Crispy & Sweet Sesame Honey Chicken: Better Than Takeout 🍯🍗✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a delicious, restaurant-quality Asian-inspired dish that combines crispy texture with a luscious honey-sesame glaze, then this Crispy Sesame Honey Chicken recipe is your perfect solution. Not only does it deliver the addictive crunch and sweet-savory flavor, but it’s also much healthier and easier to make at home. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to a homemade better than takeout chicken experience with this mouthwatering dish.
2. Ingredients for Crispy Sesame Honey Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup sesame seeds
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Better Than Takeout Sesame Honey Chicken
Preparations and Marination
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and set aside. Prepare two shallow dishes — one with flour, the other with cornstarch. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with cornstarch or arrowroot for an extra crispy exterior.
Cooking the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-6 minutes per batch. Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Making the Honey Sesame Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a dash of water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce slightly thickens. Stir in the toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.
Combining the Chicken and Sauce
In a large bowl, toss the fried chicken pieces with the sweet sesame honey sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with chopped green onions for freshness. Serve immediately for the best crispy texture and flavorful experience.
4. Storage Tips for Homemade Sesame Honey Chicken
If you have leftovers, store the crispy sesame honey chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain some of the crispiness, reheat in an oven or air fryer instead of the microwave. Avoid storing in the sauce for too long to prevent sogginess.
5. Serving Suggestions for Better Than Takeout Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or stir-fried vegetables. For added flavor, serve alongside creamy chicken rice casserole or marry me chicken pasta.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Crispy Sesame Honey Chicken
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch, and ensure soy sauce is gluten-free. This substitution will keep the dish delicious and suitable for gluten sensitivities.
Is there a healthier way to prepare the chicken?
Yes, you can bake the coated chicken on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or use an air fryer to achieve crispy texture with less oil. Check out our creamy chicken casserole for more healthy chicken recipes.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
From start to finish, it takes approximately 30-40 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend indulgence.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker — perfect for preparing refreshing beverages to pair with your meal.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — streamline prepping chicken and vegetables with this versatile tool.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker — great for making slow-cooked side dishes or sauces.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set — ensures your crispy chicken comes out perfectly every time.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 — for healthier crispy chicken without deep frying.
8. Final Tips for Making the Perfect Sesame Honey Chicken
Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to get that perfect crispy coating. Toast the sesame seeds lightly to enhance flavor. For an extra touch of authenticity, sprinkle with additional chopped green onions or sesame oil just before serving.
9. Conclusion
With just a few simple ingredients and some quick frying, you can create a Crispy & Sweet Sesame Honey Chicken that’s healthier and more satisfying than your favorite takeout. This dish’s balance of crunchy texture, sweet honey glaze, and nutty sesame seeds makes it a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try today and enjoy restaurant-quality flavor right at home!
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Crispy & Sweet Sesame Honey Chicken (Better Than Takeout)
Discover the ultimate homemade Crispy & Sweet Sesame Honey Chicken, a healthier and more delicious alternative to takeout. This Asian-inspired dish features tender chicken coated in a light crispy exterior, glazed with a luscious honey-sesame sauce, and garnished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner that impresses with bold flavors and crunchiness.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup sesame seeds
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and set aside. Prepare two shallow dishes — one with flour, the other with cornstarch. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with cornstarch or arrowroot for an extra crispy exterior.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-6 minutes per batch. Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a dash of water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce slightly thickens. Stir in the toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.
- In a large bowl, toss the fried chicken pieces with the sweet sesame honey sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with chopped green onions for freshness. Serve immediately for the best crispy texture and flavorful experience.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or use an air fryer instead of frying.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Do not store in sauce for too long to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Saucing
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
- Diet: Gluten-Free option available
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg