EASY HONEY SESAME CHICKEN RECIPE

Craving that sweet and savory takeout flavor but want to skip the delivery fees and mystery ingredients? Look no further than this Honey Sesame Chicken recipe! Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a glistening, sticky-sweet sauce, bursting with the nutty aroma of sesame seeds. Get ready to whip up a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen – you’ve got this!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying

For the Honey Sesame Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, for garnish
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Let’s Talk Chicken Prep

Alright, before we even think about that amazing Sesame Chicken sauce, let’s get our chicken prepped and ready to be transformed. I always prefer using chicken thighs for this recipe because they stay super tender and juicy even when fried, but chicken breasts will work too. Just be careful not to overcook them!

The key to crispy chicken is a good coating. We’re using a combination of cornstarch and flour here. The cornstarch helps create that light, crispy texture, while the flour adds a bit of body to the coating. Don’t skip the salt and pepper – they’re essential for flavor! And that beaten egg? It’s what helps the coating stick to the chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, add the beaten egg.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the egg and toss to coat.
4. Transfer the chicken to the cornstarch mixture and toss until fully coated. Make sure each piece is well covered.

Frying the Chicken:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You’ll know the oil is ready when a small piece of chicken sizzles immediately when dropped in.
2. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
3. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Making the Honey Sesame Sauce:

1. While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
5. Continue to simmer the sauce for 1-2 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be able to coat the back of a spoon.

Bringing it All Together:

1. Add the fried chicken to the saucepan with the Honey Sesame sauce.
2. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.
3. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly.

Serving:

1. Remove from heat and transfer the Honey Sesame Chicken to a serving plate.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional).
3. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Secrets to the Perfect Honey Sesame Glaze

That Honey Garlic Chicken glaze… isn’t too far off from what makes this Honey Sesame sauce so irresistible. The balance of sweet, savory, and tangy is key. I like to use a good quality honey for the best flavor, but any honey you have on hand will work. The rice vinegar adds a nice tanginess that cuts through the sweetness of the honey, and the sesame oil gives it that signature nutty flavor.

Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can leave them out altogether. And if you want a little extra garlic flavor, feel free to add another clove or two.

One trick I’ve learned over the years is to always taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. If it’s too sweet, add a splash of soy sauce or rice vinegar. If it’s not flavorful enough, add a pinch of salt or a dash of sesame oil. You are the chef, and you know what tastes best to you!

Variations and Substitutions

This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is super versatile, and there are tons of ways to customize it to your liking. For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Simply toss the chicken with a little bit of oil and bake it in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

If you’re not a fan of chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts, tofu, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

And if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with cauliflower florets or broccoli. Simply toss them with the cornstarch mixture and fry or bake them until tender-crisp.

You can also experiment with different sauces. For a spicier version, add some sriracha or gochujang to the Honey Sesame sauce. Or, for a sweeter version, add a little bit of brown sugar or maple syrup.

Serving Suggestions & Sides

This Honey Garlic Chicken style recipe is fantastic served over steamed rice, but it’s also delicious with noodles. I love serving it with a side of stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. A simple salad with a light vinaigrette is also a great way to balance out the richness of the dish. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can serve it with some spring rolls or egg rolls.

For a complete meal, try adding a side of edamame or seaweed salad. And don’t forget the fortune cookies!

Why This Recipe Works (and Why You’ll Love It!)

Okay, so why is this Honey Sesame Chicken recipe so amazing? First of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. Even if you’re a beginner cook, you can totally nail this recipe. It’s also a huge crowd-pleaser. Everyone loves the combination of sweet and savory flavors, and the crispy chicken is just irresistible. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables.

And let’s be real, who doesn’t love takeout? This recipe allows you to enjoy all the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant in the comfort of your own home. It’s also a budget-friendly option. Making it yourself is much cheaper than ordering delivery, and you can control the ingredients and portion sizes.

For busy weeknights, this Honey Garlic Chicken or Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is your new best friend. It’s quick, easy, and delicious – the perfect trifecta!

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Work in batches if necessary.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. The oil should be shimmering and a small piece of chicken should sizzle immediately when dropped in.
• Don’t overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it until it’s golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Whisk the cornstarch slurry well before adding it to the sauce. This will prevent lumps from forming.
• Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You want a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
• Serve immediately for the best results. Honey Sesame Chicken is best when it’s freshly made and the chicken is still crispy.

Honey Garlic Sauce: A Close Relative

If you enjoy Honey Sesame Chicken, you’ll definitely appreciate the simplicity and flavor of Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken. While this recipe leans into sesame, the Honey Garlic version focuses on a rich and savory garlic flavor profile with the same delightful sweetness. It’s another fantastic option for those seeking easy weeknight dinners that are both satisfying and delicious.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my go-to Honey Sesame Chicken recipe! I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!