If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that truly dazzles, look no further than Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight. This recipe delivers irresistibly crunchy chicken bites coated with a glossy, honey-kissed sauce that’s bursting with big, bold flavor. It’s one of those dishes that hits every note: sweet, salty, and savory, with just a hint of tang. Not only is it a surefire crowd-pleaser, but you’ll also be amazed at how easy it is to prepare right at home – no takeout menu required!

Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a starring role in creating the Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight. From the hearty chicken to the double coat of cornstarch and eggs, plus the glistening sauce, you’ll find these pantry basics combine to make a showstopping meal.

Chicken thighs or breasts: Opt for about 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces for maximum juiciness and easy eating.
Cornstarch: Provides that signature airy crispness to the chicken with a double-dredge for extra crunch.
Eggs: Two beaten eggs help the cornstarch adhere, ensuring every bite is perfectly coated.
Vegetable oil: For frying; choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point to keep things light and extra crispy.
Honey: The heart of the sauce, it adds natural sweetness and that sticky-glossy finish we all love.
Soy sauce: Delivers deep umami flavor and balances the sweetness with a savory punch.
Ketchup: Don’t skip this! It offers subtle tang and gorgeous color to the sauce.
Rice vinegar: Lifts the sauce with gentle acidity to cut through the richness.
Brown sugar: Enhances the caramel undertones and amps up the sauce’s body.
Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon brings unmistakable nutty aroma for an authentic finish.
Cornstarch slurry: Combine 2 teaspoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to thicken the sauce quickly and evenly.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkle for that traditional crunch and a lovely pop of visual appeal.
Green onions (optional): Slice thinly to add freshness, color, and a gentle bite for garnish.

How to Make Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels; this helps the coating stick and ensures a perfect sear when frying. Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces, making sure each morsel is roughly the same size for even cooking. A little attention here yields extra-juicy, evenly cooked results every time you whip up Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight.

Step 2: Create the Ultimate Crispy Coating

Set up a dredging station: put the cornstarch in one shallow dish and beaten eggs in another. Dip each piece of chicken first into the cornstarch, then into the egg, and finally back into the cornstarch for that signature crunch. This double-coating method guarantees an irresistible shell that stands up to the sticky sauce.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the chicken pieces for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until each piece is deeply golden and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain while you fry the rest – this keeps the chicken as crunchy as possible!

Step 4: Make the Sticky Honey Sesame Sauce

In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then add the cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency. This step transforms your chicken bites into Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight by blanketing them in shiny magic.

Step 5: Coat and Garnish

Add your freshly fried chicken pieces to a large bowl, then pour the thickened sauce over the top. Toss gently but thoroughly until every piece is coated. Finish with a generous shower of sesame seeds and a scattering of sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot and watch everyone swoon!

How to Serve Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Garnishes

Garnishing is a must for the full restaurant-style effect! A flurry of toasted sesame seeds adds nutty crunch, while a sprinkle of green onions brings freshness and a pop of color. You can also toss on thinly sliced chili if you like a mild heat with your sweet and savory sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or tender lo mein noodles, both of which eagerly soak up the extra sauce. For a lighter spread, serve alongside crisp steamed broccoli or a quick cucumber salad to balance out the richness of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Sometimes you want to change things up! Try tucking the chicken inside lettuce wraps for finger food fun, or pile it onto slider buns for a playful appetizer. For a big family-style feast, lay out a bed of rice and arrange the chicken bites on top, letting everyone dig in communally and savor the Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you miraculously have leftovers, let them cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The chicken will lose a bit of its initial crunch but will soak up even more of that mouthwatering sauce, making it extra flavorful the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooled, sauced chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the crispy chicken and sauce separately when possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Bring leftovers back to life by reheating in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, which helps restore some crispiness. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if necessary. The microwave works too, though it’s less crisp – but still absolutely delicious!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work beautifully for Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, but breast yields a leaner result with the same delicious crunch.

Is there a gluten-free version?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and check your ketchup’s label for any hidden gluten. Everything else is naturally gluten-free – perfect for sharing with friends who have dietary restrictions.

Can I make Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight in the air fryer?

Definitely! Arrange double-coated chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Lightly spray with oil, air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway. Then toss in the sticky honey sesame sauce as usual for a lighter take.

How do I make it spicier?

For those who love a kick, stir a pinch or two of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha into the sauce. You can also garnish with sliced fresh chilies for extra heat without altering the main flavor profile.

What can I do with leftover sauce?

Don’t let any drop go to waste! Drizzle leftover sauce over steamed veggies, rice, or even use it as a dip for crispy spring rolls or dumplings. The flavor is so good, you’ll find endless excuses to enjoy it.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight in your own kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly becomes a family favorite, dazzling with every bite and leaving everyone craving more. Give it a go, and let this dish become your new weeknight hero!

Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 17 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors with this Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken recipe. Perfectly crispy chicken coated in a sticky honey sesame glaze, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce:

1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

For Garnish:

1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry. Dredge each piece in cornstarch, dip into the beaten eggs, and coat again in cornstarch for extra crispiness.
Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok, fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Make the Sauce: Combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil in a saucepan. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
Coat the Chicken: Toss crispy chicken in the sauce until coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Serve: Serve hot over rice or noodles.