Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
There’s something about the Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe that instantly transports me to my favorite takeout nights at home—you know, those evenings when you’re curled up on the couch, chopsticks in hand, with a steaming plate of golden, sticky chicken that’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy.
The first time I made the Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe from scratch, I was amazed by how easy and rewarding it was. I’d always assumed dishes like this were best left to restaurants, but when that glossy honey glaze started bubbling in my kitchen, filling the air with a sweet-salty aroma, I knew I’d found my new go-to dinner.
This homemade Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe tastes even better than takeout—crispy fried chicken tossed in a rich, sticky sauce made with honey, soy, sesame, and garlic. It’s comfort food meets Asian-inspired flavor, and every bite delivers that perfect blend of crunch and caramelized goodness.
If you’re craving something that feels indulgent but is simple enough for a weeknight, this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is going to be a keeper.
Do you want more recipes?
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe (2025)
Ingredients for Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
This Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe serves about 4 people, but you can easily double it if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers (trust me, you’ll want them).
For the Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Honey Sesame Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional but adds depth)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1–2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
This Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe may look like it has a few steps, but each one is simple — and the payoff is absolutely worth it.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels — this helps the coating stick better and ensures crispiness.
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, soy sauce, and water. In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat it in the dry mixture. For extra crispiness, you can double-dip (egg mixture → flour mix again).
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat (around 350°F or 175°C).
Fry the chicken in small batches — don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4–5 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
For ultra-crispy chicken, you can double-fry it: let it rest for 5 minutes, then fry again for another 1–2 minutes. This trick makes the coating extra crunchy and helps it hold up to the sauce later.
Step 3: Make the Honey Sesame Sauce
In a separate skillet or saucepan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Once bubbling, add the cornstarch-water mixture and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy — about 1–2 minutes.
Taste and adjust: add a touch more soy for saltiness, more honey for sweetness, or more vinegar for tang.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Add the crispy chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to coat every piece evenly in that beautiful honey glaze.
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and toss again lightly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped green onions and a few more sesame seeds for extra crunch and presentation.
Serve hot and watch it disappear fast!
How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
This Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the sticky-sweet sauce. Here are a few of my favorite serving ideas:
- Steamed white rice or jasmine rice: Classic and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Fried rice: Add extra flavor and texture with leftover rice, peas, and eggs.
- Noodles: Try lo mein or rice noodles tossed with sesame oil and soy sauce.
- Steamed or roasted veggies: Broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy balance out the sweetness.
- Cauliflower rice or quinoa: Great low-carb alternatives.
You can even serve this dish over a bed of crispy lettuce for a lighter sesame chicken salad.
Tips for the Best Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Double-fry for maximum crunch. It’s a game changer! The chicken stays crispy even after tossing in sauce.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches so the oil stays hot and the chicken cooks evenly.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results. They stay tender and flavorful even after frying.
- Fresh garlic and ginger make a difference. They add depth to the sauce that bottled versions can’t match.
- Adjust the sauce to your taste. Add chili flakes or sriracha for heat, or extra honey for sweetness.
- Keep the sauce warm. Toss the chicken in the sauce right before serving so it stays glossy and sticky.
- Toast your sesame seeds. Lightly toasting them in a dry skillet enhances their nutty flavor.
Variations of Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
This Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is so adaptable—you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
1. Spicy Honey Sesame Chicken
Add 1 tablespoon of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick.
2. Baked Honey Sesame Chicken
Skip the frying! Coat the chicken in a light layer of oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then toss it in the sauce.
3. Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken
Spray the coated chicken with cooking spray and air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through. Toss with sauce just before serving.
4. Honey Sesame Tofu or Cauliflower
For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with crispy tofu cubes or roasted cauliflower florets.
5. Low-Sodium Version
Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the added sugar slightly. The flavor will still be amazing.
6. Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken
Add an extra clove of garlic and a dash of oyster sauce for a richer, more savory variation.
FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can fry the chicken ahead of time and store it (without sauce) in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat it in the oven to crisp it back up and then toss with the freshly made sauce.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely — in fact, thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
3. How do I keep the chicken crispy after saucing?
Toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving. If it sits too long, the coating will absorb the sauce and soften.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and replace all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
5. What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works best because they have high smoke points and neutral flavor.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes to maintain crispiness.
7. Can I freeze Honey Sesame Chicken?
You can freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before tossing in the freshly made sauce.
8. What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or add a touch more cornstarch slurry.
9. Is the Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe the same as General Tso’s Chicken?
They’re similar, but Honey Sesame Chicken is sweeter, milder, and less spicy. General Tso’s has more heat and a tangier flavor.
10. Can I use pre-made sauce?
You can, but homemade sauce is far fresher and more flavorful — plus, you can control the sweetness and saltiness to your liking.
Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving)
Based on 4 servings:
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 740mg
(Nutrition may vary depending on ingredients and cooking methods.)
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating your favorite takeout dish at home—fresher, crispier, and perfectly balanced—this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is the one to try. It’s everything you want in comfort food: crispy, saucy, sweet, and savory all at once.
The golden chicken pieces coated in glossy honey sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onions, look (and taste) like something straight from a restaurant—but with the satisfaction of having made it yourself.
It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table go quiet for a moment while they take their first bite—then ask for seconds.
So, the next time you’re craving takeout, skip the delivery app and make this easy homemade Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe instead. It’s budget-friendly, better for you, and every bit as delicious.