Honey Sesame Chicken (better than takeout)

Sure, you can always order takeout when you're in the mood for something sweet and savory. But why not try making your own honey sesame chicken?

This crispy honey sesame chicken recipe is made with crispy chicken pieces coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce. It's the perfect combination of tender and crunchy textures with intense flavors from soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and sweet chili sauce.

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This easy chicken recipe is a family favorite that takes only about 30 minutes to make from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you're short on time.

Reasons to love this Honey Sesame Chicken recipe

QUICK! This recipe is quick. Ready in 30 minutes.
Kid-approved. Even my picky eaters loved it.
You can double the sesame sauce and use it as a marinade for the next day's dinner. This would be great for chicken thighs in the air fryer.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Chicken thighs: It's important to use chicken thighs for this sesame chicken recipe. The boneless skinless chicken breast will work too, but thighs are just juicier and more flavorful.

Potato Starch: This is a great substitute for AP flour. It is gluten-free and I think it is a bit healthier for you.

Spices: this recipe calls for onion and garlic powder; however, you can use whatever is available. In my video, I used a special spice powder with gochugaru, ginger, and sesame.

Avocado oil: For shallow frying chicken. You can use any neutral-flavored cooking oil, like vegetable or canola oil.

Honey: For a uniquely sweet and sticky sauce, use good quality honey from the nearest grocery store. Substitute with any sweetener you have, such as maple syrup, agave, or monk fruit.

Ketchup: Adds a bit of sweetness and acidity to the sweet sauce.

Sweet chili sauce: You can substitute it with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce, but only in small amounts.

Sesame oil: Essential for that classic sesame chicken flavor! You can even use toasted sesame oil if you're feeling extra fancy and for that extra nutty flavor and aroma.

Low-Sodium Soy sauce: Regular soy sauce works best for this recipe. Tamari works great as a gluten-free alternative.

Equipment

Medium bowl with a lid
Cutting board
Knife
Large skillet, wok or cast iron pan
Tongs
Wooden spoon

How to make this crispy sesame chicken

Combine all the sauce ingredients and set them aside.
Cut your chicken into 2-inch cubes. Place them in a bowl and season with onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add potato starch. Cover with lid and shake.
Heat up your skillet, and add ¼ cup of avocado oil for shallow frying.
Fry your chicken in batches. Do not crowd.
Remove the remaining oil with a paper towel.
Add back the chicken and the sauce. Saute for 2-4 minutes until the sauce is thick and caramelized.

Tips for making the best Honey Sesame Chicken

Cut the chicken into small, equal pieces. 2 inches is best. This helps the chicken cook faster and evenly.
Use cornstarch or AP flour if you do not have potato starch.
Don't forget to season your chicken! Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices like gochugaru for heat, and ginger are great for adding flavor to your dish.
Taste the sauce before adding it to your chicken. This will help you adjust the flavors to suit your taste buds.

Storage and Reheating

STORE - store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

REHEAT - reheat in a microwave or the air fryer to get it nice and crispy again.

FREEZE - do not freeze this recipe. It will not taste delicious.

Serve this with

Steamed white rice, brown rice, or purple rice
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Sesame Braised Cabbage
Garlic Braised Kale

MORE CHICKEN THIGHS RECIPES

Honey Sesame Chicken - FAQS

What does Honey Sesame Chicken taste like?

Honey sesame chicken has a sweet, savory flavor with hints of heat. The chicken is coated in a sticky honey-based sauce containing soy sauce and sesame oil for an intense umami flavor. The addition of sweet chili sauce adds just the right level of sweetness and subtle spiciness, making this dish irresistible.

Is Honey Sesame Chicken healthy?

No. You can make this healthier by using your air fryer instead of shallow frying.

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