Asian Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe: A Fabulous 30-Minute Chicken Dinner Dinner Poultry Asian Recipes Budget-friendly

I used to love getting Chinese food takeout as a special treat when I was a child. My oldest son takes after me; he often suggests Asian food when we discuss takeout options. He happens to be a picky eater, so I love the opportunity to learn how to re-create popular menu items at home knowing that he’ll like them.

This honey sesame chicken recipe is similar to a popular dish at Chinese restaurants. The chicken is fried (but not deep fried in lots of oil so it’s healthier!), then coated in a sweet honey sesame sauce. The chicken is also cooked with the skin on, adding so much more flavor to the dish. Served over rice, this Asian chicken recipe pleases even my pickiest eater!

Not only is this a delicious chicken dinner, but it’s also a quick and easy one. My favorite kind! You can have this meal on the table in about 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for dinner on a busy weeknight. Bonus: you’ll save money on takeout. That sounds like a win-win to me! Serve this chicken dinner with rice and fresh vegetables on the side.

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Cuisine: Chinese
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 skin-on boneless chicken thighs
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch, or more if needed

Helpful Products

• Saucepan
• Mixing Bowl
• Skillet

Recipe Notes

• If you can't find skin-on chicken thighs, use skinless chicken thighs.

• You could use bone-in chicken, just keep in mind that it will take longer to cook.

Here’s how to make it:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, brown sugar, garlic and water. Simmer on medium-low heat until the sauce has thickened to your liking. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine salt, garlic powder and paprika. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with the spice mixture. Coat the seasoned chicken thighs on both sides with cornstarch.
3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs. Cook for about 5 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Cook in two batches if necessary (do not overcrowd the pan).
4. Add the thickened honey sesame sauce to the chicken, fully coating each piece. Let all the ingredients cook together for 1 to 2 additional minutes. 

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