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4.9 from 27 votes

Honey Sesame Chicken

This Asian inspired recipe features chicken that is lightly fried with a flavorful coating and then tossed in a quick and easy honey sesame sauce that’s sweet, sticky, and delicious. It’s a 30 minute family dinner that everyone will love.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 498 kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

For the Chicken
  • 3 pounds chicken breast
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or other oil for frying
For the sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2/3 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon chile paste
  • 3 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onion

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, soy sauce, water, and sesame oil from the first list until smooth.
  2. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and then place in a zip top bag or container. Pour in flour mixture and toss until all pieces are completely coated with the mixture. Refrigerate until ready to cook.
  3. In a small sauce pan whisk together chicken broth, honey, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, chile paste and garlic. Heat over medium high heat stirring regularly until it comes to a simmer.
  4. Mix the cornstarch and water together until smooth and slowly stir it in the simmering sauce. Let simmer for about 30-60 seconds longer and then turn off heat. Sauce should coat the back of a spoon. The longer it simmers the thicker it will become.
  5. In a large skillet, heat the frying oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, drop in the chicken pieces in a single layer on the bottom of the pan. You will likely need to do the chicken in 2-3 batches so that you don't over crowd the pan.Cook chicken 3-4 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook 2-3 minutes on the second side. Each side should be golden brown and 165˚F internal temp once done.
  6. Remove chicken from the oil to a paper towel lined plate and repeat until all the chicken is cooked.
  7. Once you have finished cooking the chicken, toss the chicken with the sauce to coat completely. Then garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Substitutions:
  • How to Store: To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
  • How to Reheat: This can be reheated in the microwave in 30 second increments, or cover with tin foil and place into the oven to reheat.
  • Chicken – You can slice up any type of boneless skinless chicken with equally delicious results.
  • Sesame Oil – Use either toasted or untoasted sesame oil.
  • Chicken Broth – I prefer the flavor of chicken broth, but veggie broth, chicken stock, or even water will work.
  • Rice Wine Vinegar – This is a lightly flavored vinegar that adds a tang to our sauce. In a pinch you could also use white wine or apple cider vinegar with tasty results. You can find rice vinegar in the Asian ingredient section of your grocery store.
  • Garlic – Either finely mince 3 cloves of fresh garlic or use a prepared garlic paste to save a little time.
  • Cooking Oil – Vegetable, canola, or grapeseed will work to fry up the chicken pieces. 
  • Sesame Seeds – You can buy them pre-toasted, or do it really quickly yourself by stirring them in a warm skillet until they smell nutty and appear golden.
  • in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
  • in the freezer up to a month

Nutrition Information

Calories 498kcal (25%) Carbohydrates 40g (13%) Protein 51g (102%) Fat 15g (23%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat 5g Monounsaturated Fat 4g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 146mg (49%) Sodium 1117mg (47%) Potassium 916mg (26%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 31g (62%) Vitamin A 71IU (1%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 67mg (7%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 498

% Daily Value*

Calories 498kcal 25%
Carbohydrates 40g 13%
Protein 51g 102%
Fat 15g 23%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g 29%
Monounsaturated Fat 4g 20%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 146mg 49%
Sodium 1117mg 47%
Potassium 916mg 19%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 31g 62%
Vitamin A 71IU 1%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 67mg 7%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.