Honey Sesame Chicken

Name: Honey Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 500 g boneless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized cubes); 1 large egg; 60 g cornstarch; 60 g all-purpose flour; 5 g salt; 2 g black pepper; 2 g garlic powder; 120 ml water (cold); 500 ml neutral cooking oil (for frying); 90 ml honey; 60 ml soy sauce; 15 ml rice vinegar; 15 ml sesame oil; 10 g cornstarch; 60 ml water; 10 g fresh garlic (finely minced); 5 g fresh ginger (finely grated); 15 g white sesame seeds (lightly toasted); 10 g green onions (thinly sliced)

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If you’re craving takeout-style comfort but want something fresher, faster, and made right in your own kitchen, this honey sesame chicken is exactly what your dinner routine needs.

It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or casual entertaining dish—sweet, savory, and deeply satisfying—designed to give you that restaurant-quality payoff without the stress.

The special feature here is the glossy honey-sesame sauce that comes together quickly with pantry staples, delivering big flavor and instant confidence. This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve got dinner completely under control.

From the very first bite, you get tender chicken wrapped in a light, crisp coating, followed by a sticky sauce that clings to every piece.

The sweetness of honey hits first, balanced by the nutty depth of sesame and the savory warmth of soy-based seasoning.

Each bite is a contrast of textures—crispy on the outside, juicy inside—finished with toasted sesame seeds that add a subtle crunch and aroma. Served hot over fluffy rice, it’s comforting, indulgent, and impossible to stop eating.

This recipe is straightforward, beginner-friendly, and ready in about 30 minutes. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles, or add a side of stir-fried vegetables to make it a complete meal.

Follow along, and by the end, you’ll have a dependable, crave-worthy honey sesame chicken that feels like your own signature dish—and dinner will officially be solved.

Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

For The Chicken

500 g boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 large egg
60 g cornstarch
60 g all-purpose flour
5 g salt
2 g black pepper
2 g garlic powder
120 ml water, cold
500 ml neutral cooking oil, for frying

For The Honey Sesame Sauce

90 ml honey
60 ml soy sauce
15 ml rice vinegar
15 ml sesame oil
10 g cornstarch
60 ml water
10 g fresh garlic, finely minced
5 g fresh ginger, finely grated

For Garnish

15 g white sesame seeds, lightly toasted
10 g green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water until smooth. Add the cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, and mix until a thick, lump-free batter forms. Add the chicken pieces and toss well, making sure every piece is fully coated.
Heat the oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the battered chicken in small batches. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

In a small bowl, mix the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set aside.
In a clean pan over medium heat, add a small splash of oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and stir continuously. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.

Add the fried chicken to the sauce and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated and shiny.
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately while hot.

What Is Honey Sesame Chicken And Why Is It So Popular?

Honey sesame chicken is a sweet-and-savory chicken dish where crispy fried chicken pieces are coated in a glossy sauce made with honey, soy-based seasoning, garlic, and sesame oil.

You love it because it delivers big flavor with very simple ingredients. What makes it especially popular is how it balances comfort and excitement at the same time. You get:

Sweetness from honey that feels warm and cozy.
Savory depth that keeps the dish from tasting sugary.
A crispy outside with juicy chicken inside, which makes every bite satisfying.

It’s the kind of meal that feels like takeout but tastes fresher when you make it at home.

Can I Make Honey Sesame Chicken Without Frying?

Yes, you can make honey sesame chicken without deep frying, but the texture will be slightly different. If you prefer a lighter method, you still get great flavor. Here are your best options, explained simply:

Oven baking: Coat the chicken lightly, place it on a lined tray, spray with oil, and bake until golden. The chicken will be firm and lightly crisp.
Air frying: This gives the closest result to frying. Cook in batches and spray lightly with oil for even browning.

Pan sautéing: Use a shallow layer of oil and cook the chicken slowly so it cooks through without burning.

The sauce stays exactly the same, so you still get that sticky honey sesame finish you’re craving.

Why Is My Honey Sesame Chicken Not Crispy?

Honey sesame chicken can lose crispiness if moisture builds up or the sauce is added too early. This is very common and easy to fix. Here’s what usually causes the problem:

Oil temperature: If the oil is not hot enough, the coating absorbs oil instead of crisping.
Overcrowding the pan: Too many pieces lower the oil temperature and create steam.
Saucing too early: Tossing the chicken in sauce before serving softens the coating quickly.

To keep it crisp longer, fry in small batches and toss the chicken with sauce only when you are ready to serve.

What Is The Best Chicken Cut For Honey Sesame Chicken?

Boneless chicken breast is the most commonly used cut because it cooks quickly and stays tender when coated properly. You can also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier bite. Here’s how to choose:

Chicken breast: Lean, mild, and perfect for crispy coating.
Chicken thighs: Slightly richer flavor and more forgiving if cooked a little longer.

No matter which you choose, cutting the chicken into even pieces helps everything cook evenly.

Can I Make Honey Sesame Chicken Ahead Of Time?

You can prepare parts of honey sesame chicken ahead of time, but it’s best assembled just before serving. To save time, you can:

Batter and cut the chicken earlier and keep it covered in the refrigerator.

Mix the honey sesame sauce and store it separately.
Fry the chicken shortly before serving and then toss with sauce.

This approach keeps the chicken from turning soggy and ensures the best texture when you eat it.

How Do I Store Leftover Honey Sesame Chicken?

Honey sesame chicken stores well when handled correctly, but texture matters. Here is the safest and best way to store it:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Cooling first: Let the chicken cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
Separate if possible: If you know you’ll have leftovers, store sauce and chicken separately for better texture.

The flavor actually deepens overnight, even though the coating softens slightly.

Can I Freeze Honey Sesame Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze honey sesame chicken, but for best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately. Here is how to do it properly:

Chicken only: Freeze fried, un-sauced chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Sauce separately: Freeze the honey sesame sauce in a sealed container or freezer bag.
Avoid freezing fully sauced chicken: The coating becomes very soft once thawed.

When ready to eat, reheat the chicken until hot and crisp, warm the sauce separately, then combine.

How Do I Reheat Honey Sesame Chicken Without Drying It Out?

Reheating honey sesame chicken the right way keeps it tasty and prevents dryness. Use one of these methods:

Stovetop: Heat gently in a pan with a small splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Oven or air fryer: Reheat chicken first to bring back some crispness, then toss with warm sauce.

Microwave: Use short intervals and cover loosely to keep moisture in.

Avoid overheating, as honey-based sauces can thicken too much when overcooked.

Is Honey Sesame Chicken Sweet Or Savory?

Honey sesame chicken is both sweet and savory, with sweetness leading and savory flavors balancing it out. It should never taste like dessert. If you want to adjust the balance:

Reduce honey slightly if you prefer less sweetness.
Add a small splash of vinegar or extra sesame oil for more depth.
Add chili flakes if you enjoy a gentle heat.

You control the flavor balance easily without changing the core recipe.

What Should I Serve With Honey Sesame Chicken?

Honey sesame chicken pairs best with simple sides that soak up the sauce and balance the sweetness. Popular serving ideas include:

Steamed white or jasmine rice.
Fried rice or garlic noodles.
Lightly sautéed vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers.

Keeping the sides simple lets the chicken remain the star of the meal.

Serving Suggestions

This honey sesame chicken is best served fresh over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or noodles. For a balanced meal, pair it with lightly sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. If you like a little heat, a small drizzle of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes works beautifully without overpowering the sweetness.

hinamunawar

Honey Sesame Chicken

Crispy chicken tossed in a sticky honey sesame sauce that is sweet, savory, and comforting.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 520

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

For The Chicken

500 g boneless chicken breast cut into bite-sized cubes
1 large egg
60 g cornstarch
60 g all-purpose flour
5 g salt
2 g black pepper
2 g garlic powder
120 ml water cold
500 ml neutral cooking oil for frying

For The Honey Sesame Sauce

90 ml honey
60 ml soy sauce
15 ml rice vinegar
15 ml sesame oil
10 g cornstarch
60 ml water
10 g fresh garlic finely minced
5 g fresh ginger finely grated

For Garnish

15 g white sesame seeds lightly toasted
10 g green onions thinly sliced

Method

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water until smooth. Add the cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, and mix until a thick, lump-free batter forms. Add the chicken pieces and toss well, making sure every piece is fully coated.

Heat the oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the battered chicken in small batches. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set aside.
In a clean pan over medium heat, add a small splash of oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and stir continuously. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
Add the fried chicken to the sauce and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated and shiny.
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately while hot.