Name: Honey Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 0.70 lb boneless chicken thigh or breast (about 300g); 1 cup potato or corn starch; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds; 2–3 spring onions, sliced; 1 egg white; Oil for frying; Marinade for Chicken:; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon light soy sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic paste; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon sugar; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Sauce:; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons light soy sauce; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon brown or white sugar; 1 tablespoon vinegar; 3 tablespoons water

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Crispy, golden, and coated in a sticky-sweet glaze, Honey Sesame Chicken is a beloved takeout classic that’s easy to recreate in your own kitchen. With tender chicken pieces fried to perfection and tossed in a flavorful sauce made with honey, soy, and sesame, this dish is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami. Serve it over rice or noodles for a delicious, comforting meal.

Honey Sesame Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy fried chicken with a deliciously sticky glaze
Sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in perfect harmony
Takes only 25 minutes from start to finish
Made with simple, everyday pantry ingredients
Great alternative to takeout
Perfectly pairs with steamed rice or noodles
Easy to double for a family dinner
Kid-friendly and satisfying
Customizable with vegetables or spice
Delicious leftovers the next day

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

0.70 lb boneless chicken thigh or breast (about 300g)
1 cup potato or corn starch
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
2–3 spring onions, sliced
1 egg white
Oil for frying

Marinade for Chicken:

1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic paste
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon sugar
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon brown or white sugar
1 tablespoon vinegar
3 tablespoons water

Directions

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients with the chicken. Mix well and let marinate for 15 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients. Set aside.
Add the egg white to the marinated chicken and mix to coat evenly.
Dredge each piece of chicken in potato or corn starch, shaking off excess.
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
In a wok or large pan over medium-high heat, pour in the sauce and bring to a boil.
Add the fried chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
Stir in the toasted sesame seeds and sliced spring onions.
Garnish with extra sesame seeds and more spring onions before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: Approximately 396 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy Honey Sesame Chicken: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Vegetable Add-in: Include bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added color and nutrition.
Air-Fryer Method: Air-fry the coated chicken at 375°F for 15–18 minutes for a lighter option.
Baked Version: Bake the chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch.
Vegan Twist: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or skillet for best texture.
Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in an oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh?

Yes, both chicken breast and thigh work well. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.

Can I prepare this in advance?

You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead. Fry and toss in sauce just before serving.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Use neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

Can I make it without deep frying?

Yes, try baking or air-frying the chicken for a healthier version.

Is the sauce very sweet?

The sauce is balanced between sweet, savory, and tangy. Adjust the honey or vinegar to suit your taste.

What vinegar should I use?

White vinegar, rice vinegar, or apple cider vinegar all work well in this recipe.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch for dredging.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?

Toss the chicken in the sauce right before serving to maintain crispiness.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely. Stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli pair wonderfully with the sauce.

What should I serve it with?

Steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles make excellent sides for Honey Sesame Chicken.

Conclusion

Honey Sesame Chicken brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen in under 30 minutes. Crispy, saucy, and full of sweet-savory goodness, this homemade version of a takeout favorite is sure to satisfy. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or special dinners, it’s a must-try dish you’ll want to make again and again.