Name: Honey Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb. (500g) boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) cubes or strips; Oil for deep-frying; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 egg white; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup ice-cold water; 1 tablespoon oil; 1 pinch salt; 1/3 cup pure honey; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; 1/2 tablespoon ketchup; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 cup water; 1 teaspoon salt

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If you get unstoppable cravings for that glossy, irresistible Honey Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!), you’re not alone—this dish is a downright addiction in my kitchen! Crispy-tender bites of golden chicken tossed in a sweet, tangy, deeply aromatic sauce, and kissed with nutty sesame seeds… need I say more? The real kicker: it truly tastes better than your favorite takeout, and you can whip it up in under 30 minutes. Grab a bowl of steamed rice, because this is a recipe you’ll want to make on repeat!

Honey Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the short list fool you—these pantry staples are secret flavor powerhouses. Every ingredient in this Honey Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!) recipe plays a starring role, giving you that perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and savory depth.

Chicken Breast: Lean and juicy, chicken breast is ideal for soaking up flavor while staying super tender inside that crunchy coating.
Oil (for deep-frying): A neutral oil like canola or vegetable gets the chicken nice and crisp without adding heaviness.
Garlic: Just two cloves bring an unmistakable, aromatic punch—you really taste it in the sauce!
Toasted Sesame Seeds: These add the glorious nutty finish and a bit of crunch that make this dish a standout.
Egg White: The secret to that light, airy batter—plus it helps the coating cling to every chicken piece.
All-Purpose Flour: Reliable for creating a crisp, golden exterior every time.
Cornstarch: Boosts crispiness in the batter and also helps thicken the luscious sauce.
Baking Powder: Gives the batter just a little lift and extra crunch.
Water (ice cold): Keeps the batter light and prevents it from absorbing too much oil.
Oil (for batter): One tablespoon in the batter keeps it from going rubbery—it’s a little chef’s trick!
Salt: Enhances every layer of flavor, both in the batter and in the sauce.
Pure Honey: The star of the show—a floral, silky sweetness that sets this recipe apart from anything store-bought.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness so each bite stays lively.
Ketchup: Just a touch for subtle tang and color—trust me, it works wonders in the sauce.
Sesame Oil: Toasty, fragrant, and utterly essential for that classic takeout aroma.
Extra Cornstarch (for sauce): Makes the sauce perfectly glossy and clingy.
Water (for sauce): Balances the consistency so the sauce coats every bite, not just the bottom of the pan.

How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!)

Step 1: Prepare the Batter and Coat the Chicken

Start by mixing the frying batter: whisk together the egg white, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, ice-cold water, oil, and a pinch of salt until everything’s silky-smooth with no lumps. Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes (or strips if you like a more classic takeout look), then slip them right into the batter. Make sure every piece is totally coated—this is what gives Honey Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!) its signature crunch!

Step 2: Mix the Honey Sesame Sauce

This quick sauce is a real flavor bomb. In a second bowl, combine the honey, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, and salt. Whisk together until totally smooth and set aside—having it ready means the magic comes together in literal minutes once you hit the stove.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat about two inches of oil in a deep sauté pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering (you can test it with a small drop of batter—it should bubble immediately), carefully drop the battered chicken in one piece at a time. Do not overcrowd the pan—this keeps the pieces ultra-crispy. Fry the chicken until golden brown on all sides, about 3–4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to paper towels to drain off excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Sauce Base

Pour two tablespoons of your hot frying oil into a wok or clean skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells insanely good—just golden and fragrant. Quickly add the reserved honey sesame sauce mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring often. As the sauce heats, it’ll thicken and become glossy, perfect for hugging every piece of chicken.

Step 5: Toss and Finish

Once the sauce coats the back of a spoon, toss in your fried chicken pieces. Stir everything together for a minute or two, so each bite is shellacked in that beautiful sauce. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top, and serve your Honey Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!) immediately for that ultimate flavor-bomb experience!

How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!)

Garnishes

Garnishes make all the difference. Sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds for texture and a pop of white on gold. A scattering of sliced green onions adds a beautiful color contrast and a zippy freshness. If you’re feeling bold, some thinly sliced red chili or a dusting of cracked black pepper gives just a touch of heat to balance the sweet sauce.

Side Dishes

You honestly can’t go wrong serving Honey Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!) over a fluffy bowl of steamed Jasmine rice or classic Chinese fried rice—it soaks up every last drop of sauce. For a lighter meal, toss together a quick stir-fried veggie medley or simply steam some broccoli or snap peas on the side. Even a crisp Asian slaw would offer a super-refreshing contrast!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining or just want to wow your family, serve the chicken piled high on a big platter with the sauce drizzled over for dramatic effect. Or, build power bowls with rice, sautéed greens, and pickled veggies, then top with the glossy chicken. For parties, try skewer-style—thread pieces onto toothpicks and drizzle with sauce for easy, irresistible appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Honey Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!) cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and chicken separate if you want the chicken to stay crisp when reheating; otherwise, all together in one container is fine for convenience.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this recipe for future cravings! Arrange the cooked, cooled chicken pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer bag or container. Store the sauce separately in a small sealed container. Both will keep for up to a month. When hunger strikes, just reheat as directed below.

Reheating

To revive all that crispy, saucy goodness, bake the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until hot and crunchy again. Gently reheat the sauce in a small saucepan or microwave, then toss them together just before serving. If you’ve already combined them, microwave in bursts, stirring between, to restore everything to piping hot perfection!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be extra juicy and work just as well. They’re a bit more forgiving if you tend to overcook, so feel free to swap them in for your Honey Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!).

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and double-check that your ketchup and soy sauce (if adding any) are gluten free. Cornstarch and all the other ingredients are naturally gluten free, so it’s an easy swap!

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

You can, although you won’t get that ultra-crisp bite. Place the battered chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a baking tray, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

How spicy is Honey Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!)?

This version isn’t spicy at all—it’s all about the sweet-savory balance. If you want a kick, feel free to add some chili flakes or drizzle on chili oil when you serve.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! The recipe doubles (or even triples) beautifully. Just fry the chicken in batches to keep everything crisp, and warm the sauce in a larger pan if needed so every piece gets luscious coverage.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like making your own Honey Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!) to impress your loved ones or satisfy those unstoppable cravings. It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and honestly, tastes fresher and brighter than anything you’ll ever get delivered. Give it a try—you just might retire your favorite takeout menu!