This Honey Sesame Chicken is the ultimate homemade takeout dish! The crispy fried chicken is coated in a glossy, sticky honey glaze, giving it the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. With hints of garlic, soy, and sesame oil, each bite is a delightful explosion of taste and texture.
Perfect for a quick and easy dinner, this dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables. The golden, crispy chicken pieces, topped with fresh green onions and sesame seeds, make for an irresistible, restaurant-quality meal that’s both comforting and delicious.
Full Recipe:
- 4-5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons potato starch (or cornstarch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- ¼ cup avocado oil (or vegetable oil) for frying
Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
Garnish:
- Green onions, chopped
- Cilantro, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix together all the sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Cut chicken thighs into 2-inch cubes and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add potato starch to the chicken, cover the bowl with a lid, and shake to coat evenly.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add avocado oil.
- Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes per side).
- Remove excess oil from the pan using a paper towel.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, pour in the sauce, and sauté for 2-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and caramelizes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or your favorite side.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: ~380 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken – The Perfect Homemade Takeout
If you love the sweet and savory flavors of Chinese takeout, Honey Sesame Chicken is a must-try dish. This homemade version brings all the deliciousness of your favorite restaurant meal with an added bonus—it’s made fresh in your own kitchen. The crispy texture of golden-fried chicken, combined with a sticky honey glaze, creates a dish that is both comforting and irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best things about this dish is how quick and easy it is to make. In just 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table. This recipe is also highly customizable—whether you prefer a bit of spice, a lighter version, or a different protein, there are endless ways to tailor it to your taste.
It’s also a great alternative to takeout. Many restaurant versions of sesame chicken are deep-fried and loaded with added sugars and preservatives. By making it at home, you have full control over the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, healthier meal without compromising on flavor.
The Secret to Perfect Crispy Chicken
The key to achieving the perfect crispy texture lies in the coating. Instead of traditional flour or cornstarch, this recipe uses potato starch. Potato starch not only makes the chicken incredibly crispy but also helps lock in moisture, keeping it juicy on the inside.
Another important factor is shallow frying. Unlike deep frying, shallow frying uses less oil while still delivering a beautifully golden and crunchy coating. Using avocado oil or another neutral-flavored oil ensures the chicken fries evenly without absorbing too much grease.
The Irresistible Honey Sesame Sauce
What truly sets this dish apart is the sticky, sweet, and savory sauce. Made with honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of ketchup, it perfectly balances rich umami flavors with subtle sweetness. The sauce thickens as it cooks, coating each crispy chicken piece in a glossy glaze.
A little bit of sweet chili sauce is added to bring in mild heat, complementing the sweetness of the honey without overpowering it. If you prefer a spicier version, you can substitute or add a dash of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.
Pairing Suggestions
This dish is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides makes it even better. The most classic way to serve Honey Sesame Chicken is over a bed of steamed white rice, allowing the sauce to soak into the grains for an extra flavorful bite.
For a healthier alternative, consider serving it with:
- Brown rice or quinoa – A fiber-rich option that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
- Cauliflower fried rice – A low-carb alternative that still delivers on flavor.
- Steamed vegetables – Broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers add a fresh and crunchy contrast to the sticky chicken.
- Sesame braised cabbage or garlic braised kale – Great side dishes that enhance the sesame flavor profile of the main dish.
Ways to Customize Your Honey Sesame Chicken
One of the best parts about this recipe is how easily it can be modified to fit different dietary needs and flavor preferences.
- Make it healthier – Instead of frying, use an air fryer or bake the chicken for a lighter version while still maintaining crispiness.
- Use a different protein – This recipe works just as well with shrimp, tofu, or even beef strips.
- Add crunch – Toss in some cashews or peanuts for an added crunchy texture.
- Spice it up – Increase the amount of chili sauce or add gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for an extra kick.
- Make it gluten-free – Swap out soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
Tips for the Best Honey Sesame Chicken
To get the most out of this recipe, follow these key tips:
- Cut the chicken evenly – Ensuring all pieces are roughly the same size helps them cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry the chicken in batches to maintain the best crispy texture.
- Taste the sauce before adding it to the chicken – This allows you to adjust sweetness, saltiness, or spice level as needed.
- Let the sauce thicken properly – Simmering the sauce for a couple of minutes before adding the chicken ensures a glossy, thick coating.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, they can easily be stored and reheated while still tasting delicious.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat is in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts to avoid making the chicken too soggy.
- Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing may change the texture and make the sauce too watery when reheated.
Conclusion
Honey Sesame Chicken is the ultimate balance of crispy, sticky, sweet, and savory goodness. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a healthier alternative to takeout, or an impressive dish for family and friends, this recipe delivers. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and endless ways to customize, it’s a go-to meal that will quickly become a favorite in your household.