.

Serving and Storing Honey Sesame Chicken

Serve Honey Sesame Chicken hot and fresh out of the wok for maximum crunch and flavor. It pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried noodles, or even a bed of sautéed veggies. Want to make it a full spread? Add spring rolls or a simple Asian-style cucumber salad on the side.

If you’re planning for leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to restore some of the crispness—microwaving will soften the coating.

For longer storage, freeze the fried (but unsauced) chicken pieces separately, then reheat and toss in fresh sauce when ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of chicken works best for this recipe?

Chicken thighs are generally preferred for their juiciness, but chicken breasts can also work if you want a leaner option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can fry the chicken pieces ahead and store them separately from the sauce. Combine and reheat just before serving to maintain texture.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

A kitchen thermometer should read around 350°F (175°C). If you drop a piece of batter in and it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go.

Can I bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep frying?

Yes! For a healthier twist, air fry the coated chicken at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway. Baking is also possible, though it won’t be as crispy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your cornstarch and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What vegetables pair well with Honey Sesame Chicken?

Broccoli, snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers stir-fried in a light garlic sauce are great sides that complement the dish perfectly.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If Honey Sesame Chicken is your kind of comfort food, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other crave-worthy chicken dishes.

You might also like the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, which offers a rich and indulgent twist perfect for a cozy dinner night. Or check out Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites—a spicier, air-fried take on sticky chicken.

For something with a Southern flair, the Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is a no-fuss slow cooker favorite. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try the One Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta for a bold, smoky dinner.

Another great choice is the Savory Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs when you’re craving something more traditional but still loaded with flavor.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner or Asian-inspired recipe boards for later. Just click the Pin button.

And if you try it, I’d love to know how it went. Did you add chili flakes? Try it with tofu instead of chicken? Leave a comment or tag me—I’m always excited to see your versions!

For more recipes like this one, check out my daily kitchen adventures over on Pinterest @LadyPlate.

Honey Sesame Chicken

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy, sticky, and sweet—with a subtle tang and nutty crunch—Honey Sesame Chicken is the perfect homemade answer to your takeout cravings. Each piece of golden fried chicken is coated in a luscious honey-soy glaze, topped with sesame seeds and scallions for extra flavor and flair. Serve it over rice or noodles and watch it disappear fast.

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and ¼ cup cornstarch. Add chicken pieces and let marinate for 15 minutes.

2. In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup flour and ½ cup cornstarch. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces until fully coated.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in small batches for 4–5 minutes, until golden and crisp. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.

4. In a small saucepan, combine ¼ cup soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Simmer over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Toss the crispy chicken with the warm sauce in a clean bowl until well coated.

6. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve hot over rice or noodles.