The sweet aroma of honey sesame chicken wafts through the kitchen like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine tender pieces of chicken glistening with a sticky-sweet sauce that dances between savory and sweet, inviting you to dive in fork-first. The crunch of toasted sesame seeds adds a delightful texture that will make your taste buds do the cha-cha.
As I prepared this dish one evening while juggling my laundry and a TV binge session, I couldnβt help but reminisce about family gatherings where my mom would whip up her version of honey sesame chicken. It was an instant crowd-pleaser! Perfectly sweetened and sticky, it always left us guessing if it was dinner or dessert. Whether itβs a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this dish promises to be the star!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- With minimal prep time, youβll have dinner ready in no time
- The flavor profile is a delightful balance of sweetness and savory goodness
- Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, itβs sure to impress your guests
- Versatile enough to pair with rice or veggies, making it suitable for various occasions
I remember my friendβs eyes lighting up when she first tried this dish; her reaction was priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but feel free to adjust based on your group size.
- Honey: Choose pure honey for the best sweetness; it adds that irresistible glaze.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
- Sesame Oil: This oil gives an authentic nutty flavor thatβs essential for Asian dishes.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add depthβavoid powdered garlic; fresh is always best!
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted seeds provide crunch and visual appealβdonβt skip this step!
- Green Onions: They not only brighten the dish visually but also add freshness and flavor.
For the Sauce:
- Brown Sugar: Sweetness balances the soy sauceβs saltiness perfectly; use light brown sugar for a subtle vibe.
- Cornstarch: This thickens your sauce beautifully; mix it well to avoid lumps.
- Water: Just enough to create the perfect consistency for your sauceβdonβt drown it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Chop your green onions finely and set them aside for garnish later.
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Add cut chicken pieces and coat them well in this mixture; let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear marinated chicken pieces until golden brown on each sideβabout 5-7 minutes total.
Create the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cornstarch, water, and any remaining marinade from your chicken. Pour this into the skillet once the chicken is cooked.
Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds into the skillet as you stir everything together. Cook until the sauce thickensβthis should take about 2-3 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions over your honey sesame chicken. Serve immediately over rice or noodles for an amazing meal.
Now youβre ready to enjoy an incredibly flavorful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
You Must Know
- Honey sesame chicken is not just a dish; itβs a delightful experience
- The sweet and savory flavors create a harmonious meal that impresses anyone at your dinner table
- Plus, itβs quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance its flavor. Sear it until golden brown, then add the sauce to caramelize beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a delicious twist. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas can also boost nutrition and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain its flavor and texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier bites that wonβt dry out during cooking
- Marinate overnight if you have time; it elevates flavor significantly
- Always taste the sauce before serving, adjusting sweetness or saltiness as needed for your preference
It was my sisterβs birthday when I first made honey sesame chicken. Everyone devoured it, and she asked if I could make it every yearβtalk about pressure!
FAQ
What can I serve with honey sesame chicken?
Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice or alongside steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.
Can I make honey sesame chicken spicy?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
How long does honey sesame chicken last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to three days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Honey Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Honey Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory glaze, topped with crunchy sesame seeds. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 3β4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and chop green onions; set aside.
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil. Add chicken pieces, coat well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear marinated chicken until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes total).
- Whisk together brown sugar, cornstarch, water, and any leftover marinade. Pour into the skillet with cooked chicken.
- Stir in toasted sesame seeds and simmer until the sauce thickens (2-3 minutes).
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately over rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: - For added nutrition, incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. - Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a delightful twist. - Marinating overnight enhances flavor.