Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken Flavorful Dinner Recipe

Name: Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 500 g chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces; 3 tablespoons honey; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; 2 green onions sliced (for garnish); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening); 2 tablespoons water; 0 to taste salt and pepper

November 28, 2025July 6, 2025 by Amelia

Looking for a dinner that’s sweet, savory, and super simple? Try my Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken! This dish is packed with crunchy sesame seeds and bursts of flavor from garlic and fresh ginger. You’ll only need a few main ingredients, and I promise this meal will impress your family or friends. Get ready to bring deliciousness to your table with my step-by-step guide!

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want a delicious meal.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, garlic, and sesame oil creates a sweet and savory sauce that is irresistible.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, quinoa, or even noodles, and pair it with your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Family-Friendly: This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

500g chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil

These main ingredients form the base of the dish. Chicken thighs bring a juicy flavor. Honey adds a sweet touch. Soy sauce gives a savory depth. Sesame oil adds a nice nutty hint.

Flavor Enhancers

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Garlic and ginger are key for flavor. They make the dish aromatic and fresh. Sesame seeds add crunch and enhance the sesame flavor.

Additional Components

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Green onions add a pop of color and freshness. Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce for a rich texture. Salt and pepper balance all the flavors.

When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a delicious meal. Enjoy the process of cooking and the joy of eating!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons sesame oil.
Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Mix these ingredients well to create a tasty marinade.
Next, add 500g chicken thigh fillets cut into bite-sized pieces.
Coat the chicken well with the marinade.
Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.

Cooking the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken. Discard any leftover marinade.
Stir fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. You want it golden brown all over.
Keep stirring to ensure even cooking. This makes sure each piece gets that nice color and flavor.

Thickening the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. This creates a slurry.
Once the chicken is cooked through, add the slurry to the skillet.
Stir well to coat the chicken and thicken the sauce.
Cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting the sauce bubble and get thick.
Finally, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds over the chicken and mix them in.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Marinade

Marinating your chicken is key for flavor. I recommend at least 30 minutes, but two hours is even better. This time lets the chicken soak up all that tasty goodness. You can adjust the flavors by adding more honey for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness. If you like a kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Cooking Techniques

When it comes to cooking, I prefer a wok. A wok heats up fast and cooks chicken evenly. If you don’t have a wok, a skillet works just fine. The key is to keep the heat high. This helps the chicken get that nice golden brown color. Stir the chicken often to ensure it cooks evenly.

Serving Suggestions

For the best presentation, serve your honey garlic sesame chicken over a bed of jasmine rice or quinoa. This adds a soft base that balances the flavors. Add a side of colorful stir-fried vegetables for nutrition and visual appeal. To make it look nice, sprinkle sesame seeds on top and garnish with green onions. This not only looks great but adds extra flavor too.

Pro Tips

Marinate Longer for Depth: For an even richer flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
High Heat Cooking: Ensure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the chicken quickly, creating a nice golden crust while keeping it juicy inside.
Thickening the Sauce: Adding a cornstarch slurry is a great way to thicken sauces quickly. Make sure to mix it well before adding to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.
Garnishing for Freshness: Always garnish with fresh green onions just before serving. This adds a pop of color and a fresh crunch that complements the dish beautifully.

Variations

Alternative Proteins

You can swap chicken for tofu or shrimp in this recipe.

Tofu works great if you want a plant-based meal. Just use firm tofu and press it to remove extra water. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. Cook it the same way as the chicken.

If you choose shrimp, use peeled and deveined shrimp. They cook faster, so reduce the stir-frying time to about 3-4 minutes. This keeps the shrimp tender and juicy.

Flavor Variations

Adding vegetables can make your dish even better. You can stir-fry bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. These add color and crunch. Just throw them in the pan after cooking the protein. Cook them for a few minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes to the marinade or sprinkle them on top when serving. This will give your dish a nice kick.

Dietary Adaptations

If you need gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari gives a similar taste without gluten.

For a low-sugar version, reduce the honey to one tablespoon. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. This keeps the flavor while lowering the sugar content.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store leftovers, let the honey garlic sesame chicken cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. To maintain flavor, keep the chicken separate from rice or veggies. This prevents sogginess.

Best practices for refrigeration include labeling the container with the date. This way, you can track how long it’s been stored. Always check for freshness before eating.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the honey garlic sesame chicken. First, cool it completely. Then, use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. The chicken can last up to three months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. You can also microwave it. Make sure it’s heated all the way through. Stir often to keep it moist.

Shelf Life

For general guidelines, honey garlic sesame chicken lasts about three days in the fridge. In the freezer, it stays good for three months.

Signs of spoilage include an off smell, discoloration, or a slimy texture. If you notice any of these, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety.

FAQs

How do I make Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken spicier?

To add heat, try these tips:

Use red pepper flakes in the marinade.
Add sliced jalapeños when cooking the chicken.
Drizzle with sriracha just before serving.

You can adjust the spice level to match your taste. Start with small amounts and increase as needed. These options give you the perfect kick without overwhelming the dish.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast. Chicken thighs are juicier and more tender. They absorb flavors better than breasts. However, chicken breast works fine if you prefer it. Just be careful not to overcook it, as breasts can dry out quickly.

What can I serve with Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken?

For side dishes, consider:

Steamed jasmine rice or quinoa.
Stir-fried vegetables for added color and nutrition.
A fresh salad for a crunchy contrast.

Pair the dish with some sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce for extra flavor. These sides complement the honey garlic sesame chicken well, making for a complete meal.

This blog provided a clear guide on making Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken. We explored key ingredients like chicken thighs, honey, soy sauce, and flavor enhancers such as garlic and ginger. I outlined each cooking step, from marinating to serving. Don’t forget the tips that help you perfect your dish and explore variations.

In closing, this dish is versatile and full of flavor. You can easily adjust it to suit your taste. Enjoy cooking and serve it proudl

$- 500g chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces - 3 tablespoons honey - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons sesame oil These main ingredients form the base of the dish. Chicken thighs bring a juicy flavor. Honey adds a sweet touch. Soy sauce gives a savory depth. Sesame oil adds a nice nutty hint. - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds Garlic and ginger are key for flavor. They make the dish aromatic and fresh. Sesame seeds add crunch and enhance the sesame flavor. - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening) - Salt and pepper, to taste Green onions add a pop of color and freshness. Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce for a rich texture. Salt and pepper balance all the flavors. When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a delicious meal. Enjoy the process of cooking and the joy of eating! {{ingredient_image_1}} - In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons sesame oil. - Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. - Mix these ingredients well to create a tasty marinade. - Next, add 500g chicken thigh fillets cut into bite-sized pieces. - Coat the chicken well with the marinade. - Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. - Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. - Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken. Discard any leftover marinade. - Stir fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. You want it golden brown all over. - Keep stirring to ensure even cooking. This makes sure each piece gets that nice color and flavor. - In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. This creates a slurry. - Once the chicken is cooked through, add the slurry to the skillet. - Stir well to coat the chicken and thicken the sauce. - Cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting the sauce bubble and get thick. - Finally, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds over the chicken and mix them in. Marinating your chicken is key for flavor. I recommend at least 30 minutes, but two hours is even better. This time lets the chicken soak up all that tasty goodness. You can adjust the flavors by adding more honey for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness. If you like a kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. When it comes to cooking, I prefer a wok. A wok heats up fast and cooks chicken evenly. If you don’t have a wok, a skillet works just fine. The key is to keep the heat high. This helps the chicken get that nice golden brown color. Stir the chicken often to ensure it cooks evenly. For the best presentation, serve your honey garlic sesame chicken over a bed of jasmine rice or quinoa. This adds a soft base that balances the flavors. Add a side of colorful stir-fried vegetables for nutrition and visual appeal. To make it look nice, sprinkle sesame seeds on top and garnish with green onions. This not only looks great but adds extra flavor too. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Depth: For an even richer flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply. High Heat Cooking: Ensure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the chicken quickly, creating a nice golden crust while keeping it juicy inside. Thickening the Sauce: Adding a cornstarch slurry is a great way to thicken sauces quickly. Make sure to mix it well before adding to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth consistency. Garnishing for Freshness: Always garnish with fresh green onions just before serving. This adds a pop of color and a fresh crunch that complements the dish beautifully. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for tofu or shrimp in this recipe. Tofu works great if you want a plant-based meal. Just use firm tofu and press it to remove extra water. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. Cook it the same way as the chicken. If you choose shrimp, use peeled and deveined shrimp. They cook faster, so reduce the stir-frying time to about 3-4 minutes. This keeps the shrimp tender and juicy. Adding vegetables can make your dish even better. You can stir-fry bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. These add color and crunch. Just throw them in the pan after cooking the protein. Cook them for a few minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes to the marinade or sprinkle them on top when serving. This will give your dish a nice kick. If you need gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari gives a similar taste without gluten. For a low-sugar version, reduce the honey to one tablespoon. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. This keeps the flavor while lowering the sugar content. To store leftovers, let the honey garlic sesame chicken cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. To maintain flavor, keep the chicken separate from rice or veggies. This prevents sogginess. Best practices for refrigeration include labeling the container with the date. This way, you can track how long it’s been stored. Always check for freshness before eating. For longer storage, you can freeze the honey garlic sesame chicken. First, cool it completely. Then, use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. The chicken can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. You can also microwave it. Make sure it’s heated all the way through. Stir often to keep it moist. For general guidelines, honey garlic sesame chicken lasts about three days in the fridge. In the freezer, it stays good for three months. Signs of spoilage include an off smell, discoloration, or a slimy texture. If you notice any of these, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. To add heat, try these tips: - Use red pepper flakes in the marinade. - Add sliced jalapeños when cooking the chicken. - Drizzle with sriracha just before serving. You can adjust the spice level to match your taste. Start with small amounts and increase as needed. These options give you the perfect kick without overwhelming the dish. Yes, you can use chicken breast. Chicken thighs are juicier and more tender. They absorb flavors better than breasts. However, chicken breast works fine if you prefer it. Just be careful not to overcook it, as breasts can dry out quickly. For side dishes, consider: - Steamed jasmine rice or quinoa. - Stir-fried vegetables for added color and nutrition. - A fresh salad for a crunchy contrast. Pair the dish with some sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce for extra flavor. These sides complement the honey garlic sesame chicken well, making for a complete meal. This blog provided a clear guide on making Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken. We explored key ingredients like chicken thighs, honey, soy sauce, and flavor enhancers such as garlic and ginger. I outlined each cooking step, from marinating to serving. Don't forget the tips that help you perfect your dish and explore variations. In closing, this dish is versatile and full of flavor. You can easily adjust it to suit your taste. Enjoy cooking and serve it proudly!$