Easy Honey Sesame Chicken: A Sweet & Savory Weeknight Favorite

If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy, flavor-packed, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, look no further than Easy Honey Sesame Chicken. With just a few ingredients and about 30 minutes, you’ll have a takeout-style meal that’s better than what you’d get from your local Chinese restaurant.

This sweet and savory chicken recipe delivers crispy bites coated in a glossy sauce made of honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil, with just the right kick of spice. And the best part? It’s made in one pan with pantry staples—no deep frying, no stress.

Before we dive in, make sure you’re handling poultry safely in your kitchen by reviewing the USDA’s guide to cooking chicken safely. Also, if you’re new to Asian ingredients, understanding the difference between vinegars can make a big difference in your cooking. Here’s a great primer on what rice vinegar is and how it compares to others.

What Makes This Recipe So “Easy”?

• It’s cooked entirely in a skillet—no oven or fryer needed
• Only common ingredients—no need to hunt down obscure sauces
• Ready in under 30 minutes, start to finish
• Beginner-friendly and hard to mess up

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup cornstarch (for that crispy coating)
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup honey (raw or clover is perfect)
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ons

• No rice vinegar? Sub with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in a pinch
• Want extra heat? Add red pepper flakes or a bit more sriracha
• Add veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to stretch the meal

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the chicken
   • Toss your chicken pieces in a mixture of cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Brown the chicken
   • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches, turning occasionally until golden and crispy (about 5–6 minutes).
3. Make the sauce
   • In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and half the sesame seeds.
4. Coat the chicken
   • Pour sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Stir to coat. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F).
5. Garnish & serve
   • Sprinkle with remaining sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot.

Chef’s Tips for Success

• Use low-sodium soy sauce to avoid overly salty flavor
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the chicken—do it in batches
• To keep the chicken crispy, don’t simmer for too long in the sauce
• Let the sauce thicken naturally—don’t rush it with cornstarch slurry

Best Sides to Serve With Honey Sesame Chicken

• Jasmine rice or brown rice
• Fried rice with eggs and veggies
• Steamed broccoli, bok choy, or a quick stir-fry
• Rice noodles or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option

Tasty Variations to Try

• Baked version: Coat chicken and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, then toss in sauce
• Air fryer twist: Cook coated chicken at 375°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway
• Vegan option: Use tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken
• Extra spicy: Add chili flakes or swap sriracha for gochujang

How to Store and Reheat

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce
• Avoid freezing once the sauce is added—it doesn’t thaw well

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~300
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 22g
• Fat: 14g
• To reduce sugar, cut honey to 2 tbsp and use monk fruit sweetener

Healthier Tweaks

• Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil
• Sub tamari for gluten-free
• Add steamed veggies to increase fiber and volume

What People Are Saying

From AllRecipes and other food blogs, here’s what home cooks are loving:

• “So simple and delicious—my kids devoured it!”
• “Next time I’ll double the sauce and add broccoli.”
• “Better than takeout and half the price!”
• “I swapped soy sauce for coconut aminos and it worked great.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes! Coat chicken pieces and air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once. Then toss in the sauce.

Is honey sesame chicken healthy?
It can be! Use lean chicken breast, reduce added sugar, and serve with veggies for a balanced meal.

What’s the difference between sesame chicken and General Tso’s?
Sesame chicken is sweet and mild, while General Tso’s tends to be spicier and uses a darker, tangier sauce.

How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer it longer on low heat or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water).

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed before coating and cooking.

Related Keywords (LSI & NLP)

• Sweet Asian chicken
• Sticky garlic honey sauce
• Chinese takeout at home
• Crispy sesame chicken bites
• Quick weeknight dinner idea
• Stir fry chicken with honey
• Sriracha soy glaze
• Easy chicken skillet recipes
• Low sodium Asian chicken
• Homemade sesame chicken recipe

If you’re exploring ways to incorporate honey in more dishes, the National Honey Board breaks down its natural health benefits and how to use it effectively in cooking.

Ready to ditch the takeout menus? With this Easy Honey Sesame Chicken recipe, you’ll have a go-to dish that feels indulgent but is incredibly doable on a weeknight. Whether you’re meal-prepping or feeding a family, this recipe’s going to be on repeat.

Print