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Ready to spice up your dinner routine? This Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken recipe brings together sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors that will delight your taste buds. You only need a few simple ingredients and tools to whip up this dish. Trust me, your dinner guests will be asking for seconds! Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide to create a meal that is sure to impress.

Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Sweet and Savory: This dish perfectly balances the sweetness of honey with the umami of soy sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: With a total time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor.
- Crispy Texture: The cornstarch coating ensures that the chicken pieces are crispy on the outside, adding a delightful crunch to every bite.
- Customizable Garnishes: Top it off with sesame seeds and green onions for a fresh finish, or add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken
– 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Essential Cooking Supplies
To make this dish, you will need:
– A large skillet
– Mixing bowls
– Whisk
– Paper towels
– Tongs or a spatula
Optional Garnishes
For a nice touch, consider these garnishes:
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
Start by taking a mixing bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of honey. Next, pour in 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce. Then, add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Now, finely mince 4 cloves of garlic and grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger. Toss them into the bowl. Whisk all the ingredients well until mixed. Set the honey garlic sauce aside for later.
Frying the Chicken for Perfect Crispiness
Take 1 pound of boneless chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Lightly season them with salt and pepper. Now, dust each piece with 1/4 cup of cornstarch. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer. Fry until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. If needed, fry in batches to avoid crowding. Once cooked, place the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Tossing Chicken in the Sauce and Final Steps
In the same skillet, pour in the honey garlic sauce you made earlier. Let it simmer over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. When the sauce thickens slightly, lower the heat. Add the fried chicken back into the skillet. Gently toss the chicken to coat it well in the sauce. Remove from heat. Before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for added flavor and crunch. Enjoy your delicious honey garlic sesame chicken with fluffy rice and vegetables!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Best Flavor Combination
To get the best flavor, use fresh garlic and ginger. These add a bright taste to the sauce. I also recommend low-sodium soy sauce. This keeps the dish from being too salty. Honey should be pure and natural. It gives a rich sweetness that balances the flavors.
Ensuring the Chicken is Crispy
Coating the chicken in cornstarch is key for crispiness. Make sure every piece is covered well. Fry the chicken in batches. This helps avoid overcrowding the skillet. If the pieces touch, they won’t crisp up. When frying, look for a golden brown color. This shows they are cooked and crispy.
Serving Suggestions for Presentation
For a pretty presentation, use a large platter. Place the chicken in the center and drizzle extra sauce on top. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for color. Serve with fluffy steamed rice and stir-fried veggies. This makes the meal colorful and complete.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger significantly enhance the flavor of the sauce, making your dish more aromatic and delicious.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch before frying will give it a crispy texture that holds up well against the sauce.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey in the sauce to cater to your personal taste for sweetness.
- Garnish for Appeal: Adding extra sesame seeds and green onions not only enhances the presentation but also adds texture and flavor.

Variations
Alternative Proteins to Use
You can easily switch the chicken for other proteins. Try using shrimp for a quick cook. Pork tenderloin works well too; just adjust the cooking time. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based meal. Cut it into cubes and press out the water before cooking.
Vegetarian/Vegan Option Ideas
For a vegetarian or vegan version, use firm tofu or tempeh. Marinate it in the honey garlic sauce for extra flavor. You can also use chickpeas for a protein-packed option. Just toss them in the sauce and bake until crispy.
Spicy Additions to the Sauce
If you like heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Sriracha also works well; just mix in a teaspoon or two. For a deeper heat, try fresh sliced chili peppers. Adjust the amount to suit your taste. Spice can elevate the dish to new levels!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers Properly
To store your leftover Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Ensure you keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it.
Reheating Tips for Maximum Freshness
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using a skillet. Heat it over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but it may not keep the chicken crispy.
Freezing Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken
If you want to freeze the chicken, use a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, you can enjoy its sweet and savory flavors again!
FAQs
What can I serve with Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken?
You can serve Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken with several tasty sides. Fluffy white rice or jasmine rice is a great choice. It soaks up the sweet sauce perfectly. You can also pair it with steamed broccoli or mixed stir-fried vegetables. These add color and nutrition to your meal. For extra crunch, try a side of crispy spring rolls or a fresh salad. These options make your dinner both filling and fun.
How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to put the chicken in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. If you want to enjoy it later, it’s best to eat it within this time frame. This way, you can savor the flavors and avoid waste.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make this dish in advance! You can prepare the honey garlic sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and toss it in the warm sauce. This saves time on busy nights and allows the flavors to meld even more. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken is a simple, tasty dish with great flavors. You learned the key ingredients, how to cook the chicken, and the best tips for serving. I shared variations to fit your taste and gave storage tips for leftovers. Remember, you can easily adapt this recipe to enjoy different options. Cooking is about fun and creativity. Enjoy making this dish and share it with family and friend
Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken Delight
A delicious and crispy chicken dish coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 1 4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions thinly sliced (for garnish)
- to taste salt and pepper
In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until all ingredients are thoroughly blended, then set this aromatic honey garlic sauce aside.
Season the bite-sized chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper. Next, dust each piece generously with cornstarch, ensuring an even coating that will help achieve a crispy exterior.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Fry them until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes on each side. If needed, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
In the same skillet, pour in the honey garlic sauce you prepared earlier. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
After about 2-3 minutes, when the sauce has thickened slightly, reduce the heat to low and return the fried chicken to the skillet. Gently toss the chicken to ensure every piece is generously coated in the luscious sauce.
Once well coated, remove the skillet from heat. Before serving, sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions to add a fresh touch and appealing crunch.
Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, honey garlic, sesame
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