If you’ve ever found yourself craving the irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and crispy textures all in one dish, you’re going to adore this Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe. It’s a fantastic blend of perfectly fried chicken pieces enveloped in a luscious honey-soy glaze that clings lovingly to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish brings that satisfying crunch with a glossy, sticky sauce that’s so good you’ll want to savor it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavor and texture. Each component is essential to achieving that perfect crispy coating and the wonderfully sticky, flavorful sauce that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, these pieces ensure a flavorful base for the dish.
- ½ cup cornstarch: For that signature crispy coating that locks in moisture.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Combined with cornstarch to give the crispest crust possible.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as the perfect binder to hold the coating on your chicken.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The simple seasoning base that enhances all the other flavors.
- Vegetable oil for frying: A neutral oil that gets hot enough to create a golden crunch.
- ⅓ cup honey: Delivers that luscious sweetness integral to the sauce’s sticky texture.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Brings the perfect umami balance and saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds depth and a subtle tang to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Offers a bright acidity to cut through the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Enhances richness and caramel tones in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A fragrant finishing oil that elevates the overall flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and taste.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds a zesty warmth that balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry): Thickens the sauce to that perfect, glossy consistency.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- Sliced green onions for garnish: Provides freshness and vibrant color.
How to Make Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken
Start by seasoning your bite-sized chicken thighs with salt and pepper, which is key to locking in flavor right from the start. Then set up your dredging station with separate bowls for the beaten eggs and the combined cornstarch and flour. Dip each piece of chicken first in the eggs, then coat it thoroughly with your dry mix, pressing gently so that each piece is evenly coated to achieve maximum crispiness.
Step 2: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, which helps maintain that perfect frying temperature. Each batch takes approximately 4 to 5 minutes to turn golden brown and get irresistibly crispy. Drain on paper towels to get rid of any excess oil and keep the texture just right.
Step 3: Prepare the Sticky Honey Sesame Sauce
While your chicken cooks, combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently so those flavors meld together beautifully. When the sauce begins bubbling, add the cornstarch slurry to thicken it quickly. Continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and thick enough to coat every crispy chicken piece.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Add the fried chicken directly to the hot sauce and toss gently but thoroughly so each piece is enveloped in that sticky, sweet, umami glaze. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top, followed by fresh green onions for a burst of color and extra crunch—this final touch truly turns the dish into something special.
How to Serve Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions not only adds a beautiful visual contrast but also heightens the nutty aroma and fresh bite, elevating the whole eating experience.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati, which soaks up the sauce perfectly. For a wholesome meal, steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy add vibrant color and balance the rich flavors with their fresh crispness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe in lettuce cups for a handheld delight or pile it over a bed of crispy noodles for added texture. You could even turn it into a filling for bao buns or wraps to impress your guests with your culinary creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the chicken will lose some crispiness over time, keep the sauce separate if possible to reheat later without sogginess.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, although the texture might change slightly. Freeze the fried chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the sauce gently in a pan and separately crisp the chicken in a hot oven or skillet to help bring back its crunch. Then toss together again just before serving for that delightful texture and flavor combo that defines the Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep an eye on cooking time since breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Thighs are juicier but breasts are a fine substitute.
How do I ensure the chicken stays crispy when coated in sauce?
The key is to fry the chicken just right and transfer it to a wire rack instead of paper towels after frying to keep air circulating. When coating with sauce, toss quickly and serve immediately. You can also double-fry the chicken to get extra crispiness that holds up better.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative. The chicken will still crisp up beautifully with these tweaks.
Is there a way to make the sauce spicier?
Definitely. Just add a dash of chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh minced chili peppers when simmering the sauce. This adds a nice kick that balances the sweetness wonderfully without overpowering the dish.
What’s the best oil for frying this chicken?
Vegetable oil is ideal because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor. You can also use canola or peanut oil. Avoid olive oil or butter, which burn easily and won’t give you the crispy texture this recipe needs.
Final Thoughts
I really hope you get a chance to make this Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe soon because it truly is a kitchen winner that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat. The combination of crunchy chicken coated in that sticky, flavorful sauce is something that never gets old. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and prepare to treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal that feels like a warm, flavor-packed hug. You’re going to love every bite!
Print
Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Crispy and Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs coated in a crunchy fried batter and tossed in a glossy, sweet, and savory honey sesame sauce. Perfectly balanced with garlic and ginger, this Asian-inspired dish is an irresistible takeout favorite made at home, ideal for serving with rice or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Honey Sesame Sauce
- â…“ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Set up your dredging station with one bowl containing the beaten eggs and another bowl combining the cornstarch and flour. Dip each piece of chicken first into the egg, then coat thoroughly in the flour and cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, until they are golden brown and crispy, roughly 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Honey Sesame Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Heat over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to combine the flavors evenly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Once the sauce is simmering and bubbling, stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes more until the sauce thickens and develops a glossy, sticky texture.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan and toss thoroughly to coat every piece with the rich honey sesame sauce evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the coated chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish. Serve immediately while hot, best accompanied by steamed rice or vegetables.
Notes
- For an extra crispy texture, try double-frying the chicken by briefly frying it a second time after draining.
- This dish is best served fresh to maintain the chicken’s crispiness.
- You can substitute chicken breast for thighs if preferred, but thighs provide more juiciness.
- Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature for optimal frying results.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, increase the cornstarch slurry slightly.
