This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe brings crispy, golden chicken coated in a sweet and savory glaze straight to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. The sauce combines honey, soy, garlic, and sesame for a flavor-packed bite that tastes better than takeout. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles, and you have a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
For more chicken inspiration, try our smoky Chipotle Honey Chicken on the grill, the crunchy and spicy Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken for a bold twist, or the fresh and vibrant Chicken with Green Sauce if you crave something lighter. Each recipe brings a unique flavor profile while staying simple and weeknight-friendly.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients For Honey Sesame Chicken
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup cornstarch or potato starch (for coating)
- â…“ cup vegetable oil or other neutral oil
- ½ green onion, finely chopped (for garnish)
For the Sauce
- ½ cup liquid honey
- 2.5 tablespoons soy sauce (regular)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- ½ tablespoon sugar (white or cane)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or potato starch
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons Shaoxing cooking wine (or dry sherry/white wine; use chicken broth for alcohol-free version)
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar (or apple cider/white vinegar)
- ¾ cup room-temperature water
Instructions For Honey Sesame Chicken
Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and cut into bite-sized cubes. Season with salt, then coat each piece evenly with cornstarch. Set aside for frying.
Step 2 – Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, wine, garlic, sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Keep it nearby for quick cooking.
Step 3 – Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high. Fry chicken in small batches, turning halfway, until golden brown and crisp (about 6–8 minutes). Always ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, as recommended by the USDA. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4 – Combine Chicken and Sauce
Remove extra oil from the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and simmer until thickened. Toss in the fried chicken, coating it evenly.
Step 5 – Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onion. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Expert Tips
- For extra crispiness: Double-fry the chicken in smaller batches.
- Healthier option: Air fry the coated chicken at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Balanced flavor: Adjust honey or vinegar to make the sauce sweeter or tangier to taste.
Honey Sesame Chicken
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok Heavy-bottomed pan for even browning
- Wire rack or paper towels For draining fried chicken
- Mixing bowls and whisk To make and thicken the sauce
- Tongs or spatula Safe flipping and tossing
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cornstarch or potato starch, for coating
- 1/3 cup vegetable or neutral oil, for frying
- 1/2 green onion, finely chopped, for garnish
- 1/2 cup honey (liquid)
- 2.5 tbsp regular soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar (white or cane)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp cornstarch or potato starch (for sauce)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry/white wine; chicken broth if alcohol-free)
- 2 tsp rice vinegar (or apple cider/white vinegar)
- 3/4 cup water, room temperature
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and cut into 1.5-inch pieces. Season with salt, then toss with cornstarch until every piece is coated.
- In a bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, Shaoxing wine, garlic, sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Fry chicken in batches 6–8 minutes total, turning halfway, until golden and crisp. Drain on a rack or paper towel.
- Pour off excess oil. Add sauce to the pan and simmer, stirring, until it thickens and turns glossy. Return chicken and toss to coat.
- Finish with sesame seeds and chopped green onion. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Alcohol-free: replace Shaoxing wine with chicken broth.
- Veggies to add: broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas (stir-fry before saucing).
- Air fryer: 400°F (204°C) for ~15 minutes, flip halfway.
Nutrition
FAQ – Honey Sesame Chicken
Can I make this Honey Sesame Chicken in advance?
Yes, fry the chicken ahead of time and store it separately. Reheat and toss with sauce just before serving to keep it crispy.
Can I substitute with another protein?
Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or even pork work well in this recipe.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas make great additions. Stir-fry them before adding the sauce
Can I air fry the chicken?
Yes, coat the chicken with cornstarch, spray with oil, and air fry at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping once halfway.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Saturated Fat | Sodium | Sugar |
| 530 kcal | 64 g | 32 g | 17 g | 3 g | 1368 mg | 49 g |