Looking for a delicious, family-friendly dinner that’s on the table in under 30 minutes? Look no further than Honey Sesame Chicken—a takeout-inspired favorite that’s easy to whip up at home. This dish combines crispy chicken bites with a sweet and savory glaze that’s bursting with flavor, making it the perfect solution for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner party.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: Ready in about 25–30 minutes.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably already have.
- Healthier than Takeout: No mystery ingredients—just fresh, real food.
- Kid-Approved: Sweet, sticky sauce and bite-sized chicken are a hit with all ages.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for pan frying)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the honey sesame sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional, for extra tang)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional for extra flavor)
Optional garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Extra sesame seeds
- Steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side
How to Make It
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then toss with cornstarch until lightly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add garlic (and ginger if using) and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in soy sauce, honey, ketchup, vinegar, and sesame oil. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Thicken It Up: Stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1–2 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed white or brown rice for a satisfying meal.
- Add stir-fried vegetables or a side of Asian slaw for color and crunch.
- Pair with a light cucumber salad or miso soup for a takeout-style dinner at home.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, coat the chicken in flour and egg before frying.
- Want it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
- Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different twist.
- Double the sauce if you like it extra sticky!
Final Thoughts
This Quick & Easy Honey Sesame Chicken is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can bring restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen—fast. Sweet, savory, and satisfying, this dish is bound to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Dinner tonight? Sorted.
0 Comments