Baked Honey Sesame Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that’s both crispy and tender, with a rich, flavorful sauce. The honey and sesame combination creates a perfectly balanced coating for the chicken, and baking it in the oven makes it healthier than traditional frying. It’s a simple yet sophisticated meal, ideal for any weeknight dinner or special occasion, offering a delightful mix of flavors that will please the whole family.

The History of Honey Sesame Chicken
Honey Sesame Chicken is inspired by Asian-American cuisine, where sweet and savory flavors are commonly paired together to create dynamic dishes. While its origins can be traced to Chinese-American restaurants, it has gained popularity worldwide for its easy preparation and delicious, bold flavors. The combination of honey and sesame is commonly used in Chinese cooking, particularly in sauces that enhance the natural sweetness of ingredients like chicken, pork, or tofu. Over the years, the dish has been adapted in many home kitchens to offer a healthier, oven-baked version of the crispy fried classic.

Ingredients Breakdown

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well for this dish. The lean breast provides a tender bite while thighs give a richer flavor.
Honey: Acts as the base for the sauce, adding natural sweetness and a sticky texture to the chicken’s glaze.
Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and umami depth to the dish, balancing out the sweetness of the honey.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh minced garlic and ginger infuse the sauce with aromatic heat and spice, giving the chicken a savory edge.
Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil lends a distinctive, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the honey.
Rice Vinegar: Balances the sweetness of the honey with its tangy acidity, brightening the flavor of the sauce.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor profile.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, ensuring it sticks to the chicken for that satisfying, glossy finish.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions are a fresh garnish that adds a touch of color and mild onion flavor.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Place the chicken breasts or thighs on the baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
While the chicken is baking, prepare the honey sesame sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Once it begins to bubble, lower the heat and let it cook for 2–3 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce to thicken it. Continue to cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
When the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and brush the honey sesame sauce generously over the top of the chicken.
Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and glaze the chicken.
Remove the chicken from the oven, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot with rice or steamed vegetables.

Tips for the Perfect Honey Sesame Chicken

For extra crispiness, you can lightly bread the chicken with a coating of flour or breadcrumbs before baking.
Make sure to let the sauce simmer gently to avoid burning the honey, which could make the sauce bitter.
Adjust the amount of ginger and garlic based on your preference for heat and flavor. If you like it spicier, you can add a dash of red pepper flakes.
To achieve a more caramelized finish, broil the chicken for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking. Just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
You can use boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier, more flavorful version of the dish.

Variations and Customizations
For a lighter version, try using chicken breast instead of thighs, and reduce the amount of honey in the sauce. For added crunch, serve the dish with crispy vegetables such as sautéed bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. You can also switch up the protein and make the dish with tofu or pork for a different twist. For those who love spice, add some sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the glaze for an extra kick. To make the dish gluten-free, substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While this dish is rich in flavor, it’s relatively balanced when made with lean chicken and served with steamed vegetables or brown rice for a wholesome meal. The honey adds natural sweetness, while the sesame seeds contribute healthy fats and fiber. By baking instead of frying, you reduce the overall fat content of the dish. If you’re watching your calorie intake, consider using a sugar-free honey alternative or reducing the amount of honey used in the sauce.

FAQ

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the honey sesame sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat before glazing the chicken.
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken thighs, pork chops, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken with the sauce. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Baked Honey Sesame Chicken

Baked Honey Sesame Chicken is a sweet and savory dish that combines crispy, tender chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce. Easy to make and perfect for any meal, it’s a crowd favorite that’s both delicious and satisfying.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 30

Servings 6

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 chicken breasts
1 cup cornstarch
3 large eggs
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup canola oil

For the Sauce:

3/4 cup honey
3/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Additional sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
In separate bowls, place cornstarch and slightly beaten eggs. Dip the chicken pieces into the cornstarch, then coat them in the egg mixture, and return them to the cornstarch. Alternatively, you can place the chicken in a gallon-sized bag and shake to coat.
Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned. Transfer the chicken to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Pour the sauce over the chicken and bake for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
I stirred the chicken every 15 minutes to ensure it was well-coated in the sauce.

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