I’m so excited to share this Quick & Easy Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe with you because it’s honestly one of my go-to weeknight meals. The balance of sweet honey and nutty sesame combined with tender chicken thighs makes it feel like a little midweek celebration without the fuss. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or just want a simple but flavorful dinner, this recipe delivers every time.

What I love most is how versatile it is—perfect for a cozy family dinner or even meal prep for the week ahead. Plus, it comes together quickly, so you don’t have to wait hours for a tasty dish. Trust me, once you try this Quick & Easy Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation just like it did in mine!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that signature balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors with a delightful crunch from the sesame seeds. When shopping, try to get fresh garlic and quality sesame oil—those little details really elevate the dish.

Skinless boneless chicken thighs: I prefer thighs as they stay juicy and tender, perfect for quick cooking.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
Cornstarch or potato starch: This will give your chicken a nice light coating that crisps up beautifully.
Vegetable oil or neutral oil: Use something with a high smoke point to get a good sear without burning.
Green onion: Adds a fresh, mild oniony touch as a garnish.
Honey (plain liquid): The star of the sauce—look for a pure honey for the best flavor.
Soy sauce: Adds salty depth; regular soy sauce works perfectly here.
Sesame oil: Just a little goes a long way for that distinctive toasty aroma.
Sugar (white granulated or cane): Balances the salty soy with subtle sweetness.
Sesame seeds: For that classic crunchy, nutty finish sprinkled on top.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic packs intense flavor, so don’t skip it.
Shaoxing Cooking Wine (or dry sherry/wine/chicken broth): I love the depth this adds, but you can skip the alcohol too.
Rice vinegar (or apple cider/white vinegar): Adds brightness that cuts through the richness.
Water: Helps loosen the sauce to the perfect consistency.

Variations

I’m all for personalizing recipes to match your tastes or what you have on hand. This Quick & Easy Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is a great base to experiment with—don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Spicy Kick: Whenever I want a bit of heat, I add a dash of chili flakes or Sriracha to the sauce. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves spicy food!
Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for crispy tofu cubes—coat and cook them the same way. It soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and stick with potato starch to keep it gluten-free without losing flavor.
More Veggies: Sometimes I toss in broccoli or snap peas during the last few minutes for a quick stir-fried side all in one pan.
Lower Sugar: I occasionally cut the honey in half and balance it with a little extra vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangier profile.

How to Make Quick & Easy Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken with a Light Coating

Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, then lightly coat each piece in cornstarch or potato starch. This coating is key—it creates a slightly crispy exterior that helps the sauce cling beautifully. Don’t overdo the starch; a thin, even layer is perfect. I like to do this in a shallow bowl to keep the mess minimal.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Until Golden and Juicy

Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. Let them cook about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when the juices run clear and they feel springy to the touch.

Step 3: Whip Up the Honey Sesame Sauce

While the chicken cooks, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, sesame seeds, minced garlic, cooking wine, vinegar, cornstarch, and water in a bowl. This sauce blend is magic—it’ll thicken into a glossy, flavorful glaze that coats every bite perfectly. Make sure to mix the cornstarch well so it doesn’t clump in the sauce.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce and Combine

After all your chicken is cooked and set aside, pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stir constantly until it thickens—this usually takes just 2–3 minutes. Then add the chicken back in and toss gently to coat every tender piece in that sticky, sweet sesame goodness.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

Quick & Easy Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I always finish with a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds and some finely chopped green onion for a pop of color and freshness. The green onion adds a nice mild bite that balances the sweetness of the sauce perfectly. Sometimes, a few red pepper flakes on top bring a lovely subtle heat too.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love serving this honey sesame chicken with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up that delicious sauce. Roasted or sautéed greens like bok choy or broccoli make a lovely, nutritious contrast. On busy nights, a simple cucumber salad adds cool crunch that feels refreshing against the warm chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated the chicken over a bed of coconut rice and sprinkled toasted sesame seeds along the edges for a restaurant-style look. I’ve also served it in bowls with spiralized veggies on the side for a colorful, casual dinner party setup. It’s such a crowd-pleaser no matter how you present it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken soaks even more into the sauce overnight, which makes for super flavorful leftovers. Just be sure to let the chicken cool before sealing to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Quick & Easy Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe successfully a few times. To freeze, place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion. It lasts up to 2 months and thaws well in the fridge overnight, ready for reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the sauce from drying out and to keep the chicken tender. You can add a splash of water or a drizzle of additional soy sauce if the sauce seems thickened. Microwave works too, but stir halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine but can dry out quicker, so watch your cooking time and don’t overcook. Thighs are forgiving and stay juicier, but if you prefer breast, just adjust cooking accordingly.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute and make sure to use potato starch instead of cornstarch if preferred. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How can I make this Quick & Easy Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe spicier?

Add chili flakes, a dash of cayenne, or mix in some Sriracha sauce when you prepare the sauce. Start with small amounts, taste, and adjust to your heat preference.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?

No worries! Dry sherry, dry white wine, or even chicken broth work perfectly as substitutes without sacrificing flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. The chicken holds up well and often tastes even better after sitting in the sauce overnight. Store individually in meal prep containers with rice and veggies for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is the kind of dish I come back to again and again because of its simplicity, flavor, and comfort factor. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, especially on those busy nights when you want something satisfying without the stress. Give it a try, tweak it to your taste, and I bet it will become one of your favorites too!