Honey Sesame Chicken

This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is a delicious and crispy take on the classic Chinese takeout dish, made right in your own kitchen! Tender chicken pieces are fried to a golden crisp and then tossed in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce that’s irresistible. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something indulgent yet easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade version of Honey Sesame Chicken is just as satisfying as your favorite takeout but with the added bonus of knowing exactly what’s in it. The crispy chicken is double-fried for extra crunch, and the honey sesame sauce has the perfect balance of sweetness and umami. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time, this dish is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy an indulgent, flavorful meal without leaving the house.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1½ lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder

• ½ teaspoon white pepper

• 1 tablespoon water

For the Batter:

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cornstarch

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ cup water

• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons light soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• ¼ cup honey

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

• 3 tablespoons water

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

For the Cornstarch Slurry:

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

• 3 tablespoons water

For Garnish:

• Sliced green onions

• Toasted sesame seeds

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with chicken bouillon powder, white pepper, and water. Mix well and marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Make the Sauce:

2. In a small bowl, combine light soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, and water. Mix well and set aside.

Make the Batter:

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, water, and vegetable oil until smooth. Pour the batter over the marinated chicken and mix to coat each piece evenly.

Fry the Chicken:

4. Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a wok or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C). Fry the chicken in batches for about 3 minutes, until lightly golden and crispy. Remove from the oil using a spider strainer and place on a wire rack to drain.

Double Fry the Chicken:

5. Increase the heat to 375°F (190°C) and fry the chicken again for 2 minutes or until golden brown and extra crispy. Remove and place on a wire rack to drain.

Cook the Sauce:

6. In the same wok, add 1 teaspoon of oil and sauté the garlic over medium heat for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer, stirring for 2 minutes.

Thicken the Sauce:

7. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce and stir until it thickens, about 1 minute. Turn off the heat and stir in sesame oil.

Combine and Serve:

8. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 6 servings

Variations

• Spicy version: Add some red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to the sauce for an extra spicy kick.

• Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with tofu for a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.

• Crispier chicken: For extra crunch, try coating the chicken pieces with panko breadcrumbs before frying.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Honey Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until crispy and heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.

2. Can I make this recipe without oyster sauce?

Yes, you can substitute the oyster sauce with additional soy sauce, or use a vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms for a similar umami flavor.

3. Can I use other types of honey?

Any type of honey will work for the sauce, but if you want a more complex flavor, try using raw honey or a honey with a stronger taste.

4. Can I skip the double frying step?

Double frying gives the chicken its signature crispy texture, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time. The chicken will still be crispy, but it won’t be as crunchy as double-fried.

5. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry (mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water) to thicken it up to your liking.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

The chicken is best when served immediately after being tossed in the sauce, but you can prepare the fried chicken and sauce separately ahead of time. Just reheat and combine before serving.

7. How can I make this dish spicier?

To make the dish spicier, add chili garlic sauce, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also toss some chopped fresh chilies with the fried chicken.

8. Can I use a different oil for frying?

Yes, you can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying, such as canola oil, sunflower oil, or peanut oil.

9. Can I use frozen chicken?

While it’s best to use fresh chicken for the crispiest texture, you can use frozen chicken if you thaw it fully and pat it dry before marinating and battering.

10. What can I serve this with?

Honey Sesame Chicken is perfect with steamed rice, fried rice, or even a simple vegetable stir-fry. You can also serve it with a side of crispy vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.

Conclusion

This homemade Honey Sesame Chicken is a crispy, sweet, and savory delight that rivals any takeout. With its golden, crispy chicken pieces and rich, flavorful sauce, it’s the perfect indulgent dish to enjoy at home. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special treat, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests!

Print