Honey Sesame Chicken with rice vinegar 

By:

Alex SMITH

October 4, 2025

This Honey Sesame Chicken is a mouthwatering mix of crispy, golden chicken bites coated in a glossy honey-sesame glaze. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors better than takeout and ready in under 30 minutes! Ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting yet easy, this recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice or noodles. With simple pantry staples and no deep frying, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal right from your kitchen quick, flavorful, and family-approved.

If you’re craving more cozy comfort food, try this Cajun Chicken Orzo a hearty, crowd-favorite that’s perfect for any morning!

Glazed honey sesame chicken served over rice with rich soy and rice vinegar sauce
Crispy chicken coated in a sticky honey sesame glaze and drizzled with tangy rice vinegar sauce – a perfect balance of sweet and savory!

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Servings: 4 bowls

Ingredients List

  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large nonstick skillet or wok
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons & cups
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Coat & Prep: Toss chicken with cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Cook: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 6–8 min until golden and crisp.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
  4. Combine: Pour the sauce into the pan. Cook for 3–4 min until thick and glossy.
  5. Finish & Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions over top. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.
Sticky honey sesame chicken served over a fluffy bowl of rice with glossy sauce and green garnish
Golden, crispy chicken glazed in a rich honey sesame sauce and served over warm rice — a comforting dish that brings sweet and savory together perfectly.

Pro Tips

  • For extra crunch: Use chicken thighs and lightly dust with panko before frying.
  • Make-ahead: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Healthier version: Bake instead of pan-frying at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
  • Flavor twist: Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy-sweet kick!

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 bowl42026 g36 g15 g1 g17 g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary based on ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Sticky honey sesame chicken served over a fluffy bowl of rice with glossy sauce and green garnish
56c45b849e28c8d105ae1d5e46eb93256a4650ce8ebf09300a6abed9f6474ce5?s=30&d=mm&r=gAlex SMITH

Honey Sesame Chicken

This Honey Sesame Chicken is a quick 25-minute dinner with crispy chicken bites tossed in a glossy honey-sesame glaze. Balanced with soy sauce, sesame oil, fresh ginger, garlic, and a touch of rice vinegar for tang, it’s better than takeout and perfect over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Cooked jasmine rice or noodles, for serving (optional)

Equipment

  • Large nonstick skillet or wok
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Toss chicken with cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
  4. Pour the sauce into the skillet; simmer 3–4 minutes, stirring, until the glaze is slightly thick and glossy.
  5. Remove from heat; sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice or noodles and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 26gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 60IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.4mg

Notes

Make-ahead: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; rewarm gently with a splash of water. For crispier bites, use chicken thighs and cook in two batches. Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for spice. Serve with steamed broccoli or snap peas for a complete bowl.

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