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Sweet and savory honey sesame chicken in a bowl topped with sesame seeds and green onions.

Sweet & Savory Honey Sesame Chicken

Sweet & Savory Honey Sesame Chicken is a crispy chicken dish coated in a glossy honey-soy sauce with garlic, ginger, and sesame. It’s a popular takeout-style favorite that’s easy to recreate at home, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1½ tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Method
 

  1. Cut the chicken into evenly sized bite-size pieces and toss with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in a single layer until golden and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic and ginger to the same pan. Stir briefly until fragrant.
  4. Add the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and water. Stir well and let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
  5. Return the chicken to the pan and toss until every piece is coated in the sauce.
  6. Stir in the sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions if using.

Notes

  • Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
  • Chicken thighs stay juicier, while chicken breast keeps the dish lighter.