Quick Honey Sesame Chicken for Weeknights (Print Version)

Quick Honey Sesame Chicken is a weeknight favorite! Tender chicken in a sweet and savory sauce. So easy, so flavorful, perfect for any night.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Chinese
Dietary: Dairy-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)

→ Sauce Essentials

03 - 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
04 - 1/4 cup honey
05 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
06 - 1 tbsp sesame oil
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
09 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
10 - 2 tbsp cold water (for slurry)

→ Flavor Boosters

11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

12 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
13 - 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that chicken ready for our Honey Sesame Chicken adventure. Pat those boneless, skinless chicken thighs really dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting a nice sear later on, trust me. Then, cut them into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. I always try to make them uniform so they cook evenly – no one wants an overcooked piece next to a raw one, right? Sprinkle them with a little salt and pepper. This is where I sometimes forget the salt, but it makes a difference!
02 - Now for the star of the show! In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Give it a good whisk until everything is combined and the honey has dissolved. This is the heart of our Honey Sesame Chicken, so make sure it's well mixed. I once got distracted and left a blob of honey at the bottom, which made for an unevenly flavored sauce. Oops! You can even taste a tiny bit here to check the balance, but remember it'll cook down.
03 - Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a little oil. Once it's shimmering, add your chicken pieces in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan, or they'll steam instead of sear. You want a beautiful golden-brown crust! This step smells amazing, that sizzle and the browning chicken? Pure magic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, then remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. Don't worry if it's not cooked through yet, it'll finish in the sauce.
04 - Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the prepared sauce into the same skillet. Let it come to a gentle simmer. While it’s heating, quickly whisk together the cornstarch with a tablespoon or two of cold water to create a slurry. This is a game-changer! Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly. Watch as it transforms, thickening into that luscious, glossy sauce we're aiming for. This is where the magic really happens for our Honey Sesame Chicken.
05 - Once the sauce has thickened to your liking – it should coat the back of a spoon – return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure every piece of chicken is beautifully coated in that sticky, sweet, and savory Honey Sesame Chicken sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is perfectly clinging to it. The aroma filling your kitchen right now? Incredible!
06 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Now for the finishing touches! Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and, if you're feeling fancy, some sliced green onions. The visual appeal is almost as good as the taste! Serve your delicious Honey Sesame Chicken immediately over fluffy rice, with some steamed veggies, or whatever your heart desires. That first bite, with the tender chicken and the sticky sauce, is just heavenly.

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your chicken dry before searing; it makes a huge difference in achieving that lovely crust.
02 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
03 - No rice vinegar? White wine vinegar or a squeeze of lime can work, but use less.
04 - Serve over jasmine rice with steamed broccoli for a complete, comforting meal.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet or wok
02 - whisk
03 - mixing bowls
04 - cutting board
05 - knife

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 30g

Back