Name: Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces; 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder; 1/2 teaspoon white pepper; 1 tablespoon water; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup water; 2 teaspoons vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons light soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1/4 cup honey; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 3 tablespoons water; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons water (for slurry); Green onion, sliced; Toasted sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 15 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that brings the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of crunch, you’re in for a treat with this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe. This beloved classic combines crispy, golden-fried chicken pieces coated in a sticky, luscious honey sesame sauce that’s simply irresistible. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends at your next gathering. Trust me, once you try this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your kitchen favorites!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with small, raw chicken pieces. The chicken pieces are light pink with a slightly wet texture, and they are evenly spread inside the bowl. The bowl has smooth round edges and is transparent, showing the chicken clearly from all sides. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and vibrant color that makes this dish so special.

Chicken breast or thighs (1 1/2 lb): Use your preferred cut; thighs offer juicier meat, while breasts are leaner but still delicious.
Chicken bouillon powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth of savory flavor to the marinade.
White pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a mild peppery undertone without overpowering the dish.
Water (multiple measurements): Essential for marinades, batter, and sauce consistency.
Large eggs (2): Helps bind the batter, ensuring that crispy coating clings perfectly.
All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Forms the base of the light and crunchy batter.
Cornstarch (1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons): Adds crispiness to the batter and thickens the sauce.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Gives the batter that airy, crisp texture we all love.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the flavors in the batter.
Vegetable oil (2 teaspoons for batter + for frying): Vital for frying the chicken golden and crispy.
Light soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Brings a salty umami richness to the sauce.
Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a savory, slightly sweet depth to the honey sesame glaze.
Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Lends a subtle tang that perfectly offsets the sweetness.
Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Introduces a hint of tomato tang and color.
Honey (1/4 cup): The star ingredient offering natural sweetness and stickiness.
Brown sugar (3 tablespoons): Enhances the caramelization and deepens the sauce’s flavor.
Garlic (4 cloves): Aromatic and essential for that savory, fragrant punch.
Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that defines the dish.
Green onion (sliced): For freshness and a pop of color when serving.
Toasted sesame seeds: Classic garnish that gives an extra layer of texture and nuttiness.

How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating your chicken pieces in a mix of chicken bouillon powder, white pepper, and water. This step is key to infusing the meat with flavor while keeping it juicy inside. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes — even a little patience here makes a big difference in taste.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

While the chicken marinates, stir together light soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, and water. This combination is where all those sweet, tangy, and savory notes come into play. Set it aside so the flavors marry nicely.

Step 3: Make the Batter

The secret to that perfect crunch lies in your batter. Whisk together eggs, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, water, and vegetable oil until smooth. Coat each piece of marinated chicken well in this batter to ensure an evenly crispy crust once fried.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken – First Fry

Heat your oil to about 365°F. Carefully lower battered chicken pieces in batches to prevent crowding, frying each for 3 minutes. This initial fry partially cooks the chicken, locking moisture inside, and starts forming a crisp shell. Drain on a wire rack to keep that crunch intact.

Step 5: Double Fry for Extra Crispy

Crank up the heat to 375°F for the second fry. This step crisps up the chicken to golden perfection in just about 2 minutes. Double frying ensures a texture that stays crunchy even after coating with the luscious sauce.

Step 6: Cook the Honey Sesame Sauce

In a wok or pan, gently sauté garlic in a teaspoon of oil until fragrant. Pour in your prepared sauce mix and bring to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add a cornstarch slurry to thicken it to the perfect glossy consistency. Finish with sesame oil for that irresistible nutty aroma.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Toss the crispy chicken in the sticky honey sesame sauce until each piece is beautifully coated. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Now you’re ready to dive into a dish that’s bursting with flavor and crunch — pure comfort food magic!

How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

A large white bowl filled with golden-brown fried chicken pieces covered in shiny reddish-brown sauce, each piece sprinkled with small green sliced scallions and white sesame seeds, creating a textured and colorful top layer on the chicken. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a small white bowl of white rice in the bottom left corner and two small white bowls in the top background, one holding sesame seeds and the other holding chopped green herbs. A pair of black chopsticks is placed next to the rice bowl on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds are classic garnishes that brighten up the dish visually and texturally. The green onions add a mild, fresh bite while the sesame seeds give just the right nutty crunch. You can’t skip these little touches—they elevate the whole experience!

Side Dishes

Honey Sesame Chicken pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fragrant fried rice to soak up all the sticky sauce. For a touch of green, try serving with sautéed broccoli or steamed bok choy to add freshness and balance the sweetness of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress even more? Serve your Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe over a bed of crispy noodles for delightful texture contrast, or wrap it in lettuce cups for a handheld appetizer-style treat. You could also sprinkle chopped peanuts or chili flakes for an added crunch or spicy kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers and refrigerate. Keeping them apart helps maintain the chicken’s crispiness and prevents it from getting soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken pieces and sauce separately in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. Gently warm the sauce on the stove and then toss everything together just before serving for that fresh-off-the-stove feel.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more flavorful and juicy, which pairs perfectly with this recipe’s crispy coating and sweet sauce.

Is it necessary to double fry the chicken?

Double frying ensures the chicken stays crispy longer, especially after tossing in the sauce. If you want maximum crunch, it’s worth the extra step.

Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?

You can use maple syrup or agave nectar, but honey gives the signature flavor and a beautiful glaze that’s hard to replicate exactly.

How spicy is this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe?

This recipe is not spicy, focusing more on sweet and savory flavors. You can always add a sprinkle of chili flakes or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure soy sauce is gluten-free to enjoy this recipe without gluten concerns.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe enough—it’s a perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and savory that makes weeknight dinners exciting and delicious. The balance of textures and flavors will keep you coming back for more, whether you’re sharing with family or treating yourself. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe collection!