Name: Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 ½ lb chicken breast or thighs cut into 1 inch pieces; 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder; ½ teaspoon white pepper; 1 tablespoon water; 2 large eggs; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup cornstarch; 2 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup water; 2 teaspoon vegetable oil; 3 tablespoon light soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 2 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 tablespoon ketchup; ¼ cup honey; 3 tablespoon brown sugar; 3 tablespoon water; 4 cloves garlic; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 teaspoon cornstarch; 3 tablespoon water; Green onion, sliced; Toasted sesame seeds

Honey Sesame Chicken is a dazzling, family-friendly dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and crunchy. Juicy pieces of chicken are marinated, lightly battered, and fried to crisp perfection, then tossed in a glossy, sticky honey sesame sauce that’s packed with flavor in every bite. Skip the takeout and try this recipe at home for an easy Chinese favorite you can truly make your own!

Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Honey Sesame Chicken is all about using straightforward ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Every element — from the succulent chicken to the sticky-sweet sauce — plays a starring role in making this dish truly irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single thing.

Chicken breast or thighs: Juicy, tender chicken is the main event here — use whichever cut you most enjoy for maximum flavor.
Chicken bouillon powder: This boosts umami in the marinade and makes every bite extra savory.
White pepper: For just a whisper of warmth that’s more aromatic than spicy.
Water: Used in both the marinade and batter for consistency and to help everything bind.
Eggs: Critical for adding richness and for helping the batter cling to your chicken pieces.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base for that perfect crispy coating.
Cornstarch: Ensures lightness in the batter and helps thicken the sauce later on.
Baking powder: Gives the batter its irresistible airy crunch.
Salt: A simple but crucial seasoning in balancing out all the flavors.
Vegetable oil: Both in the batter and for frying; essential for that golden, crackly crust.
Light soy sauce: The backbone of any great stir-fry sauce, bringing in salt and depth.
Oyster sauce: Adds a subtle, savory richness you don’t want to miss.
Rice vinegar: Lifts the sweetness with a gentle, tangy kick.
Ketchup: Sneaks in a little brightness and an appealing red color.
Honey: The star ingredient for sweetness and a gorgeous sticky glaze.
Brown sugar: Brings a deeper molasses sweetness that lingers beautifully in the sauce.
Garlic: For irresistible aroma and punchy flavor that rounds out the sauce.
Sesame oil: Just a drizzle and your whole kitchen becomes fragrant and inviting.
Green onion: For a lovely pop of color and a fresh bite.
Toasted sesame seeds: Classic for both flavor and visual appeal right before serving.

How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining your cut chicken pieces with chicken bouillon powder, white pepper, and a splash of water in a bowl. This simple marinade infuses the meat with rich savoriness and a gentle heat — let it rest for at least 10 minutes so the flavors can soak in. Trust me, this quick step means your Honey Sesame Chicken will be tender and flavorful from the inside out!

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

While the chicken marinates, whisk together light soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, and water. This bold blend creates the signature sticky sauce that gives Honey Sesame Chicken its must-have glossy sweetness, upgraded with tang and a hit of umami. Set the sauce aside for later; you’ll want it ready when the chicken is hot and crisp.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a separate bowl, blend eggs, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, a bit of water, and vegetable oil. This is your secret weapon for an ultra-crispy, golden crust. Pour the batter over your marinated chicken and stir gently. Each piece should be generously coated for maximum crunch in every bite.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or heavy-bottomed pot to 365°F. Carefully lower in the battered chicken one piece at a time, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry in batches for about three minutes, transferring the golden chicken to a wire rack to drain once done. This first fry sets up that crucial crispy coating for your Honey Sesame Chicken.

Step 5: Double Fry for Extra Crunch

Ready for extra crunch? Crank the oil to 375°F and give that chicken a quick second fry, just two minutes per batch, until deeply golden and crackling. This step seals in the juicy meat and creates the addictive, crisp bite Honey Sesame Chicken is famous for.

Step 6: Cook the Honey Sesame Sauce

In your wok, sauté fragrant minced garlic in a bit of oil until just golden. Pour in your prepared sauce mix, stirring as you bring it to a simmer. As bubbles form, gently whisk together your cornstarch slurry and add to the pan, stirring until the sauce thickens into a glossy, irresistible glaze. Finish with a splash of sesame oil — the aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Toss the hot, crispy chicken into the simmering sauce and stir until every piece is gleaming and well coated. Scatter over sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for the perfect finishing touch, then dish it up while it’s piping hot and full of flavor. Now dig in — it’s honestly better than your favorite takeout!

How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds is not just a nod to tradition, but brings a toasty, nutty crunch that beautifully complements each bite. Freshly sliced green onions add a pop of color and fresh, subtle sharpness. If you want to make your Honey Sesame Chicken extra special, a few tiny shavings of red chili pepper give your plate an amazing visual lift and a teeny hint of warmth.

Side Dishes

Honey Sesame Chicken loves to be surrounded by fluffy white jasmine rice, but don’t stop there! Steamed broccoli or snap peas work wonders, soaking up extra sauce while adding healthy crunch. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, try serving it alongside homemade fried rice or a cool cucumber salad for a perfect balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Honey Sesame Chicken into a party favorite by serving it as crispy little bites on skewers with extra sauce for dipping. For lunchboxes or leftovers, wrap the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter take. You can also pile it onto steamed bao buns, or even top a crunchy Asian-inspired salad with it for a totally unexpected twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply place any leftover Honey Sesame Chicken in an airtight container and pop it into the fridge — it keeps beautifully for up to three days. The coating will soften a bit, but a quick reheat brings back a lot of that signature crunch and flavor!

Freezing

Honey Sesame Chicken also freezes wonderfully, making it ideal for grab-and-go meals. Freeze the cooked, sauced chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat your Honey Sesame Chicken in a hot oven (about 375°F) or air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes — just until warmed through. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too, though the coating will be softer. A dash of fresh sesame seeds and green onion can help revive that just-cooked magic.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Thighs are a bit juicier and will stay tender even if you slightly overcook them. Some cooks actually prefer chicken thighs for Honey Sesame Chicken because they offer richer flavor and moist texture.

Is it necessary to double fry the chicken?

If you want restaurant-quality crunch, double frying is the secret. That extra fry seals in the juices and delivers a satisfyingly crispy bite that holds up to the sauce. But if you’re short on time, you can fry just once — it’ll still taste great!

How can I make Honey Sesame Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your soy sauce and oyster sauce are gluten-free versions. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free and will still give you that crave-worthy crispiness.

Can I bake or air fry instead of deep frying?

Baking or air frying are excellent lighter options. Arrange battered chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F, flipping once, or air fry at 380°F until golden and cooked through. You’ll get a different (but still lovely) texture compared to frying.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

No problem! You can use extra soy sauce mixed with a dash of sugar or even hoisin sauce for sweetness and depth. The flavor won’t be quite the same, but your Honey Sesame Chicken will still be utterly delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that irresistible, glossy Honey Sesame Chicken from your favorite restaurant, this recipe is the one to try. It’s crispy, sticky, sweet, and so simple to pull off at home. Dive in, have fun, and don’t forget to share — but we won’t judge if you keep it all to yourself!