Quick Honey Sesame Chicken for Weeknights (Print Version)
Whip up this quick honey sesame chicken for a flavorful weeknight dinner. A simple, sweet, and savory dish your family will love, full of comforting tastes.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Main Players
01 -
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
1/4 cup cornstarch
03 -
2 tbsp vegetable oil
→ Sauce Stars
04 -
1/2 cup honey
05 -
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
06 -
2 tbsp rice vinegar
07 -
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
08 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Finishing Touches
09 -
1 tbsp sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
10 -
2 green onions, sliced
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. Pat your chicken thighs super dry with paper towels – this is crucial for getting a good sear, honestly. Then, cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch chunks. Toss them with the cornstarch in a bowl until each piece is lightly coated. I usually do this right before cooking, and I always make a little mess with the cornstarch, it's just part of the process for me.
02 -
Heat your oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to do this in batches, and please, resist the urge to move it around too much! Let it get a beautiful golden-brown crust, about 3-4 minutes per side. This is where the magic starts to happen, and your kitchen will begin to smell amazing.
03 -
While the chicken is searing, whisk together your sauce ingredients: honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Give it a good whisk until everything is combined. This is the heart of our Easy Honey Sesame Chicken, so make sure it's well mixed. I always take a little sniff at this stage; it’s so fragrant!
04 -
Once all the chicken is seared, return it all to the pan. Pour that glorious sauce over the chicken. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll see the sauce start to thicken and cling to the chicken. This is the best part, watching it transform! Don’t walk away; you want to make sure it doesn’t reduce too much or burn.
05 -
Once the sauce is thick and glossy, remove the pan from the heat. This Easy Honey Sesame Chicken is almost done! Stir in about half of the sesame seeds. Give it a good toss to coat every piece of chicken evenly. I love how the seeds add a subtle crunch and make it look even more appetizing. Taste it, adjust anything if you feel it needs it – maybe a tiny splash more soy sauce?
06 -
Transfer your delicious Honey Sesame Chicken to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish generously with the remaining sesame seeds and sliced green onions. The vibrant green against the golden chicken and glossy sauce is just so inviting. Serve it immediately with your favorite sides. It looks so impressive for how little effort it took, honestly!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken; otherwise, it will steam instead of sear, and you won't get that lovely crust.
02 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days; reheat gently on the stovetop for best results.
03 -
If you're out of fresh ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger can work in a pinch, but fresh is definitely better.
04 -
Serve this chicken with fluffy white rice and steamed broccoli to soak up all that amazing sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet or wok
02 -
whisk
03 -
mixing bowls
04 -
cutting board
05 -
knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 18 g
Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
Protein: 30 g