Name: Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 ½ lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces; 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder; ½ teaspoon white pepper; 1 tablespoon water; 2 large eggs; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup cornstarch; 2 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup water; 2 teaspoon vegetable oil; 3 tablespoon light soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 2 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 tablespoon ketchup; ¼ cup honey; 3 tablespoon brown sugar; 3 tablespoon water; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 teaspoon cornstarch; 3 tablespoon water; Green onion, sliced; Toasted sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe

If you have a craving for something that perfectly balances sweet and savory with a satisfying crunch, you are going to adore this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe. Juicy fried pieces of chicken breast are coated in a luscious, thick honey sesame sauce that feels like the ultimate homemade version of your favorite Chinese takeout. The blend of honey, soy, and garlic creates layers of flavor that will have you reaching for seconds, making this dish a total winner for any dinner or lunch occasion.

A large white bowl filled with many pieces of golden-brown fried chicken, each piece covered in a shiny, thick, orange-brown sauce. The chicken is sprinkled with small white sesame seeds and chopped green onions, adding texture and color on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a small white bowl of steamed white rice visible at the top left and a small white plate with chopped green onions at the top right, as well as a small white plate with sesame seeds partially visible at the bottom left. A pair of black chopsticks lies on the right side of the frame. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together to create an irresistible flavor and texture combo. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the crispy batter for the chicken, creating the rich sauce, or adding those finishing touches that make this dish pop.

Chicken breast or thighs (1 ½ lb): Tender chicken pieces provide the perfect base that soaks up marinade and sauce beautifully.
Chicken bouillon powder (1 teaspoon): Adds an extra boost of savory depth during marination.
White pepper (½ teaspoon): Offers a subtle spice without overwhelming the sweet elements.
Eggs (2 large): Key for the batter, binding everything together with a light texture.
All-purpose flour (½ cup): Provides structure to the batter, helping that crispiness develop.
Cornstarch (½ cup + 2 teaspoons for slurry): Essential for creating a super crispy coating and thickening the sauce.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Gives the batter a nice lift for maximum crunchiness.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
Vegetable oil (for frying and 2 teaspoons in batter): Makes frying possible and adds moisture in the batter mix.
Light soy sauce (3 tablespoons): The salty backbone of the sauce.
Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings richness and an extra umami punch.
Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Balances sweetness with a bright acidity.
Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle tang and color to the sauce.
Honey (¼ cup): The star sweetener that makes the sauce shine and stick to the chicken.
Brown sugar (3 tablespoons): Deepens the sweetness with caramel notes.
Water (various amounts): Used to adjust consistency in marinade, sauce, and batter.
Garlic (4 cloves): Sauteed to fragrant perfection to build aroma and flavor.
Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Provides that signature nutty finish for the honey sesame sauce.
Green onion (sliced): Fresh garnish adding a pop of color and mild onion bite.
Toasted sesame seeds: Crunchy garnish that enhances texture and visual appeal.

How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

To start, cut your chicken into 1-inch pieces and toss them in a mixture of chicken bouillon powder, white pepper, and water. This quick marinade tenderizes the meat and infuses a subtle savory note that makes every bite tastier. Give it at least 10 minutes—this little step works wonders!

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

Combine light soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, and water in a small bowl. Mixing these ingredients beforehand ensures the sauce flavor is balanced and cohesive when cooking. Set this aside to let the flavors mingle while you prepare the rest.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, water, and vegetable oil until smooth. This batter is the secret to a golden crisp coating that holds up perfectly under that luscious honey sesame glaze. Make sure each piece of chicken gets an even coat.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken (First Fry)

Heat vegetable oil to 365°F in a wok or heavy-bottomed pot. Fry the battered chicken pieces individually in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Fry them for about 3 minutes until cooked through but not yet deeply golden. Drain on a wire rack to keep the crust crispy while you prepare the second fry.

Step 5: Double Fry for Ultimate Crispiness

Increase the oil temperature to 375°F, then fry the chicken again in batches for 2 minutes. This second fry crisps up the exterior beautifully, creating that addictive crunch you crave in every bite while the inside stays juicy and tender. Drain on a wire rack to remove excess oil.

Step 6: Cook the Honey Sesame Sauce

In the wok, heat a teaspoon of oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Pour in the mixed sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce for about 1 minute. Finally, turn off the heat, add sesame oil, and mix well to finish the glaze.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Gently toss the crispy chicken pieces in the honey sesame sauce until each morsel is evenly coated in that rich, sticky goodness. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of texture and freshness. Serve immediately for the ultimate homemade Chinese takeout experience.

How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A simple garnish really elevates this dish. Freshly sliced green onions add a vibrant color contrast and just enough onion bite to brighten the rich sauce. The toasted sesame seeds bring texture and a subtle nuttiness that makes each bite feel special. These finishing touches turn your dish into a true crowd-pleaser.

Side Dishes

Serve your honey sesame chicken alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy fried rice to soak up every last drop of that flavorful sauce. Stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy add fresh crunch and a healthy balance. For variety, a simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette complements the sweetness brilliantly.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the chicken over a bed of crunchy shredded cabbage or alongside crispy wonton chips for a fun texture contrast. You can also pile the chicken into lettuce wraps for a lighter, handheld option that’s perfect for parties or casual meals. No matter how you plate it, this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe shines.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Honey Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and chicken together to maintain that sticky, flavorful coating. When ready, the chicken will still be delicious, though it’s best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if stored properly. Place cooled chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze sauce separately if possible to maintain the best texture. Frozen portions can last up to 2 months for convenient future meals.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to bring back the crispy texture. Warm the sauce gently on the stove and toss the chicken in it just before serving. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken soggy and less appetizing.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and add a bit more flavor, though breasts provide a leaner option. Either cut into bite-sized pieces, it works well with this recipe.

Is it necessary to double fry the chicken?

Double frying is key for achieving that iconic crispy texture that holds up under the sauce. The first fry cooks the chicken, and the second ensures it stays crunchy even when coated.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensuring soy sauce is gluten-free, you can enjoy a gluten-free version of this wonderful Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe.

How sweet is the sauce?

The sauce has a beautiful balance of sweetness from honey and brown sugar, rounded out by savory and tangy notes. It’s sweet but never overpowering—just right for a comfort food dish.

What’s the best oil to use for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. They tolerate the high frying temperatures without breaking down, resulting in perfectly crispy chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is one of those rare finds that feels like a treat but is completely achievable in your own kitchen. The combination of crispy chicken, sticky-sweet sauce, and fresh garnishes is endlessly satisfying. So go ahead, dive in, and make this delicious dish a new favorite for your family and friends!