Easy Honey Sesame Chicken With Crispy Chicken Bites

Honey Sesame Chicken is a classic takeout-style favorite made with crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sticky, sweet, and savory sesame sauce. This homemade version delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple pantry ingredients, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special family meals.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Sesame Chicken

This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe checks all the boxes for comfort food lovers. It’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a glossy sauce that balances sweetness with savory depth. Unlike takeout, this homemade version lets you control the ingredients, sweetness level, and portion size.

You’ll also love how versatile this dish is. Serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables, and adjust the sauce to suit your taste. Best of all, it comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings when you still want something special.

Ingredients for Honey Sesame Chicken

Chicken and Coating

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• Cornstarch
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Neutral oil for frying (such as vegetable or sunflower oil)

Honey Sesame Sauce

• Honey
• Soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• Ketchup
• Rice vinegar or white vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Garlic, minced
• Sesame oil
• Sweet chili sauce (optional, for gentle heat)

For Serving

• Cooked white or jasmine rice
• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

If you prefer a lighter option, the chicken can be air-fried or baked instead of deep-fried. Chicken thighs offer extra juiciness, while chicken breast stays lean and tender.

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce. If sesame oil isn’t available, omit it — the dish will still be flavorful, though slightly less nutty.

To keep the recipe family-friendly, this version avoids alcohol entirely. Vinegar provides the tang that balances the sweetness of the honey.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Coat each piece lightly in cornstarch, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally dredge in the flour mixture. This layered coating helps create an extra-crispy texture.

Step 2 – Fry Until Crispy

Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crisp, turning occasionally. Remove and drain on paper towels while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3 – Make the Honey Sesame Sauce

In a clean pan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and sweet chili sauce if using. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.

Step 4 – Toss and Serve

Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately over warm rice for best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for Success

• Fry the chicken in small batches to keep the oil hot and the coating crispy
• Toss the chicken in sauce just before serving to prevent sogginess
• Adjust sweetness by reducing honey slightly if you prefer a more savory dish
• Use fresh garlic for the most aromatic sauce
• Let the sauce simmer briefly so it clings well to the chicken

Flavor Variations

• Sweet and Sour Style: Add pineapple juice and extra vinegar for a tangy twist
• Spicy Honey Sesame: Stir in chili flakes or chili paste
• Orange Honey Chicken: Add fresh orange zest and juice
• Ginger Sesame Chicken: Include freshly grated ginger in the sauce
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower florets

Serving Suggestions

Honey Sesame Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles. Add a side of stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for balance. For a lighter meal, serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside a fresh cucumber salad.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan to restore some crispiness.

Freezing is possible, but for best texture, freeze the fried chicken separately from the sauce. Reheat and toss together just before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~480
Protein	~28g
Carbohydrates	~45g
Fat	~22g
Fiber	~2g
Sodium	~780mg

FAQ About Honey Sesame Chicken

Is Honey Sesame Chicken very sweet?

It’s pleasantly sweet but balanced with savory soy sauce and mild acidity. You can reduce the honey slightly if you prefer a less sweet flavor.

Can I make Honey Sesame Chicken ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and fry the chicken in advance, but toss them together just before serving for the best texture.

What’s the difference between sesame chicken and honey sesame chicken?

Honey sesame chicken uses honey as the primary sweetener, while classic sesame chicken often relies more on sugar and soy sauce.

Can this be made healthier?

Yes. Baking or air-frying the chicken and serving with vegetables instead of rice can lighten the dish.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The flavors are mild, sweet, and comforting, making it a family favorite.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe brings takeout-style comfort straight to your kitchen with simple ingredients and big flavor. Crispy chicken, sticky sauce, and nutty sesame notes make it a dish you’ll want to cook again and again.