If you’re searching for a go-to crowd-pleaser that dazzles on both weeknights and special occasions, Quick & Easy Honey Sesame Chicken delivers the perfect balance of crispy, tender chicken smothered in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce. Every bite boasts golden edges, rich honey flavor, and toasted sesame goodness—this is that irresistible dish you always crave at restaurants, only simpler and so much more rewarding when whipped up in your own kitchen.

Quick & Easy Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Quick & Easy Honey Sesame Chicken is how it transforms a handful of everyday staples into something extraordinary. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to either amplify flavor, build irresistible texture, or add a pop of tempting color. Here’s what you need and why:

Chicken thighs: These are juicier and more forgiving than chicken breast, resulting in succulent, flavor-packed bites.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and elevating all the flavors in the dish.
Cornstarch (or potato starch): Coats each piece for that addictive crispy finish you expect from top-notch takeout.
Vegetable oil: Makes for a golden, crunchy fry and doesn’t overpower the other flavors—go for any neutral oil you have.
Green onion: Adds a vibrant splash of color and a punchy freshness that perfectly balances the sweet and savory notes.
Honey: The magic behind the sticky glaze—choose a plain liquid honey so it blends seamlessly in the sauce.
Soy sauce: Provides deep, savory umami and that old-school sesame chicken vibe.
Sesame oil: Just a little bit infuses every bite with nutty warmth—it simply wouldn’t be the same without it.
Sugar: A small amount sharpens the sauce and brings out the nuanced sweetness in the honey.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkle these at the end for irresistible crunch and visual flair.
Cornstarch (for sauce): Slurry thickens the sauce to restaurant perfection—silky, clingy, and glossy.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with robust, aromatic depth—don’t skip it if you love big flavor.
Shaoxing Cooking Wine (or substitutes): Offers delicate fragrance and complexity; you can make it family-friendly by swapping in chicken broth or even dry white wine for a non-alcoholic twist.
Rice vinegar (or apple cider/white vinegar): Gives the glaze a gentle tang, balancing the richness and sweetness beautifully.
Water: Helps blend everything together and adjust the consistency of your luscious sauce.

How to Make Quick & Easy Honey Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Mix the Sauce

Start by grabbing a small bowl and combine your honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, granulated sugar, sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (for the sauce), minced garlic, Shaoxing cooking wine, rice vinegar, and water. Whisk well until the mixture is smooth and set aside. This step ensures your sauce will be ready to go the moment your chicken comes out crispy, keeping everything low-stress and streamlined.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Dice your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, aiming for about 1.5-inch cubes—they cook evenly and are just right for scooping with chopsticks or a fork. Once cut, toss them into a large bowl and season evenly with salt to build a base of flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Shower the chicken pieces with 1/4 cup of cornstarch, tossing until each morsel is evenly covered. This coating is the secret to achieving that extra-light, ultra-crispy shell once fried. Don’t be afraid to add a pinch more cornstarch if things look a bit patchy; every spot should look slightly powdery.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Pour your vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high until shimmering. Add the cornstarch-coated chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan—you want each piece to cook up golden brown and crisp, not steam. Flip them halfway through and cook until every side is crunchy and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes total. After frying, transfer the chicken onto a wire rack or a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil and stay nice and crisp.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Once the chicken is all out of the pan, carefully remove any leftover oil. Pour in your prepared sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. You’ll see the sauce bubble and quickly thicken thanks to the cornstarch slurry, turning into a shiny, beautiful glaze that’s the heart of this Quick & Easy Honey Sesame Chicken.

Step 6: Coat the Chicken & Finish

Tumble the fried chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat every piece generously in that luscious honey-sesame sauce. Let everything mingle for another minute to ensure your chicken stays crisp yet soaks up every drop of flavor. Remove from the heat, scatter over finely chopped green onions, and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Honey Sesame Chicken

Garnishes

There’s nothing like that final sprinkle of sesame seeds and a handful of sliced green onions to bring everything together. Not only do they make the dish look restaurant-worthy, but the different textures and flavors give your Quick & Easy Honey Sesame Chicken a finishing pop. If you like it extra spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or even finely chopped chilies for a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

This chicken is tremendously versatile and absolutely shines alongside simple, fluffy steamed rice, which soaks up all that luscious sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, a side of stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or even garlicky bok choy will keep things balanced and bright. For a cozy touch, serve with homemade fried rice or even some crisp lettuce leaves for wrapping.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party twist, pile your Quick & Easy Honey Sesame Chicken into lettuce cups for handheld bites, or skewer pieces onto toothpicks for easy appetizers. Kids (and adults!) love it tucked inside steamed bao buns with quick pickles, or presented as the star of a build-your-own rice bowl bar alongside lots of vibrant veggies and extra sauce on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have extras, simply cool leftovers to room temperature before transferring the chicken into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce keeps the chicken moist and flavorful even after reheating!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Quick & Easy Honey Sesame Chicken for future cravings. Place cooled chicken (preferably without garnishes) in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results and then reheat as directed below.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat the chicken in a skillet or oven so it stays as crispy as possible. Warm it gently over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce needs loosening. The microwave also works in a pinch, but the coating may be softer—still, the flavors stay delicious and bold.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast will be a bit leaner, but still comes out tasty. Just keep a close watch to avoid overcooking so the meat remains juicy and tender.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

By swapping regular soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, you can easily make this a gluten-free meal. Also ensure your cornstarch and other pantry staples are gluten-free as needed.

What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?

If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry or dry white wine are good options. For a non-alcoholic version, chicken broth or a splash of apple juice work nicely and still provide depth of flavor.

How can I make this dish spicier?

It’s easy to add some zest: toss a pinch of chili flakes, dash of sriracha, or minced fresh chili into the sauce to turn up the heat. Add to your taste and enjoy that extra kick!

Will the chicken stay crispy after saucing?

The chicken stays nicely crisp for a while after being tossed in the sauce, but serving immediately gives the best texture. If you’re making ahead, keep the chicken and sauce separate, reheating and combining just before serving for maximum crunch.

Final Thoughts

I’m always delighted by how Quick & Easy Honey Sesame Chicken delivers a homemade takeout experience in under an hour, with loads more flavor and ease than you’d ever expect. Trust me, once you taste that golden, sticky, sweet-and-salty bite, you’ll be tempted to make it again and again—don’t wait to add this gem to your dinner rotation!