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Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade Better Than Takeout

crispy honey sesame chicken recipe - featured image

A quick and easy crispy honey sesame chicken recipe with a perfect balance of crunchy coating and sticky honey glaze, ideal for homemade comfort food better than takeout.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (65 g) cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
  • 1 tsp baking powder (helps lighten the crust)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (canola or peanut oil recommended)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) honey (raw or regular)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken sauce)
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks, about 1½-inch pieces. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
  4. Dip each chicken piece first into the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated. Repeat the egg and flour dip one more time for extra crunch.
  5. Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok to about 1½ inches deep. Heat over medium-high heat until oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Drain on paper towels or wire rack.
  7. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir over medium heat until warmed through.
  8. Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  9. Place fried chicken in a large bowl, pour honey sesame sauce over, and toss gently to coat.
  10. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

Double coating the chicken with egg and flour-cornstarch mix creates a sturdier crust. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt crust. Fry in batches to keep oil temperature steady. Toss chicken in sauce just before serving to keep crispiness. For gluten-free, swap flour with gluten-free blend and soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Air fryer option: cook at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.

Nutrition

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