The Ultimate Finger-Lickin’ Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe (Better Than Takeout!)

Honey Sesame Chicken

Hey, foodies! I’m so excited to tell you about my favorite Chinese dish, Honey Sesame Chicken! This crispy, sweet, and savory dish has become a regular at my dinner table, and I know you’ll love it too.

I’ve spent a lot of time making this recipe better, and I can’t wait to see what you think of it. The best part is that it only takes 30 minutes to make! Great for busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don’t have time to cook for hours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty let me tell you why this honey sesame chicken recipe is about to become your new go-to

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish!
• Budget-Friendly: Much cheaper than takeout (saves you at least $15)
• Customizable: Works with chicken thighs or breast, and you can add any veggies you like
• Family-Approved: Even picky eaters love this sweet and savory combo
• Healthier Option: Less oil than restaurant versions, with an air fryer option too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup cornstarch (for coating)
• ⅓ cup neutral oil (avocado, vegetable, or canola work great)
• Green onions for garnish

For the Honey Sesame Sauce:

• ½ cup plain liquid honey
• 2.5 tablespoons regular soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• ½ tablespoon white granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons Shaoxing cooking wine (or substitute with chicken broth)
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• ¾ cup room temperature water

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Paper towels or wire rack for draining fried chicken
• Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, sesame seeds, cornstarch, minced garlic, cooking wine, rice vinegar, and water.
2. Whisk everything together until well combined and set aside. This allows the flavors to meld while you prepare the chicken.

Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut your chicken thighs into approximately 1.5-inch pieces and place them in a large bowl.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and toss to coat evenly.
3. Pro tip: Don’t pat the chicken dry! You actually want some moisture so the cornstarch sticks properly.
4. Add the cornstarch to the chicken and toss until each piece is evenly coated. If needed, add a bit more cornstarch to ensure good coverage.

Fry the Chicken

1. Heat your neutral oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C) – you can test it by dipping a wooden chopstick in; if it bubbles, it’s ready!
2. Working in small batches (don’t overcrowd!), fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Once crispy, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Combine with Sauce

1. Pour out most of the oil from the pan, leaving just a thin layer.
2. Pour your prepared sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer.
3. Let the sauce simmer until it starts to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the fried chicken back into the pan and toss to coat each piece evenly with the sauce.
5. Remove from heat once the chicken is thoroughly coated.

Serve

1. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions and additional sesame seeds.
2. Serve immediately with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables.

Air Fryer Method (Healthier Option!)

If you’re trying to cut down on oil, here’s how to make this recipe using an air fryer:

1. Follow the same steps for preparing and coating the chicken.
2. Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray.
3. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer (you’ll likely need to work in batches).
4. Lightly spray the chicken with oil spray.
5. Air fry at 400°F for 10-14 minutes until crispy, no need to flip!
6. Prepare the sauce in a pan as directed above, then toss the air-fried chicken in it.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Why is my chicken not crispy enough?

This usually happens when your oil isn’t hot enough or when you crowd too many chicken pieces in the pan at once. Make sure your oil is around 350°F and fry in small batches.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. The chicken might lose some crispiness, but it’ll still taste amazing. To reheat, either microwave for 2-3 minutes or warm in a pan over medium heat.

What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?

If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, you can use dry sherry, dry white wine, or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.

Can I freeze honey sesame chicken?

Yes! It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, store in a freezer-safe container, and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What can I use instead of honey?

Last but not least, you could use light corn syrup, golden syrup, or maple syrup instead of honey if someone can’t eat it.

What to Serve with Honey Sesame Chicken

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with many sides. Here are some of my faves:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)
• Fried rice or lo mein noodles
• Stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, green beans, or broccoli
• Egg rolls or crab rangoons as appetizers

Tips for the Best Honey Sesame Chicken

1. Use chicken thighs if possible – They’re more flavorful and juicier than breast meat.
2. Cut chicken pieces evenly – This ensures they cook at the same rate.
3. Don’t skip the cornstarch – It’s what gives the chicken that perfect crispy coating.
4. Use a heavy-bottomed pan – It maintains heat better for crispier chicken.
5. Fry in small batches – Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy chicken.
6. Drain properly – Getting rid of excess oil prevents the chicken from becoming soggy when you add the sauce.
7. Don’t make the sauce too early – It thickens as it sits, so time it with when your chicken is almost done frying.

Make it Your Own

This recipe is super adaptable! Here are some ways to customize it:

• Spice it up: Add a tablespoon of Sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce
• Go veggie-heavy: Add bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli to the sauce before adding the chicken
• Protein swap: Try it with pork, beef, or even tofu instead of chicken
• Gluten-free version: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce

Why My Recipe is Better Than Takeout

I know there are lots of honey sesame chicken recipes out there, but I truly believe mine stands out because:

1. It’s less greasy than restaurant versions since we’re shallow-frying instead of deep-frying
2. You can control the sweetness and adjust to your preference
3. It uses simple ingredients that most people already have at home
4. The air fryer option makes it even healthier
5. It’s super fresh – no sitting under heat lamps or in delivery containers!

The Origins of Honey Sesame Chicken

While we’re enjoying this tasty dish, it’s interesting to learn that honey sesame chicken, which is sometimes just called “sesame chicken,” is a popular Chinese-American dish. It’s like General Tso’s chicken, but the sauce is sweeter and less spicy, and sesame seeds are added.

The combination of crispy fried chicken with a sweet and savory sauce is what makes this dish so irresistible. The sesame seeds not only add a lovely visual element but also contribute a subtle nutty flavor that complements the honey perfectly.

Budget-Friendly Meal Planning

One of the things I love most about making honey sesame chicken at home is how affordable it is. A typical takeout order might cost you $15 or more, but making it at home costs a fraction of that, especially if you already have most of the sauce ingredients in your pantry.

Plus, this recipe makes enough for about 3-4 servings, so you might even have leftovers for lunch the next day!

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this honey sesame chicken recipe a try! It’s become one of my family’s favorite weeknight meals, and I’m confident you’ll love it too. The crispy chicken pieces coated in that sweet, sticky sauce with the nutty flavor of sesame… it’s simply irresistible!

Now go grab those ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!

Recipe Card

Quick & Easy Honey Sesame Chicken

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 3-4

Happy cooking!

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Note: This recipe was inspired by various sources including Christie at Home and has been adapted to be easier and more accessible for home cooks. I’ve tested it multiple times to ensure it’s as delicious and foolproof as possible!