Sticky, sweet, and perfectly savory, Honey Sesame Chicken is that irresistible dish that brings your favorite takeout vibes straight into your kitchen. Each golden bite is coated in a glossy honey glaze and finished with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. It strikes the perfect balance of sweet and salty, all while offering a crispy crunch that melts into tender, juicy chicken.

This dish is incredibly satisfying yet surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or serving it for a weekend dinner party, it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Plus, it’s family-friendly and totally customizable depending on your spice preference or side dish of choice.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Sesame Chicken

Honey Sesame Chicken is one of those dishes that just hits every mark. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a sauce that’s addictively good. The honey and soy combo is iconic, offering the perfect flavor base that even picky eaters can get behind. And because it comes together quickly, you won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen.

Not to mention, this is a great alternative to ordering out. It’s budget-friendly, you control the ingredients, and it tastes just as good—if not better—than what you’d get at your local takeout joint.

What Type of Chicken Works Best?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are usually the top pick for their juicy, flavorful profile, but chicken breasts also work well if you prefer something leaner. The key is cutting your chicken into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure a quick, uniform cook and a crisp texture on every piece. If you’re going for extra crunch, toss the chicken in cornstarch before frying.

Ingredients for the Honey Sesame Chicken

To create this irresistible dish, you’ll only need a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a unique role in flavor and texture, so don’t skip around if you want that authentic honey sesame experience.

Chicken thighs or breasts
The heart of the dish, providing a juicy and tender bite that holds up beautifully to frying and saucing.
Cornstarch
Essential for creating that signature crispy coating on the chicken pieces when pan-fried or deep-fried.
Egg
Helps bind the coating to the chicken, ensuring every bite is perfectly golden and crisp.
Soy sauce
Adds that deeply savory, umami note that balances out the sweetness of the honey.
Honey
Provides the sticky-sweet glaze that makes this dish so iconic. Use pure honey for the best results.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with a punchy kick and warmth.
Rice vinegar
Offers a subtle acidity that keeps the sweetness in check and enhances the overall sauce balance.
Sesame oil
A small splash goes a long way, adding a rich, nutty aroma that defines sesame chicken.
Toasted sesame seeds
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of these for added crunch and visual appeal.
Green onions
Optional but lovely for garnish, offering a fresh bite to contrast the sticky glaze.

How To Make the Honey Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut your chicken into small, bite-sized chunks. In a bowl, whisk together an egg and toss the chicken pieces in it. Then coat them in cornstarch until evenly covered.

Step 2: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the chicken in batches, turning until each piece is golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a separate pan or the same pan (cleaned), add soy sauce, honey, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and turns glossy.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce until well-coated. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve and Store Your Honey Sesame Chicken

This recipe feeds about 4 people generously. Serve it hot over a bed of steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and a handful of chopped green onions finish the dish beautifully.

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so in a skillet to preserve some of that original crispness—the microwave tends to make it a bit soggy.

What to Serve With Honey Sesame Chicken?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Fragrant and fluffy, this is the perfect base for soaking up the sweet and savory glaze.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

A mix of broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers balances the richness of the chicken.

Garlic Noodles

Savory, buttery noodles make for a bold and satisfying side.

Egg Rolls

Crispy and filled with veggies or meat, they pair perfectly as a textural contrast.

Asian Slaw

Crunchy cabbage with a sesame-soy dressing adds freshness and zing.

Roasted Green Beans

Roast them until just blistered for a simple but flavorful veggie side.

Fried Rice

Amp up the meal with a scoop of homemade fried rice loaded with eggs and scallions.

Cucumber Salad

Cool, crisp, and light—this salad offsets the sticky chicken beautifully.

Want More Chicken Ideas?

If you’re into bold flavors and easy weeknight wins, you’ll want to check out these other chicken favorites:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime you’re craving something sticky, crispy, and delicious.

And let me know how yours turned out! Did you use thighs or go with breasts? Add some spice or stick to sweet? Share your twist in the comments below.

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