Description
This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe features tender bite-sized chicken breasts marinated and stir-fried to perfection, coated in a luscious, glossy honey and sesame sauce. Enhanced with garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's a delicious and quick weeknight dinner that serves 4.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed)
- 3 cloves garlic (grated or minced)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and place in a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and mix well to coat the chicken. Set aside to marinate for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated garlic, and sesame seeds until the mixture is well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Coat the chicken: Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the marinated chicken pieces and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated. This creates a light crust when cooked.
- Cook the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the coated chicken in a single layer. Stir-fry the chicken, turning occasionally, until all sides are browned and the chicken is cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Cook the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the same pan and cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally and allow the sauce to thicken and become glossy, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Coat the chicken with sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pan and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the thickened sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- For best texture, do not overcrowd the pan while cooking the chicken to ensure even browning.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing the honey and brown sugar according to taste preferences.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- This dish pairs well with steamed white rice or stir-fried vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
