Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

Honey Sesame Chicken is a delicious Asian-inspired dish featuring crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce. It’s a restaurant favorite that you can easily make at home with simple ingredients. The combination of crispy fried chicken with a sticky, flavorful sauce makes this dish an absolute delight. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into how you can make this flavorful dish at home!

Recipe Preparation Equipment

To prepare this Honey Sesame Chicken recipe, you will need the following kitchen tools:

• Mixing Bowls – For marinating the chicken and mixing batter
• Whisk – To mix the batter and sauce
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements
• Cutting Board & Knife – To cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces
• Deep Fryer or Large Skillet – For frying the chicken
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon – To remove chicken from the oil
• Saucepan – To prepare the honey sesame sauce
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring the sauce
• Serving Plate – For presenting the dish

What Do You Need to Prepare Honey Sesame Chicken?

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons water
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Honey Sesame Sauce:

• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

How to Make Easy Honey Sesame Chicken Step-by-Step?

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating

1. In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with water.
3. Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat them in the flour mixture. Set aside.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the chicken in batches for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Make the Honey Sesame Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, add honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
2. Stir in minced garlic and ginger.
3. Bring the mixture to a light simmer.
4. Add cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce.
5. Stir until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
2. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top.
2. Serve immediately with steamed rice or vegetables.

Variations

• Baked Version: Instead of frying, coat the chicken in a light layer of oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
• Air Fryer Method: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
• Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce for heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower.

Cooking Notes

• For extra crispy chicken, double-fry the pieces by frying once at 325°F (160°C), letting them rest, then frying again at 375°F (190°C).
• Always use fresh oil when frying to prevent any residual flavors from affecting the taste.
• Ensure the oil temperature remains consistent to avoid soggy chicken.
• Do not overcrowd the pan when frying; fry in small batches for even cooking.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with steamed white or brown rice for a classic combination.
• Pair with stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
• Add a side of garlic noodles or fried rice for a complete meal.
• For a healthier option, serve over a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice.
• Garnish with extra sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for added flavor.

Helpful Tips

• Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes for extra tenderness.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
• Adjust sweetness by increasing or reducing the honey in the sauce.

Tips for the Best Honey Sesame Chicken

• Use cornstarch in the batter for the crispiest coating.
• Cook the sauce until slightly thickened before adding the chicken.
• Let the fried chicken rest for a minute before adding to the sauce to prevent sogginess.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to balance flavors better.

Best recipes you may also like:

• Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole Recipe
• Authentic Maryland Style Crab Cakes Recipe
• Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
• Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
• Melt In Your Mouth Caesar Chicken Recipe

FAQs

Q: Can I make Honey Sesame Chicken ahead of time?

A: Yes, but keep the sauce and fried chicken separate until ready to serve.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?

A: It’s best to freeze the fried chicken separately and add fresh sauce when reheating.

Conclusion

Honey Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish that brings a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with crispy fried chicken. Whether served with rice, noodles, or vegetables, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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