When I think of perfect weeknight dinners, honey sesame chicken strikes me as the ideal option. It offers that appealing combination of sweet and savory flavors while being incredibly simple to prepare.
Not only does it taste great, but it also pairs beautifully with various sides, allowing for a satisfying meal every time.
Imagine this: a warm plate stacked with tender chicken pieces, all glistening under a lovely honey glaze, served alongside some fluffy rice, steamed broccoli, or a fresh salad. Sound delicious?
Trust me, it is. Before we jump into the recipe and tips for crafting this dish, let’s explore ideal pairings.
Steamed Rice, Vegetable Stir-Fry, Chilled Cucumber Salad, or Egg Fried Rice. Now that we have some ideas to serve this dish with, let’s dive deeply into making your quick and easy honey sesame chicken.
Have you ever returned home after a long day and just wanted something quick yet delicious? If you can relate, then keep reading.
I’ve spent years in the kitchen experimenting and perfecting recipes that keep meals easy but delicious. Therefore, today, I’m thrilled to share my quick and easy honey sesame chicken recipe.
What’s great about this dish is that it requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a meal suitable for any busy weeknight. Plus, it can easily be customized to fit your taste buds.
So, what exactly is quick and easy honey sesame chicken? Let’s break it down further.
What is Quick and Easy Honey Sesame Chicken?
Quick and easy honey sesame chicken is a dish that captures the essence of sweet and savory flavors. Chicken thighs, coated and fried, get tossed in a heavenly sauce made from honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
The result? An irresistible dish that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and unmistakably addictive.
Why This Recipe Works?
Simplicity: You don’t need complicated techniques here. With basic cooking skills, you can whip this dish up in no time.
Bold Flavors: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic give this dish a delightful punch. The balance between sweetness and saltiness is spot-on, making each bite memorable.
Versatile Meal: Whether it’s for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this chicken works for any occasion. You can switch up ingredients or add more veggies as per your preference.
Quick Cooking Time: From start to finish, you can have this dish ready in about 30 minutes. That’s right! Quick and delicious food can coexist.
Ready to get cooking? Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful recipe.
You’ll also like the following recipe
- Butter Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Corned Beef And Cabbage Delicious Recipe
- How To Make Carrabba’s Pasta Carrabba Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Quick and Easy Honey Sesame Chicken
1 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs
¼ cup cornstarch or potato starch (for coating)
⅓ cup neutral oil
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ green onion, finely chopped
Sauce:
– ½ cup honey
– 2 ½ tablespoons regular soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
– ¾ cup room temperature water
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch or potato starch
– ½ tablespoon granulated white sugar
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons Shaoxing Cooking Wine (or dry sherry, dry white wine, or chicken broth for non-alcoholic version)
– 2 teaspoons rice vinegar (or apple cider/white vinegar)
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
– ½ teaspoon red pepper
How to Make This Honey Sesame Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss them with salt and cornstarch (or potato starch) until fully coated. This step is crucial for ensuring a crispy exterior.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat the neutral oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan. You want each piece to crisp up nicely.
Step 3: Cook Until Golden
Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. This should take around 10-12 minutes total. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Now, pour in your diluted sauce mixture made with honey, soy sauce, water, vinegar, and Shaoxing wine. Bring this to a simmer.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Mix cornstarch with a bit of water in a separate bowl to make a slurry. Once the sauce is simmering, slowly stir in the slurry. This will thicken your sauce beautifully. Allow it to bubble away for another couple of minutes.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the crispy chicken to the skillet, tossing well in that tasty sauce. Cook everything together for just a minute so the flavors meld, and finish off by sprinkling sesame seeds and chopped green onion on top.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot, and watch everyone gather around the table. If you’ve made extra, be sure to hide some for later.
Tips for Perfect Honey Sesame Chicken
Use Fresh Ingredients: Quality ingredients always yield better flavors.
Adjust Sweetness: Honey is naturally sweet. Feel free to adjust the quantity to your liking.
Don’t Rush the Cooking: Letting the chicken cook fully ensures it remains juicy.
Experiment with Vegetables: Toss in snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Let Leftovers Rest: If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing to maintain texture.
Nutrition Information
Quick and easy honey sesame chicken recipe nutrition facts
How to Store the Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be sure to let the chicken cool to room temperature before sealing it up.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, ensuring it’s heated through before serving again.
Recommended Side Dishes for Quick and Easy Honey Sesame Chicken
Fried Rice: This one is a classic. Fluffy rice with tiny bits of egg and vegetables beautifully complements the chicken.
Broccoli: Steamed or stir-fried, broccoli adds a bite to contrast with the sweetness of the chicken.
Asian Slaw: Made with fresh cabbage, carrots, and a soy-based dressing, this crunchy side balances the textures perfectly.
Quinoa: If you’d like a nutritious touch and gluten-free option, serve the chicken over quinoa for a unique twist.
Substitute Options for Ingredients
Chicken Thighs: If you don’t have thighs, chicken breast works fine but may be less juicy.
Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder is a great gluten-free alternative.
Soy Sauce: For those seeking a gluten-free option, look for tamari sauce, which has a similar flavor profile.
Sesame Oil: If you’re out, olive oil can be used, though the flavor will differ.
Quick And Easy Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
- ¼ cup cornstarch or potato starch for coating
- ⅓ cup neutral oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ green onion finely chopped
Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 2 ½ tablespoons regular soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- ¾ cup room temperature water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or potato starch
- ½ tablespoon granulated white sugar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons Shaoxing Cooking Wine or dry sherry, dry white wine, or chicken broth for non-alcoholic version
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar or apple cider/white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger finely grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss them with salt and cornstarch (or potato starch) until fully coated. This step is crucial for ensuring a crispy exterior.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
- In a large skillet, heat the neutral oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan. You want each piece to crisp up nicely.
Step 3: Cook Until Golden
- Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. This should take around 10-12 minutes total. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Now, pour in your diluted sauce mixture made with honey, soy sauce, water, vinegar, and Shaoxing wine. Bring this to a simmer.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
- Mix cornstarch with a bit of water in a separate bowl to make a slurry. Once the sauce is simmering, slowly stir in the slurry. This will thicken your sauce beautifully. Allow it to bubble away for another couple of minutes.
Step 6: Combine Everything
- Return the crispy chicken to the skillet, tossing well in that tasty sauce. Cook everything together for just a minute so the flavors meld, and finish off by sprinkling sesame seeds and chopped green onion on top.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot, and watch everyone gather around the table. If you’ve made extra, be sure to hide some for later.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them separately until you’re ready to cook.
2. How spicy is this dish?
With just half a teaspoon of red pepper, this dish is mild. Adjust the pepper level to suit your taste.
3. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake it at 400°F (about 200°C) for 20-25 minutes for a healthier version, flipping halfway through.
4. What are other suitable proteins for this recipe?
Shrimp or tofu are excellent substitutes if you want a different protein but maintain a similar sauce flavor.
5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Conclusion
Quick and easy honey sesame chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. With minimal fuss, you can create a dish that is not only visually appealing but also profoundly satisfying.
I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen and sparks joy around your dinner table.
So, roll up those sleeves and get cooking. Feel free to share your success stories or any tweaks to the recipe! After all, the best meals are those made with love and a sprinkle of creativity.
