Honey Sesame Chicken: Sweet, Savory & Simple Recipe

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready to dive into a dish that’s as sweet as it is savory? Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my go-to recipe for Honey Sesame Chicken. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss. So, let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for quick family dinners
• Uses simple pantry staples you probably already have
• A sweet and savory combo that’s a hit with everyone
• Easy to customize based on your dietary preferences
• Goes perfectly with rice, noodles, or even as a salad topping

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Honey Sesame Chicken recipe:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
• 1 tbsp water (optional, for thinning)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2-3 green onions (chopped, for garnish)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s walk through the steps to make this Honey Sesame Chicken. It’s a breeze, I promise!

1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until fully coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the Honey Sesame sauce.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from steaming instead of browning.
• Adjust the sauce consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer. If you like it thinner, add a splash of water or extra rice vinegar.
• Use fresh ginger: Fresh ginger adds a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to ground ginger. It’s worth the extra effort!

How to Serve

This Honey Sesame Chicken is versatile and can be served in multiple ways:

• Over a bed of steamed rice
• With roasted or steamed vegetables
• As a topping for a fresh salad
• Alongside Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles for a complete meal

Make Ahead and Storage

Prepping ahead? Here’s how to store this Honey Sesame Chicken:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
• Freeze: While the chicken can be frozen, the sauce might separate a bit when thawed. For best results, freeze the chicken without the sauce, then reheat and toss in fresh sauce when ready to serve.

And there you have it—Honey Sesame Chicken that’s sweet, savory, and simple to make. Perfect for weeknight dinner ideas or even as a quick lunch. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy the delicious flavors of this easy Chinese-inspired dish at home. Happy cooking!

Looking for more quick and tasty recipes? Check out my posts on High-Protein Pasta Salad and Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach for more meal inspiration!