Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that balances sweet, savory, and just a hint of tang, you’ve got to try this Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of tender chicken pieces baked to juicy perfection and lovingly coated in a glossy, sticky sauce made from honey, soy sauce, and a touch of garlic. This recipe brings a delightful crunch from the cornstarch coating and a beautiful shine from the honey glaze, making it an irresistible weeknight dinner or a showstopping meal for guests. Trust me, once you try this version of Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe, it will become one of your all-time favorites to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and mouthwatering flavor that defines this Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe. From the crispy coating to the rich sauce, every item contributes to a symphony of deliciousness.

• 4 chicken breasts: The star of the dish, cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect everyday bites.
• 1 cup cornstarch: This creates that irresistibly crispy outer layer you’re going to love.
• 3 large eggs: Acts as a sticky binder to help the coating adhere nicely to the chicken.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out the natural flavor of the chicken.
• 1/4 cup canola oil: Ideal for browning the chicken to a golden crisp before baking.
• 3/4 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and gives the sauce that trademark glossy sheen.
• 3/4 cup soy sauce: Provides a savory, salty depth that balances the honey perfectly.
• 1/2 cup ketchup: Adds tang and a subtle richness to the sauce’s base.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Boosts the sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor for complexity.
• 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar: Gives the sauce a bright, tangy finish to keep things lively.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses the dish with that classic nutty sesame flavor.
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic amps up the savory notes and aroma.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce during baking for that perfect clingy texture.
• Additional sesame seeds for garnish: Adds lovely crunch and a beautiful finishing touch.

How to Make Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by preheating the oven to 325 degrees to get it ready for baking. Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, the perfect size for easy eating and maximum sauce coverage. Give them a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper so each piece is perfectly seasoned right from the start.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Here’s where the magic to that crispy texture begins. Set up two bowls — one with cornstarch and the other with slightly beaten eggs. Dip each chicken piece first in the cornstarch, then into the egg mixture, and back into the cornstarch. For a hands-off approach, pop all the bite-size pieces into a gallon-sized bag with cornstarch and shake well to coat evenly. This double-dip method creates a crunchy outer crust that holds onto the sauce beautifully.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Warm your canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook each side until they’re golden brown and irresistibly crispy. This step takes your chicken to the next level before it ever hits the oven. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish to get ready for the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Sauce and Bake

In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This combination creates a luscious sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken pieces in the baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to coat the chicken perfectly and help the sauce thicken and glaze all the pieces. This baking process lets the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the chicken tender.

How to Serve Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for a little crunch and that authentic look that makes this dish Instagram-ready. Fresh chopped green onions or thinly sliced scallions add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the sauce’s sweetness wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Serve this Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe alongside fluffy steamed rice or fragrant jasmine rice to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce. For a bit of freshness, pair it with stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to add crunch and vibrant colors to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to elevate your presentation, try serving the chicken in mini lettuce cups for a fun handheld option or spoon it over a bed of steamed noodles with a handful of toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. It’s a fantastic way to turn an everyday dinner into a special occasion meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it great for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions for a longer period, place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven or on the stovetop so the chicken stays crispy and the sauce remains glossy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the coating soggy. Adding a sprinkle of fresh sesame seeds after reheating will revitalize the dish.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat, which means they stay juicy and tender. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is there a substitute for cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder or potato starch as alternatives, but cornstarch works best for that crisp coating and thicker sauce.

What if I don’t have rice wine vinegar?

In a pinch, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used, but reduce the amount slightly as they have a stronger acidity. The rice wine vinegar’s mild tang really balances the flavors nicely in this recipe.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, this Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe can easily be made gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

How do I get the sauce thick and sticky?

The tablespoon of cornstarch in the sauce is the key to thickening it into that perfect sticky glaze. Make sure to stir the chicken in the sauce every 15 minutes while baking to help it evenly coat and thicken.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and exciting about this Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. It’s a dish that hits all the right notes — crunchy, sweet, tangy, and savory — wrapped up in one deliciously sticky package. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and I promise this will be the kind of meal you’ll want to make on repeat!

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