This Honey Sesame Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that come together in a dish that’s quick to prepare and absolutely satisfying. It’s one of those easy chicken recipes you’ll come back to again and again, especially on busy weeknights. Whether you’re craving Asian-inspired takeout flavors or just want something tasty and simple, this recipe delivers. With ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, this dish checks all the boxes: it’s family-friendly, delicious, and incredibly easy to make. Plus, it’s ideal for meal prepping or reheating later. This dish also fits wonderfully with your rotation of easy recipes for dinner, quick and easy recipes, air fryer easy recipes, chicken stirfry easy recipe, sweet easy recipes, and even easy recipes with rotisserie chicken.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
3) Ingredients for Honey Sesame Chicken
4) How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken
5) Tips for Making Honey Sesame Chicken
6) Making Honey Sesame Chicken Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Honey Sesame Chicken
8) Try these Chicken Recipes next!
9) Honey Sesame Chicken
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Quick and easy to prepare with pantry staples
Sweet, savory, and perfect for weeknight dinners
Great for meal prep or reheating leftovers
Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing flavors

2) Easy Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for easy chicken recipes that are packed with flavor, this Honey Sesame Chicken is a must-try. At Elena Cooks, we’re all about creating recipes that are both delicious and accessible—and this dish hits all the right notes. It starts with bite-sized chicken pieces, lightly seasoned and pan-fried until golden. The magic comes from the sauce: a mix of honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and aromatic garlic and ginger. The result is a sticky, savory, slightly sweet glaze that coats the chicken perfectly. This dish isn’t just tasty—it’s also versatile, whether served over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables. With simple ingredients and fast cooking time, this meal works great for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and perfect for those new to cooking. If you’re a fan of quick and easy recipes, you’ll love this. For more ideas like this, visit Elena Cooks today!

3) Ingredients for Honey Sesame Chicken

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, this lean protein is the star of the dish and cooks quickly while staying juicy.

Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavor of the chicken.

Cornstarch: Lightly coats the chicken, giving it a slight crispness and helping the sauce cling beautifully.

Olive Oil: Used to sauté the chicken, adding richness while preventing sticking.

Sesame Oil: Adds that signature nutty aroma and flavor which pairs wonderfully with Asian-inspired ingredients.

Garlic & Ginger: These fresh aromatics infuse the sauce with warmth and depth. A must-have for authentic flavor.

Honey: Provides a naturally sweet touch to balance the salty and tangy notes in the sauce.

Soy Sauce: Adds savory umami richness and depth of flavor. Use low-sodium if preferred.

Ketchup: Gives a slight tang and added body to the sauce, complementing the sweetness of the honey.

Brown Sugar: Deepens the sweetness with a hint of molasses for a more complex sauce.

Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the honey and sugar.

Water: Helps loosen the sauce and allows it to simmer and thicken to the perfect consistency.

Sesame Seeds & Green Onions: These garnishes add crunch, flavor, and a fresh pop of color.

4) How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Begin by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then toss it with cornstarch until evenly coated. This coating gives the chicken a light crisp and helps the sauce stick.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add sesame oil along with minced garlic and ginger. Sauté these aromatics for about one minute until fragrant—this forms the base of the sauce and is key for flavor.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and water. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it bubble for 3–4 minutes until it slightly thickens.

Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until well coated. Let it simmer for another minute so the flavors fully combine and the chicken absorbs the sauce.

Step 6: Plate the Honey Sesame Chicken and garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve it over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

5) Tips for Making Honey Sesame Chicken

One of the top reasons this dish ranks high among easy chicken recipes is its simplicity. However, here are a few tips to take your Honey Sesame Chicken to the next level. First, ensure the chicken is cut evenly so it cooks uniformly—uneven chunks may lead to dry or undercooked bites. Second, use fresh garlic and ginger instead of powders for that deep, authentic flavor. Third, when simmering the sauce, keep a close eye on the texture. The sugars in the honey and brown sugar can caramelize quickly, thickening the sauce more than expected if left too long. Finally, don’t skip the garnishes! The sesame seeds and green onions provide contrast in both taste and texture, enhancing the dish’s presentation and flavor. And for those who love sweet easy recipes, you’ll find this combination of flavors checks every box!

6) Making Honey Sesame Chicken Ahead of Time

This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is ideal for easy recipes with rotisserie chicken if you’re looking to speed up prep. Just skip the sautéing and stir in pre-cooked shredded chicken at the end. If preparing the full version ahead of time, we suggest keeping the chicken and sauce separate until you’re ready to reheat and serve. This prevents the chicken from becoming soggy. To store, place the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave and combine with the sauce just before serving. If you’re meal prepping, pack the dish alongside rice or vegetables in individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. This method preserves texture and flavor, making it perfect for busy families and professionals alike.

7) Storing Leftover Honey Sesame Chicken

Leftovers are a breeze to manage with this recipe. Store any remaining Honey Sesame Chicken in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, use the microwave or stovetop on low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. If the sauce has thickened too much during refrigeration, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up. This dish can also be frozen for up to two months. Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight bags or containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost overnight in the fridge and warm it gently before serving. This dish continues to shine even after storing, making it a standout among easy recipes for dinner that work on your schedule and taste just as good the next day.

8) Try these Chicken Recipes next!

9) Honey Sesame Chicken