Sesame Chicken with Honey Soy Glaze

Sesame Chicken with Honey Soy Glaze is a classic Asian-inspired dish that combines crispy chicken pieces with a glossy, flavorful sauce made from honey, soy sauce, garlic, and toasted sesame oil. The result is the perfect balance of savory sweetness, aromatic sesame, and a gentle hint of tang. This dish is universally loved for its irresistible sticky coating and tender chicken, making it feel like a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Why i love this recipe

I love this recipe because it is incredibly satisfying, simple enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough for entertaining. The chicken cooks to a beautiful golden crisp, while the glaze clings perfectly to each piece, offering a rich, bold flavor that keeps you coming back for more. Homemade sesame chicken also allows you to control the sweetness, sodium, and heat, unlike many packaged or takeout versions.

This is a must try dish

This dish is a must try because it showcases how easy it is to recreate a takeout favorite with fresh ingredients and pantry staples. The aroma of sesame oil, garlic, and honey simmering together is comforting and mouthwatering. Whether you're cooking for your family or preparing a special meal, this sesame chicken delivers a delightful combination of texture, flavor, and satisfaction.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time : 20 minutes

Cooking Time : 20 minutes

Total Time : 40 minutes

Servings :4 servings

Calories per Serving :Approximately 540 calories

Course : Main Course

Cuisine : Asian-Inspired / Chinese-American

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Honey Soy Glaze

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted if desired)

For Garnish and Serving

• Sliced green onions
• Extra sesame seeds
• Steamed rice or noodles
• Stir-fried vegetables (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Coat and fry chicken until golden and crispy.
2. Prepare the honey soy glaze and thicken it with a cornstarch slurry.
3. Toss chicken in the glaze until evenly coated.
4. Serve immediately with rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken pieces dry and place them in a bowl. This helps the coating stick better.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Mix cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the cornstarch mixture.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches, about 4 to 5 minutes per batch or until golden and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Honey Soy Glaze

In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Add the cornstarch slurry while stirring. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 6: Coat the Chicken

Place fried chicken in a large bowl or skillet, and pour the thickened sauce over it. Toss gently until all pieces are coated.

Step 7: Serve

Place sesame chicken over steamed rice or noodles. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.

How to Serve

Serve hot immediately for the best texture. Sesame chicken pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, fried rice, lo mein noodles, or a simple bowl of stir-fried veggies. Garnish with green onions and extra sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. This dish is also great as part of a larger Asian-style dinner spread.

Recipe Tips

• For extra crispiness, double-coat the chicken with cornstarch.
• Do not overcrowd the pan while frying or the chicken will steam instead of crisp.
• Toasted sesame seeds add deeper flavor than raw ones.
• Adjust sauce sweetness by adding more or less honey.
• For a healthier version, air fry or bake the chicken instead of frying.
• If reheating, crisp chicken separately in an oven or air fryer before mixing with sauce.

Variations

• Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add sriracha, chili flakes, or chili paste to the glaze.
• Orange Sesame Chicken: Add 1/2 cup orange juice and 1 tablespoon orange zest to the sauce for a citrus twist.
• Sesame Chicken Tofu: Replace chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Baked Version: Coat chicken lightly with oil and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and decrease added sugar.
• Peanut Sesame Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons peanut butter for a nutty, creamy twist.

Freezing and Storage Time

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
• Reheating:
  • Oven or air fryer keeps chicken crisp.
  • Reheat sauce on the stove and toss with reheated chicken right before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Deep skillet, wok, or frying pot
• Wire rack or paper towels for draining
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Sesame Chicken with Honey Soy Glaze is a wonderfully flavorful and satisfying dish that captures everything you love about Asian-inspired cuisine. The crispy chicken, sticky sweet glaze, and fragrant sesame flavors create a meal that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a special homemade takeout night, this recipe delivers delicious results every time. Enjoy the tender bites, balanced flavors, and the sheer joy of recreating a favorite restaurant classic right in your own kitchen.