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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup cornstarch - 1 tsp salt - 1/2 tsp black pepper - 1/2 tsp garlic powder - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) - 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds - 3 green onions, sliced Honey sesame chicken uses simple items. You start with chicken thighs. They give a rich flavor and stay juicy. You then need honey for sweetness. Soy sauce adds a salty kick. Next, make the coating. All-purpose flour and cornstarch create a crispy layer. The spices, like salt and pepper, boost the taste. I sometimes add cayenne for heat. It’s optional but fun! Garnishing is key. Toasted sesame seeds add crunch. Sliced green onions bring fresh flavor. Together, these ingredients create a dish that’s both tasty and fun to make! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your coating ingredients. In a bowl, mix together: - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup cornstarch - 1 tsp salt - 1/2 tsp black pepper - 1/2 tsp garlic powder - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) Once mixed, toss the chicken pieces in this mixture. Make sure each piece is well covered. Next, heat your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Let the oil get hot. Now, fry the chicken in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook until it is golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once cooked, remove the chicken and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. In the same skillet, drain excess oil, leaving just 1 tablespoon. Lower the heat to medium. Now, add: - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1 tbsp rice vinegar - 1 tbsp sesame oil Whisk these ingredients together. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it thicken slightly for about 3-5 minutes. Add the fried chicken back into the skillet. Toss the chicken well in the sauce. Make sure each piece is coated evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors. Finally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken. Add sliced green onions for extra flavor. Serve the dish hot over a bed of cooked white rice or jasmine rice. Enjoy your meal! To fry chicken well, oil temperature matters. Heat your vegetable oil to about 350°F. You can test it by dropping a small piece of chicken in. If it sizzles, the oil is ready! Avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken in batches for even cooking. If you add too many pieces at once, the temperature drops. This can lead to soggy chicken instead of crispy bites. Want to switch things up? You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different taste. You could also try using teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a sweet twist. If you like heat, add more cayenne pepper or some chili flakes to the sauce. Spice enhances flavor and adds excitement to every bite. When serving, spoon the honey sesame chicken over a bed of rice. A mound of white or jasmine rice works best. For plating, place the chicken in the center. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. This adds color and crunch. Serve it hot and watch your guests smile! Pro Tips Coating Consistency: Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated in the flour and cornstarch mixture for a crispy texture. Oil Temperature: Test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of chicken; it should sizzle immediately. This ensures a golden-brown finish. Thickening the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for a few extra minutes if you prefer a thicker consistency for better coating. Serving Suggestions: For added flavor, serve with steamed vegetables or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick! {{image_2}} You can make baked honey sesame chicken for a lighter option. To do this, coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture. Instead of frying, bake them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. This keeps the chicken crispy without extra oil. For gluten-free options, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use gluten-free soy sauce. This way, you can enjoy the same taste while fitting your dietary needs. You can add vegetables for more color and nutrition. Try bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just stir-fry them briefly before adding the chicken. This gives you a tasty and vibrant dish. If you want to switch up the protein, use shrimp or tofu. Both absorb flavors well and add new textures. Adjust cooking times as needed. Shrimp cooks fast, while tofu may need a little more time to get crispy. You can modify the sweetness in the sauce by adding less honey. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey or even a splash of maple syrup. This allows you to find the perfect balance for your taste buds. Adding spices can elevate the dish. Try red pepper flakes for heat or ginger for a fresh kick. Adjust these to your liking. A little goes a long way, so start small and taste as you go. To keep your honey sesame chicken fresh, use proper storage methods. First, let the chicken cool to room temperature. Next, place it in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. You can also use resealable bags. Just squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, you have two main choices: microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat for one to two minutes. For stovetop reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to help steam the chicken. This keeps it moist. To keep chicken crispy, avoid the microwave if possible. Instead, reheating on the stovetop protects that crunch you love. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great choice. First, let the chicken cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze honey sesame chicken for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For quicker thawing, place the sealed bag in cold water. Once thawed, reheat using the stovetop method for the best texture. You can serve Honey Sesame Chicken with: - Rice options: Cooked white rice or jasmine rice works best. - Side dishes: Steamed broccoli, stir-fried veggies, or a fresh salad are great choices. These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. Yes, you can use chicken breast. - Differences in texture and flavor: Chicken thighs are juicier and richer in taste. They stay tender when cooked, while breasts may dry out. If you choose breasts, be sure to monitor cooking time closely. To add heat to Honey Sesame Chicken, try these suggestions: - Add more cayenne pepper to the coating mix. - Include chili flakes or sriracha in the sauce. These additions boost flavor and give your dish a spicy kick. Honey Sesame Chicken can be healthy, but it depends on your choices. - Nutritional breakdown: Chicken provides protein, while honey adds sweetness. The dish can be high in sugar and calories if made with a lot of honey. - Variations: Use less honey or add more veggies. Opt for baked chicken instead of fried for a healthier meal. By making smart swaps, you can enjoy this dish while keeping it nutritious. In this post, we explored how to make Honey Sesame Chicken. We covered main ingredients, from juicy chicken thighs to sweet honey and savory soy sauce. You learned about coating and frying techniques to get crispy chicken. We also shared tips for flavor variations and healthy alternatives. Remember, cooking is about creativity and fun. Try new ingredients and make this dish your own. Enjoy this meal with friends and family, and savor every bite!

Honey Sesame Chicken

A delicious and sweet chicken dish coated in a honey sesame sauce, perfect for serving over rice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 2 cup honey
  • 1 4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 4 cup sesame seeds (toasted)
  • 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 Cooked white rice or jasmine rice (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until they are well coated.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
  • In the same skillet, drain excess oil leaving just 1 tablespoon. Lower the heat to medium and add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk together and bring the sauce to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Add the fried chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Once fully coated, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the chicken, along with the sliced green onions. Serve hot over a bed of cooked white rice or jasmine rice.

Notes

For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper.
Keyword chicken, honey, sesame, stir-fry