Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken
Crispy pan-seared chicken thighs glazed in a sticky honey garlic sesame sauce, served over steamed rice. A 30-minute Chinese-inspired dinner with 38g protein per serving.
10m
4
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Steamed jasmine rice for serving
Instructions
- 1
Coat the chicken
Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Toss with cornstarch until evenly coated, shaking off excess.
- 2
Sear the chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches to avoid crowding. Remove to a plate.
- 3
Make the sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and ginger, cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha. Simmer 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- 4
Glaze the chicken
Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the honey garlic sauce. Cook 1-2 minutes more until the sauce is sticky and clings to every piece.
- 5
Garnish and serve
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice.
Chef's Tips
The cornstarch coating is the secret to crispy chicken that holds onto the sauce. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken, and don't move the pieces for the first 3 minutes to get a good sear. For meal prep, store the chicken and sauce separately from the rice to keep everything from getting soggy.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about making this honey garlic sesame chicken
How long does it take to make Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken?
This recipe takes 30 minutes total time, including 10 minutes prep time and 20 minutes cooking time.
How many servings does this Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What is the difficulty level of this Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken recipe?
This recipe is rated as Easy difficulty level, making it perfect for beginners.
Can I make substitutions in this Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken recipe?
Yes, you can make substitutions, but they may affect the final result. Common substitutions include using different types of ingredients for dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
Can I make this honey garlic sesame chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this honey garlic sesame chicken up to 1 day ahead. Assemble the dish completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if needed.
How do I store leftover honey garlic sesame chicken?
Store leftover honey garlic sesame chicken covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
What side dishes go well with honey garlic sesame chicken?
This honey garlic sesame chicken pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a protein of your choice.
Can I freeze honey garlic sesame chicken?
Yes, this honey garlic sesame chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.