If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweetness with a savory kick and boasts an irresistibly crunchy texture, this Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is your ticket to flavor heaven. Every bite delivers that wonderful contrast between the golden, crispy chicken coating and the luscious, sticky honey sesame glaze. It’s a dish that feels comforting, exciting, and totally satisfying, whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or impressing friends at your next get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create the magic behind the Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe. Each component is simple but essential, bringing layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish shine both on the palate and the plate.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Tender chicken pieces are the star and their size ensures quick, even cooking with maximum crispiness.
- 1 cup cornstarch: The secret to an ultra-crispy crust that locks in the juiciness.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps create a balanced, light coating that crisps perfectly when fried.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle peppery warmth.
- 2 large eggs beaten: Acts as the perfect binder for the coating.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Provides the ideal frying medium to get that golden crust.
- 1/3 cup honey: Brings the signature sticky, sweet note everyone will love.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Imparts the essential umami depth and saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds a subtle tang and richness to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Balances sweetness with a bright acidity.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses the dish with nutty aroma and flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic minced: Brings punchy, aromatic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated: Adds a fresh, zesty zing.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: Creates a glossy, thickened sauce that perfectly clings to the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Provides a toasty crunch and pretty garnish.
- 2 green onions sliced: Adds freshness and vibrant color as a finishing touch.
How to Make Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper to amp up the flavor right from the start. Next, in one bowl, combine the cornstarch and flour, which will form the crispy coating. In another bowl, beat your eggs to create the perfect adhesive layer. Dip each piece of chicken first into the eggs, then coat it thoroughly with the dry mixture. This double-step ensures your chicken will have that mouthwatering crispy texture once fried.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat about two inches of vegetable oil until it reaches 350°F. Fry your chicken pieces carefully in batches for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve even golden brown crispiness. Using batches prevents overcrowding and keeps the oil hot for that perfect fry. Once cooked, let the chicken drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil but retain its crunch.
Step 3: Prepare the Honey Sesame Sauce
While the chicken fries, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a saucepan over medium heat. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer to mingle the flavors beautifully. Now stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes irresistibly glossy — this is what makes the dish both sticky and shiny.
Step 4: Toss and Coat the Chicken in Sauce
Add the freshly fried chicken pieces to the saucepan and carefully toss until every morsel is coated with the sticky honey sesame sauce. The heat will slightly soften the crust, creating a wonderful sticky-crispy texture that’s simply addictive. Remove from heat once the chicken is evenly coated for the best results.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish your masterpiece by sprinkling sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. These little touches add bursts of flavor and a fantastic visual pop, making the dish as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
How to Serve Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely nutty crunch that enhances the honey sesame sauce. Freshly sliced green onions bring a bright, slightly pungent freshness that cuts through the richness and adds just the right hint of color and texture.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when served alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. For a more substantial meal, pair it with stir-fried vegetables or garlic noodles—both options create a balanced, satisfying dining experience that complements the chicken’s sweetness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe in lettuce wraps or atop a bed of crunchy shredded cabbage for added texture. Alternatively, presentation in small bowls or on mini skewers at a party will definitely impress guests and make for easy, shareable bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together so the flavors meld beautifully overnight, but expect the crust to soften slightly due to the sticky glaze.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to keep the fried chicken and sauce separate to preserve texture. Freeze the chicken pieces on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a sealed bag or container. The sauce can be stored in a separate airtight container. Both will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F to bring back some crispness, then gently warm the sauce on the stove and toss again before serving. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the chicken soggy and the sauce overly thick or sticky.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Definitely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work beautifully in this Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe. Thighs are a bit juicier and more forgiving during frying, but breasts deliver a leaner option and crisp nicely when cooked properly.
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
For an extra crispy coating, consider frying the chicken twice. After the first fry and a quick drain, fry the chicken again for 1 to 2 minutes at a higher temperature. This double-fry method creates an unbeatable crunch that pairs beautifully with the sticky sauce.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
Absolutely! The recipe calls for 1/3 cup honey, but feel free to add a little more or less depending on your taste preferences. Balancing the sweetness with the acidity from rice vinegar lets you customize the perfect flavor profile for your family or guests.
Is this dish gluten-free?
This version uses all-purpose flour and soy sauce, both of which contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, swap the flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What can I do with leftover sauce?
Leftover honey sesame sauce is great drizzled over roasted vegetables, mixed into stir-fried noodles, or even as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or dumplings. It’s a versatile, flavorful sauce that’s worth saving!
Final Thoughts
Taking the time to make this Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe will reward you with a dish that’s both a crowd-pleaser and a comfort food classic. Its perfect blend of textures and flavors is why it always becomes a favorite in my kitchen. So go ahead, try it for yourself and savor every irresistible bite—you might just find your new go-to dinner that everyone asks for again and again.
Print
Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken is a delightful Asian-inspired main course featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce. This dish balances the crunch of fried chicken with a glossy, flavorful glaze, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
Honey Sesame Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a large bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper to taste. This ensures the chicken is flavorful before coating.
- Coat the chicken: In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Dip each piece of seasoned chicken into the beaten eggs, then dredge them thoroughly in the cornstarch-flour mixture to create a crispy exterior after frying.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), which is the ideal temperature for frying chicken to golden crispiness without being greasy.
- Fry the chicken: Working in batches, fry the coated chicken pieces for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally so they cook evenly. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy. Remove the fried pieces with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the simmering sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy and sticky.
- Toss chicken with sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the thickened sauce in the saucepan. Toss well to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the sticky honey sesame glaze.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle the chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and fresh flavor. Serve immediately, ideally over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, fry the chicken a second time for 1 to 2 minutes after the initial frying and before tossing in the sauce.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dish by increasing or decreasing the amount of honey according to your taste preference.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or your choice of noodles for a complete meal.
