Quick Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe for Weeknights (Print Version)

Make a quick honey sesame chicken recipe at home. This simple, flavorful dish comes together fast for a delicious weeknight meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian
Dietary: Dairy-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken & Prep

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
03 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or other high-heat oil)

→ Flavorful Sesame Sauce

04 - 1/2 cup honey
05 - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
06 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
07 - 1 tbsp sesame oil
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

→ Finishing Touches

10 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
11 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get your chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces. I aim for about 1-inch cubes – easy to eat and they cook evenly. Pat them super dry with paper towels; this is a crucial step for getting that lovely crisp. Then, toss them with a tablespoon of cornstarch. You want them lightly coated, almost dusty. This is where the magic starts for that irresistible texture. I always make a bit of a mess with the cornstarch, honestly, it gets everywhere, but it's worth it!
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and the minced ginger and garlic. Give it a good stir until everything is combined. This sauce is the heart of our easy honey sesame chicken recipe, so make sure those aromatics are well mixed in. I sometimes add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes here if I'm feeling a little spicy, but that’s totally optional. Taste it! Does it need more tang? More sweet? Adjust it to your liking, like I do every single time.
03 - Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Once it's shimmering, add your chicken in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan, please! This is where I always get impatient and try to cram too much in, and then it just steams instead of searing. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. You're looking for that beautiful color and a slightly crispy edge. Flip them around until all sides are nicely browned. The smell at this stage? Divine!
04 - Once the chicken is perfectly browned, give your sauce another quick whisk and pour it right over the chicken in the pan. Oh, the sizzle! It’s one of my favorite kitchen sounds, honestly. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. The cornstarch on the chicken, combined with the heat, will quickly thicken the sauce, turning it into that gorgeous, glossy coating we’re aiming for. It happens fast, so keep an eye on it! This is where the easy honey sesame chicken recipe really comes together.
05 - Keep stirring the chicken in the sauce until every piece is beautifully coated and sticky. This usually only takes a minute or two. You want that sauce clinging to the chicken, not pooling at the bottom of the pan. Once it’s looking perfectly glazed, take it off the heat. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. The fresh crunch of the green onions really cuts through the richness of the sauce, it’s a must for me!
06 - Dish out your glorious honey sesame chicken immediately. I love serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice, maybe with some steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side. The chicken should be tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and coated in that irresistible sweet and savory sauce. Every bite is just pure satisfaction. It's honestly one of those dishes that just feels good to make and even better to eat.

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the pan, honestly, it just steams the chicken instead of crisping it up.
02 - This sauce keeps well in the fridge for a few days, perfect for meal prep if you make extra.
03 - No rice vinegar? Apple cider vinegar works in a pinch, but the flavor's a little different, just a heads up.
04 - Serve it over fluffy white rice with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for that authentic touch, feels just right.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet or wok
02 - whisk
03 - mixing bowls
04 - cutting board
05 - sharp knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 25g

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