Irresistible Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe for Sweet Success

Crispy chicken pieces glazed with honey sesame sauce promise a delightful culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Succulent chunks of poultry get coated in a sweet and nutty blend of ingredients.

Rich golden-brown edges provide a satisfying crunch with each bite.

Fragrant sesame seeds add a subtle nutty dimension to the dish.

Korean and Chinese influences shine through in this simple yet elegant recipe.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen skills.

Such a crowd-pleasing dish will definitely impress everyone gathered around your dinner table.

Sweet and Savory Notes in Honey Sesame Chicken

• Zippy Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delicious honey sesame chicken in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a quick and tasty meal.
• Effortless Cooking Magic: Air fryer technology ensures crispy chicken without excess oil, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen effort and cleanup.
• Health-Conscious Comfort Food: Packed with lean protein and a homemade sauce, this recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried takeout chicken while satisfying comfort food cravings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: The perfect balance of sweet honey, tangy soy sauce, and a hint of spice from chili paste creates an irresistible dish that appeals to both kids and adults.

Honey Sesame Chicken (Air Fryer) Ingredient List

• Chicken Pieces: Tender meat for the main protein of the dish.

• Cornstarch: Creates a crispy exterior.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Provides basic seasoning.

• Soy Sauce: Adds savory umami flavor.
• Honey: Brings natural sweetness.
• Ketchup: Adds tangy depth.
• Sesame Oil: Provides rich nutty undertone.
• Garlic: Offers aromatic sharpness.
• Rice Vinegar: Gives light acidic balance.
• Chili Paste: Introduces spicy kick.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Adds fresh texture and visual appeal.

Honey Sesame Chicken (Air Fryer Style) Prep Steps

Step 1: Coat Chicken with Seasoning

Grab your chicken pieces and toss them with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece gets an even, light dusting that will create a crispy exterior when cooked.

Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken

Fire up your air fryer to a toasty 375°F. Spread the chicken chunks in a single layer inside the basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip each piece and cook another 10 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop a delightful crunch.

Step 3: Whip Up the Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Ketchup
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic
• Rice vinegar
• Chili paste

Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce transforms into a rich, glossy consistency that clings perfectly to the chicken.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Pour the simmering sauce over the crispy chicken pieces. Gently toss until every morsel is thoroughly coated in the sweet and tangy glaze.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top. Plate immediately and get ready to dive into a mouthwatering meal that combines crispy texture with bold, irresistible flavors.

What to Know for Honey Sesame Chicken

• Maximize Coating Crispiness: Pat chicken pieces completely dry before adding cornstarch to ensure an extra crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
• Prevent Overcrowding: Arrange chicken in a single layer without touching to allow proper air circulation and achieve even, golden-brown crunchiness.
• Adjust Spice Level: Control heat by reducing or increasing chili paste quantity based on personal preference, making the dish adaptable for mild or spicy lovers.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Modification: Swap regular soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Tips To Keep Honey Sesame Chicken Crispy

• Store leftover honey sesame chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Place chicken and sauce separately to maintain crispiness.
• Wrap chicken pieces tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Keep sauce in a separate sealed container.
• Warm chicken at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, spreading pieces on a baking sheet. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out. Drizzle reserved sauce before serving.
• Recrisp chicken at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the basket. Brush with extra sauce for renewed flavor and moisture.

Great Sides for Sesame Chicken

• Pair with Bright Riesling: Select a crisp, slightly sweet German Riesling to complement the honey's sweetness and balance the chicken's savory sesame notes.
• Create Rice Pilaf Side: Prepare a light, fluffy jasmine or basmati rice pilaf with toasted almonds to absorb the rich sauce and provide a neutral background flavor.
• Select Crunchy Asian Slaw: Craft a tangy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a rice vinegar dressing to add refreshing texture and cut through the dish's richness.
• Recommend Sparkling Green Tea: Brew a chilled, lightly sweetened green tea with bubbles to cleanse the palate and enhance the meal's Asian-inspired profile.

Honey Sesame Chicken Flavor Variations

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to eliminate gluten. Use gluten-free cornstarch for coating chicken and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute cornstarch with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for coating. Replace honey with monk fruit sweetener or erythritol to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar sweetness.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Increase chili paste quantity or add sriracha sauce for extra heat. Include diced jalapeños in the coating or sprinkle red pepper flakes over finished chicken for intensified spiciness.
• Protein Alternative: Swap chicken with tofu, tempeh, or cauliflower florets for vegetarian options. Adjust cooking time based on chosen protein replacement to ensure proper crispiness and even cooking.

FAQs

• How can I make the chicken extra crispy in the air fryer?

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before coating with cornstarch. This removes excess moisture and helps create a crispier exterior when air frying.

• Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken pieces?

Yes, you can use chicken breast cut into bite-sized cubes. Just ensure they are roughly the same size for even cooking and adjust cooking time if needed to prevent drying out.

• Is there a substitute for chili paste if I don't have it?

You can replace chili paste with sriracha sauce, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce. Each will add a slightly different heat level, so adjust according to your spice preference.

• What type of sesame oil works best for this recipe?

Use toasted sesame oil for the most robust flavor. It provides a deeper, nuttier taste compared to regular sesame oil and enhances the overall sauce complexity.

Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Culinary magic happens when Honey Sesame Chicken brings together sweet, sticky glaze and crispy chicken pieces. Fragrant sesame seeds and golden-brown edges make this dish a delightful journey through Chinese-inspired comfort that satisfies you with each succulent bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1/4 cup (30 grams) cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Flavor Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili paste (optional)

Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with cornstarch, ensuring an even and light powdery layer that will create a crispy exterior.
2. Load the seasoned chicken into the air fryer basket, spreading pieces in a single layer without overcrowding to guarantee uniform cooking and maximum crispiness.
3. Set air fryer temperature to 375°F and cook chicken for approximately 10 minutes, then carefully flip each piece to ensure golden-brown coloration on all sides.
4. While chicken cooks, craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, sesame oil, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and chili paste in a simmering saucepan.
5. Allow sauce to reduce and thicken, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and develop a rich, glossy consistency.
6. Once chicken reaches perfect crispness and internal temperature, transfer pieces to the saucepan and gently toss until each morsel is luxuriously coated with the glossy sauce.
7. Transfer sauced chicken to serving platter, generously sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for a fresh, aromatic finish.
8. Serve immediately while chicken remains hot and crispy, ensuring maximum flavor and textural enjoyment.

Notes

• Corn starch ensures a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in the chicken’s moisture, creating a perfect texture.
• Maintain a single layer in the air fryer basket to guarantee even cooking and maximum crispiness, preventing soggy or undercooked spots.
• Adjust chili paste quantity to control spice levels, making the dish adaptable for kids or those with sensitive palates.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier version that reduces salt intake without compromising the rich, savory flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg