Quick And Easy Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
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
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
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
Calories: 512kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 36gFat: 29.8gSaturated Fat: 4.9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 888mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 11IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 6mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!