Name: Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons all purpose flour; 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce; 1/2 cup honey; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, to taste; 1/4 cup water or low sodium chicken broth; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for slurry); 2–3 tablespoons neutral oil, such as avocado or canola; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, lightly toasted; 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe tastes like takeout-level crispy chicken in a sticky, sweet, garlicky sauce with toasty sesame flavor that clings to every bite. It works perfectly for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual entertaining and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. I first made this on a Tuesday when my energy sat at 3 out of 10, and my family still asked for seconds.

Why Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe Is Worth It

This Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe gives you that glossy, sticky, sweet-savory sauce you crave from your favorite Chinese restaurant, but you control the ingredients. The chicken turns crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and the honey garlic sesame sauce coats every piece.

You cook everything in one pan, so cleanup stays easy. The recipe uses simple pantry staples like soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch, so you probably own most of what you need already.

“This Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe tastes better than our local takeout and hits the table faster than delivery. ★★★★★”

Ingredients You Need

Chicken

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
- Use thighs for juicier chicken; chicken breast works too, just watch the cook time.
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Potato starch or arrowroot powder also work if you avoid cornstarch.
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- Use a 1:1 gluten free flour blend if needed.

Sauce for Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
- Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten free or lower sodium options.
½ cup honey
- Any mild liquid honey works; clover or wildflower tastes great.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar works in a pinch.
2 tablespoons ketchup
- Adds color and tang; use your favorite brand.
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- Use ¼ teaspoon ground ginger if you do not have fresh.
¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, to taste
¼ cup water or low sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch, for slurry

For Cooking

2 to 3 tablespoons neutral oil, such as avocado or canola
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, lightly toasted
2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

Pantry shortcuts

Use jarred minced garlic and ginger paste when you feel tired or rushed.
Use pre cut chicken strips to save prep time.
Use a bottled stir fry sauce and boost it with extra honey and sesame oil if you want a semi homemade version.

Equipment

Large nonstick skillet or wok
Cutting board and sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Small whisk or fork
Small bowl for the cornstarch slurry
Tongs or spatula

Quick Tips & substitutions

Pat the chicken very dry before coating so the crust turns crisp.
Cut the chicken into even pieces so everything cooks at the same speed.
Use thighs if you want maximum juiciness and forgiveness on cook time.
Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten free needs.
Use maple syrup instead of honey if you cook for someone who avoids honey.
Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes for deeper flavor.
Do not crowd the pan; cook the chicken in two batches if needed so it browns instead of steams.
Stir the sauce often as it thickens so it does not scorch on the bottom of the pan.
Thin a too thick sauce with a splash of water; simmer a too thin sauce a bit longer.
Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil if you like more heat.

How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Add the cornstarch and flour, then toss again until every piece looks lightly coated and no dry pockets remain.

Step 2: Mix the sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and water or broth. Taste a tiny bit and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your liking. Set the bowl near the stove so it waits for you when the chicken finishes browning.

Step 3: Brown the chicken

Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers. Add half the chicken in a single layer and let it cook without moving it for 2 to 3 minutes so a crust forms. Flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken turns golden and cooks through, then transfer to a plate.

Add another splash of oil if the pan looks dry and repeat with the remaining chicken. Keep the cooked chicken on the plate while you handle the sauce. The bits on the bottom of the pan will add flavor to the sauce.

Step 4: Thicken the sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Give the sauce mixture a quick stir and pour it into the same skillet. In a small bowl, stir 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water until smooth, then whisk that into the sauce.

Let the sauce bubble gently for 2 to 3 minutes while you stir often. It will turn glossy and thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it thickens too fast, add a tablespoon of water and stir.

Step 5: Coat the chicken

Return the cooked chicken and any juices from the plate to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the sauce until every piece looks coated and the sauce clings nicely. Sprinkle in the sesame seeds and half the sliced green onions and toss again.

Let everything cook together for 1 to 2 more minutes so the flavors settle in. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt, extra honey, or a dash of vinegar if you want more tang. Turn off the heat and garnish with the remaining green onions.

Recipe Variations

Gluten free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and swap the flour with a gluten free 1:1 blend.
Dairy free: The recipe already avoids dairy, so you do not need changes.
Lower carb: Use a low sugar sweetener that works well in cooking, and reduce the honey by half while adding more sesame oil and garlic for flavor.
Extra veggie: Add broccoli florets, snap peas, or bell peppers in the pan after browning the chicken and stir fry for a few minutes before you pour in the sauce.
Extra crunchy: Double coat the chicken by dipping it in a beaten egg, then in the flour and cornstarch mixture, and shallow fry in a bit more oil.
Kid friendly mild: Skip the red pepper flakes and serve chili sauce on the side for those who want heat.

Ways to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

Spoon over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice.
Serve with cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage for a lighter bowl.
Pair with stir fried veggies like broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
Stuff into lettuce cups with shredded carrots and cucumber for a fresh, crunchy wrap.
Pack into meal prep containers with rice and roasted vegetables for easy lunches.

Storage Success

Let the Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water until hot and saucy again. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If the sauce thickens too much after chilling, loosen it with a tablespoon or two of water while it warms.