Are you ready to delight your taste buds? This Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken recipe packs bold flavors that will make dinner time your favorite hour. You only need a handful of simple ingredients and easy steps to create a dish that’s both savory and sweet. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this meal will surely impress. Let’s dive into the details of this tasty dinner delight!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a deliciously balanced sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add more garlic and ginger to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or noodles, making it a versatile meal option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken
To make this tasty dish, you need a few key ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients create a balance of sweet and savory flavors. The chicken thighs provide a juicy base. Honey adds sweetness, while soy sauce gives that umami punch. Garlic and ginger bring depth to the taste.
Optional Ingredients for Enhancing Flavor
You can add extra ingredients to boost flavor:
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Bell peppers for sweetness and crunch
- Broccoli for added nutrition
These optional ingredients can make the dish more vibrant. Spice lovers may enjoy the heat from red pepper flakes. Adding veggies not only enhances taste but also adds color to your plate.
Suggested Side Dishes for Serving
Pair your Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken with these sides:
- Cooked jasmine rice or noodles
- Steamed broccoli or snap peas
- A fresh salad with sesame dressing
These sides complement the chicken nicely. Jasmine rice absorbs the sauce well. Noodles offer a different texture while still being tasty. A salad adds freshness and crunch, balancing the meal. Enjoy this flavorful dinner delight!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Chicken and Marinade
Start by cutting 1 pound of chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This helps the chicken cook evenly. In a medium bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of honey, 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Whisk everything together well. This mixture will be your marinade. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and ensure they are coated in the marinade. Let it sit for 10 minutes. This allows the chicken to soak up the flavors.
Cooking Chicken in Sesame Oil
Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Season them with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be golden brown and cooked all the way through. Stir often to prevent sticking. The smell will be amazing as it cooks!
Adding the Sauce and Thickening
Now, pour the remaining honey garlic mixture over the chicken. Stir it well so the chicken is fully coated again. Let this sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This thickens the sauce and infuses the chicken with flavor. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add this to the skillet while stirring. This will help the sauce thicken in about 1 minute. Finally, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds and toss everything together. The dish is now ready!
Tips & Tricks
How to Ensure Perfectly Cooked Chicken
To cook chicken just right, you want it juicy and tender. Start with boneless, skinless thighs. They cook evenly and stay moist. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking. Heat the sesame oil until it shimmers. Add the chicken in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Let it brown without stirring for a few minutes. This helps build flavor. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Check the center; it should be white, not pink.
Tips for Perfect Sauce Consistency
For a smooth sauce, mix your ingredients well. Whisk the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger until combined. When adding the cornstarch slurry, stir continuously. This helps avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes. The heat activates the cornstarch, thickening the sauce nicely. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of water. If it’s too thin, let it cook a bit longer.
Suggestions for Serving and Presentation
Presentation makes a big difference. Serve the chicken over fluffy jasmine rice or noodles. This adds a nice base. Use shallow bowls for a clean look. Top with chopped green onions for color. Sprinkle extra sesame seeds for crunch. A drizzle of honey on top gives it shine and sweetness. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes!
Pro Tips
- Marinate for More Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate in the honey garlic mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavors.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will provide a more vibrant flavor compared to dried versions.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey by half and balance it with an extra splash of soy sauce.
- Garnish for Presentation: Add some fresh cilantro along with the green onions for a pop of color and additional freshness.

Variations
Adding Vegetables for More Nutrition
You can make this dish even better by adding vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas work well. Chop them into small pieces for easy cooking. Add them into the skillet after the chicken is cooked. Stir and cook them for about 3-5 minutes. This adds color and nutrients to your meal. Plus, the veggies soak up the honey garlic flavor, making them taste amazing!
Alternative Proteins for Different Diets
If you want to switch up the protein, try using shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Just sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based meal. Use firm tofu, cut it into cubes, and brown it in the skillet before adding the sauce. Both options keep the dish tasty and satisfying.
Spicy Version for Heat Lovers
For those who love heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce. Start with half a teaspoon and taste as you go. You can also mix in fresh chopped chili peppers for extra kick. This will bring a fiery twist to the sweet and savory sauce. Just remember to balance the spice with a little extra honey if it gets too hot!
Storage Info
Proper Refrigeration Techniques
After making Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. This keeps the chicken fresh and safe to eat.
How to Reheat for Best Results
To reheat, use a skillet. Heat it over medium heat. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist. Stir the chicken until it’s hot. You can also use a microwave. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. This way, it stays tasty and does not dry out.
Freezing Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken
Yes, you can freeze Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken! Put it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it as mentioned before for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will still taste great. However, chicken thighs add more flavor and stay juicy. If you use breasts, cook them for about 6-8 minutes.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
You can use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute. Both options give a similar taste. If you want a low-sodium option, look for low-sodium soy sauce.
Is Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, then yes, it is gluten-free. Always check the labels to be sure. This dish can fit well into a gluten-free diet. Enjoy it without worry!
In this article, we explored how to make Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken. We covered the main and optional ingredients, plus some tasty side dishes. You learned step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect cooking. We shared tips for great texture and presentation. You also discovered variations to suit different diets and spice levels.
Remember, cooking is fun and allows you to be creative. With practice, you will master this dish and impress your family and friends. Enjoy your cooking adventur

Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
- to taste salt and pepper
- as needed cooked jasmine rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
- Sprinkle in the toasted sesame seeds and give everything a good toss to combine flavors.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute for the flavors to meld.
- Serve the Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken over jasmine rice or noodles, garnished with chopped green onions.

