Honey Sesame Chicken

Name: Honey Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 2 green onions, sliced

Jessica Baker

Update : October 10, 2025

Plate of Honey Sesame Chicken garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Why Make This Recipe

Honey Sesame Chicken is a delicious dish that brings sweet and savory flavors together. If you love Chinese food, this recipe is perfect for you. It is simple and quick to make, making it great for busy weeknights or special occasions. This dish is not just tasty; it is also a crowd-pleaser. Everyone will love the crispy chicken pieces coated in a sticky, sticky sauce.

Making Honey Sesame Chicken at home also gives you control over the ingredients. You can adjust the sweetness or the amount of garlic. Cooking this dish is an easy way to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it pairs well with rice or noodles, making it a complete meal.

How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken

Making Honey Sesame Chicken is straightforward. You will find the process easy to follow. In just a few steps, you will have a delicious meal ready to serve.

Ingredients

To make Honey Sesame Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

1 lb chicken breast, diced
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced

These ingredients come together to create a meal that tastes amazing. The chicken is tender, while the sauce adds flavor and richness.

Directions

Now, let’s go through the steps to make Honey Sesame Chicken.

Toss the diced chicken in cornstarch until well coated.
This step helps to create a crispy outer layer when you cook the chicken.
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the chicken. This will help it cook evenly.
Add the chicken to the pan and cook until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
Keep an eye on the chicken while it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure all sides get that nice golden color.
In a separate bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and rice vinegar.
Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined. This sauce will give your chicken a sweet and savory flavor.
Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the pan, stirring to coat.
Make sure all the chicken gets covered in the sauce. This will add flavor to each bite.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
You want the sauce to cling to the chicken. Keep stirring gently for the sauce to coat everything.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
These toppings not only make the dish look good but also add extra flavor and crunch.

Now, your Honey Sesame Chicken is ready to serve. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken

Serving Honey Sesame Chicken is just as easy as making it. Here are a few ideas on how to present this dish:

Serve it over rice. Steamed white or brown rice is a good option. The rice helps soak up the yummy sauce.
Pair it with stir-fried vegetables. A mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots can add color and nutrition.
Use it as a filling for wraps. You can make lettuce wraps or use soft tortillas for a tasty twist.
Top with extra green onions. Adding more sliced green onions on top can enhance the flavor and give it a fresh touch.

No matter how you choose to serve it, your Honey Sesame Chicken will be a hit!

How to Store Honey Sesame Chicken

Storing Honey Sesame Chicken is simple. Here’s how you can keep it fresh for later:

Let it cool first. Before you store it, allow it to cool down to room temperature to prevent condensation and sogginess.
Use an airtight container. Place the chicken in a clean, airtight container. This way, it won’t smell or lose flavor in the fridge.
Refrigerate it. You can keep Honey Sesame Chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat before serving. When you are ready to eat, reheat it in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until hot.

Keeping this dish fresh allows you to enjoy leftovers, which can be just as tasty!

Tips to Make Honey Sesame Chicken

Here are some tips to help you perfect your Honey Sesame Chicken:

Choose the right chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breast works best, but you can also use thighs for a juicier result.
Adjust sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a little more honey. You can also add some chili flakes for heat if you like it spicier.
Don’t crowd the pan. When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Doing so can lead to steaming instead of frying, making the chicken less crispy.
Prepare the sauce ahead of time. You can mix the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge to save time on busy nights.

By following these tips, you can easily customize the dish to your liking!

Variation

If you want to try different flavors, here are a few variations for Honey Sesame Chicken:

Add vegetables. Incorporate bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli in the pan while cooking the chicken. This adds color and nutrition.
Try it with tofu. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with tofu. Make sure to press it well to remove excess moisture before cooking.
Use different sauces. Experiment with teriyaki or sweet and sour sauce for a different taste without changing the cooking process.

Variations let you get creative and enjoy different tastes!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely and dry it well before coating it in cornstarch.
What can I substitute for honey?
You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as alternatives to honey if you prefer a different sweetener.
Is it possible to make Honey Sesame Chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and combine them just before serving.

With these instructions, tips, and FAQs, you are all set to make Honey Sesame Chicken an easy and enjoyable recipe in your kitchen! Enjoy the cooking experience and share it with your loved ones.