Honey Sesame Chicken

Honey sesame chicken is a Chinese-American classic made with crispy fried chicken tossed in a glossy honey sesame sauce. I love how the sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors coat every bite. It’s one of my favorite takeout-style recipes to make at home because it tastes fresher and even better than what I usually get from a restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like making honey sesame chicken because it’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory with a delicious crunch from the double-fried chicken. The sauce is sticky, glossy, and coats each piece beautifully. I can serve it over rice or noodles, making it a versatile dish for dinner. I also appreciate how simple the ingredients are—most are pantry staples, and I can easily adjust the flavors to make it spicier or more tangy.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken marinade

• 1 ½ lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder

• ½ teaspoon white pepper

• 1 tablespoon water

Batter

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cornstarch

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ cup water

• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons light soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• ¼ cup honey

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

• 3 tablespoons water

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Cornstarch slurry

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

• 3 tablespoons water

Garnish

• Green onions, sliced

• Toasted sesame seeds

Directions

1. I start by marinating the chicken with bouillon powder, white pepper, and water for at least 10 minutes.

2. I mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set it aside.

3. In another bowl, I whisk together the eggs, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, water, and oil until smooth, then coat the chicken pieces with the batter.

4. I heat oil in a wok or heavy-bottomed pot to 365°F and fry the chicken in batches for about 3 minutes. I let them drain on a wire rack.

5. For extra crispiness, I increase the oil temperature to 375°F and fry the chicken again for 2 minutes until golden brown.

6. In a clean wok, I sauté garlic with a little oil, then add the sauce and bring it to a simmer. I stir in the cornstarch slurry until the sauce thickens, then finish with sesame oil.

7. Finally, I toss the chicken in the sauce until evenly coated and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes add dried chili peppers or chili oil to give the sauce a spicy kick.

• For a lighter version, I cook the chicken in a skillet instead of deep frying.

• Adding grated ginger to the sauce gives it a more vibrant, aromatic flavor.

• If I want a deeper color, I add 1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce to the sauce mixture.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover honey sesame chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I prefer using the oven or air fryer at 350°F so the chicken stays crispy. I avoid microwaving it since it makes the coating soggy.

If I plan ahead, I freeze the chicken separately from the sauce for up to 3 months. I thaw both in the fridge overnight before reheating and combining them.

FAQs

What’s the difference between honey sesame chicken and General Tso’s chicken?

General Tso’s chicken has a bold, spicy flavor, while honey sesame chicken is sweeter, milder, and coated in a glossy sesame-honey sauce.

Can I freeze honey sesame chicken?

Yes, I can freeze it, but I get the best results when I freeze the fried chicken separately from the sauce.

Is sesame chicken healthy?

Since the chicken is deep-fried, it isn’t particularly healthy. When I want a lighter version, I pan-fry or grill the chicken and toss it with the sauce.

Does honey sesame chicken contain nuts?

No, there are no nuts in this dish. The nutty flavor comes from sesame seeds, which are seeds and not nuts.

Does this recipe contain dairy?

No, honey sesame chicken doesn’t contain dairy, making it a good option if I’m avoiding milk-based ingredients.

Conclusion

Honey sesame chicken is one of my go-to takeout-inspired meals at home. I like how crispy the chicken stays even after being coated in the sticky, sweet sauce, and it pairs perfectly with rice or noodles. Whether I’m cooking for my family or just craving comfort food, this recipe never disappoints. It’s easy, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser

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