Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

Close-up of honey sesame chicken pieces coated in a glossy, golden sauce with sesame seeds and green onion garnish.

This honey sesame chicken recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in just 20 minutes. Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a sticky honey-sesame glaze with a hint of garlic, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you're craving a takeout-style dish at home.

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Servings: servings

Calories: 359kcal

Author: Sandra

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

¼ cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar packed
3 cloves garlic grated or minced
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Instructions

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and place them in a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and mix well. Set aside to marinate for 5 minutes.
1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, 2 tablespoons soy sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame seeds. Set aside.
¼ cup honey, ¼ cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 3 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the marinated chicken and toss until each piece is evenly coated.
3 tablespoons cornstarch
Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Pour the sauce mixture into the pan and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes glossy, about 3–4 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can double fry the chicken by cooking it a second time in the hot oil for 1–2 minutes.
Make sure not to overcook the sauce. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not overly reduced.
Serve over steamed rice or with a side of sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition