Baked Honey Sesame Chicken

There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of Baked Honey Sesame Chicken wafting through the kitchen. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a chilly evening, and I wanted something warm and flavorful to soothe my soul. As I tossed together the chicken and sweet honey, I felt an excitement that only cooking can bring. The combination of sticky, sweet glaze with tender chicken pieces is a culinary hug, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying for yourself. This recipe quickly became a favorite, not just for its taste but for the delightful memories it creates around the dinner table.

Ingredients to Make Baked Honey Sesame Chicken

The ingredients for Baked Honey Sesame Chicken are simple yet impactful. Each element contributes to the overall flavor profile, creating that perfect balance between sweet and savory. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to bring this dish to life!

• 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts – The star of the dish, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch – This is essential for coating the chicken, ensuring a crispy texture when baked.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – A must for enhancing the flavors in the chicken.
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Adds a touch of heat and depth to the dish.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Used for drizzling over the chicken before baking, helping to achieve that golden color.
• ⅓ cup honey – This natural sweetener creates the sticky glaze that makes the dish unforgettable.
• ⅓ cup soy sauce – A flavor powerhouse that deepens the umami notes.
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar – Enhances the sweetness and adds a rich caramel flavor.
• 2 tablespoons ketchup – Surprising yet essential for a tangy kick.
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar – Provides acidity that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• 2-3 garlic cloves, finely minced – Infuses the dish with aromatic goodness.
• 1-2 teaspoons sesame oil – Adds a nutty flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger – A warming spice that rounds out the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Additional seasoning to ensure the dish is well-balanced.
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – A duplicate to enhance flavor as needed.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes – For those who enjoy a little heat.
• 1-2 green onions, trimmed and sliced – A fresh topping that adds a pop of color and flavor.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds – A final touch for garnish that adds texture and visual appeal.

The Process for Making Baked Honey Sesame Chicken

Making Baked Honey Sesame Chicken is a fun and rewarding experience. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal that will impress everyone at your table.

1. Preheat your oven to 400F. It’s essential to have your oven hot and ready for the chicken to cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden color.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands to toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
3. Prepare a large baking sheet by placing the chicken on it. Pour any remaining cornstarch from the bowl over the chicken. Drizzle with olive oil, ensuring that every piece is lightly coated. This helps in browning the chicken nicely.
4. Bake the chicken for about 10 to 15 minutes, flipping once midway through for even cooking. Keep an eye on it, as smaller pieces will cook faster. You want the internal temperature to reach 165F to ensure it’s cooked through.
5. While the chicken bakes, take a large skillet and add the reserved tablespoon of cornstarch, honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, ginger, remaining salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. Heat the mixture over medium to medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will help dissolve the brown sugar and create a delicious glaze. Taste the sauce and adjust for flavor as needed.
7. Once the chicken is done baking, transfer it straight into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently to ensure each piece of chicken is well-coated.
8. Cook the chicken in the sauce for about 1 to 2 minutes over medium-low heat. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
9. Finally, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. This adds a lovely crunch and a pop of color to your dish. Serve hot!

Tips and Variations

Here are some handy tips to enhance your cooking experience with Baked Honey Sesame Chicken!

• Storage: If you have leftovers, keep them airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through.
• Freezing: You can freeze extra chicken for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool before placing it in an airtight container, and defrost in the fridge when ready to eat.
• Pairing: This dish goes wonderfully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. Consider adding a side of stir-fried broccoli or snap peas for a colorful plate.
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey or brown sugar to suit your taste.
• Spice Level: For more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add in a diced chili pepper.
• Garnishing: Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add a refreshing touch to the dish.
• Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Make a double batch and portion it out for quick lunches throughout the week.

Perfect Matches for Baked Honey Sesame Chicken

When it comes to serving Baked Honey Sesame Chicken, the options are plentiful. Let’s explore some delightful pairings!

• Steamed White Rice: The perfect base for soaking up that delicious sauce. Consider jasmine or basmati rice for added fragrance.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas makes a nutritious and vibrant side dish.
• Quinoa Salad: For a healthier alternative, serve with a light quinoa salad tossed with cucumber, carrots, and a tangy dressing.
• Wrap it Up: Use Baked Honey Sesame Chicken in a wrap with fresh veggies for a quick lunch or snack option.
• Cashew Topping: Add roasted cashews or peanuts for a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the chicken.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even festive meals with friends. It’s versatile enough to fit any occasion!

FAQ

Conclusion

Baked Honey Sesame Chicken is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory that’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken and sticky glaze, it’s bound to become a family favorite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it might just become a staple in your kitchen!

Baked Honey Sesame Chicken

Craving something sweet and savory? Try Baked Honey Sesame Chicken, an easy weeknight dinner that’s sticky, tender, and packed with flavor. Perfect for family meals or meal prep!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ⅓ cup honey
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic finely minced
• 1 to 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 or 2 green onions trimmed and sliced for garnishing
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnishing

Equipment

• Large Baking Sheet
• Large Skillet
• digital thermometer

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400F. It’s essential to have your oven hot and ready for the chicken to cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden color.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands to toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
3. Prepare a large baking sheet by placing the chicken on it. Pour any remaining cornstarch from the bowl over the chicken. Drizzle with olive oil, ensuring that every piece is lightly coated. This helps in browning the chicken nicely.
4. Bake the chicken for about 10 to 15 minutes, flipping once midway through for even cooking. Keep an eye on it, as smaller pieces will cook faster. You want the internal temperature to reach 165F to ensure it’s cooked through.
5. While the chicken bakes, take a large skillet and add the reserved tablespoon of cornstarch, honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, ginger, remaining salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. Heat the mixture over medium to medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will help dissolve the brown sugar and create a delicious glaze. Taste the sauce and adjust for flavor as needed.
7. Once the chicken is done baking, transfer it straight into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently to ensure each piece of chicken is well-coated.
8. Cook the chicken in the sauce for about 1 to 2 minutes over medium-low heat. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
9. Finally, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. This adds a lovely crunch and a pop of color to your dish. Serve hot!

Notes

• Tip 1: If you have leftovers, keep them airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through.
• Tip 2: You can freeze extra chicken for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool before placing it in an airtight container, and defrost in the fridge when ready to eat.
• Tip 3: This dish goes wonderfully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. Consider adding a side of stir-fried broccoli or snap peas for a colorful plate.
• Tip 4: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey or brown sugar to suit your taste.
• Tip 5: For more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add in a diced chili pepper.
• Tip 6: Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add a refreshing touch to the dish.
• Tip 7: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Make a double batch and portion it out for quick lunches throughout the week.

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Meet Audrey Hayes

I’m Audrey! I founded Cozy Daily Recipes to help you find joy in the kitchen every single day. I personally test and approve every recipe we publish to ensure it’s worthy of your table. Whether I'm slow cooking a Sunday roast or whipping up a quick lunch, my goal is to make your cooking life easier and more delicious.