Name: Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces (can substitute with boneless skinless chicken thighs); 4 tablespoons cornstarch, divided; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil, or to taste; ⅓ cup honey; ⅓ cup soy sauce (reduced sodium or lite soy sauce recommended); 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 to 3 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1 to 2 teaspoons sesame oil, or to taste; 1 teaspoon ground ginger or about 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger; ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste (adjust for heat preference); 1 or 2 green onions, trimmed and sliced into thin rounds; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 53 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that delivers that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a little kick of heat, you’re going to absolutely love this Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe. It’s everything you want from your favorite takeout but made healthier and quicker right at home. Tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken get baked until golden and juicy, then coated in a luscious honey, garlic, and soy sauce glaze. This dish is a total weeknight hero that pleases picky eaters and food lovers alike—plus, it’s packed with flavor and so easy to whip up. Trust me, once you try this Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe, it’ll be on regular rotation in your dinner lineup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl lined with light brown parchment paper holds many small pieces of light pink raw meat in the center. Around it, there are several small white and clear bowls with various ingredients: a dark liquid in a square bowl, a golden orange liquid, a small amount of red chili flakes in a black spoon, light brown sugar, white sesame seeds, bright red sauce, and a small amount of clear oil. To the top right, three fresh green onions with white bulbs lay on the white marbled surface. A small piece of ginger root and a whole garlic bulb are also placed near the bowl, and a small bowl with a thick white powder is near the top center. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one adds its own charm—whether it’s the mellow sweetness of honey, the umami punch of soy sauce, or the subtle warmth from garlic and ginger. These essentials work together to create layers of flavor and texture that bring this dish to life.

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, they ensure quick and even baking with juicy results.
4 tablespoons cornstarch, divided: Helps create a crispy coating on the chicken while baking.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential seasoning that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle peppery kick to balance the sweetness.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps brown the chicken slightly and prevents sticking during cooking.
⅓ cup honey: The star of the sauce, bringing a rich, natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
⅓ cup soy sauce (reduced sodium preferred): Provides that unmistakable depth and savory saltiness.
3 tablespoons light brown sugar: Adds a touch of molasses flavor and helps thicken the glaze.
2 tablespoons ketchup: Brings tang and color, rounding out the sauce’s profile.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Lends a bright acidity to cut through the richness.
2 to 3 garlic cloves, finely minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
1 to 2 teaspoons sesame oil: A tiny drizzle packs a wonderful nutty aroma.
1 teaspoon ground ginger or 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger: Adds zingy spice and complexity.
½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper: Additional seasoning to taste for the sauce.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adjustable heat level to suit your spice preferences.
1 or 2 green onions, thinly sliced: Fresh garnish that brightens each bite.
1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Toasted on top for crunch and classic sesame flavor.

How to Make Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Toss these pieces with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, salt, and pepper to create a light coating. This step is crucial because it helps lock in moisture and creates a slight crispness when baked, giving you that delightful texture without frying.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

Lay your coated chicken pieces on a large baking sheet in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Lightly drizzle or brush olive oil over them for added browning. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This baking method keeps everything tidy while making tender, juicy chicken chunks.

Step 3: Make the Honey Sesame Sauce

While the chicken bakes, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, ginger, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a large skillet over medium heat. Let the sauce gently simmer until it thickens slightly, which creates that shiny, sticky coating that clings to each delicious piece.

Step 4: Toss Chicken in Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, add it directly into the skillet with your hot sauce. Toss everything together carefully so every piece gets lovingly coated in the glossy honey sesame glaze. This step is where your Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe truly comes alive, offering bold flavors in every bite.

How to Serve Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with a layer of fluffy white rice at the bottom, topped with several glossy, orange-colored pieces of chicken coated in a sticky sauce. Small green chopped scallions are sprinkled on top of the chicken, adding a fresh green color. A pair of wooden chopsticks holds one piece of chicken above the rice. In the background, there is another white plate with more of the saucy chicken pieces slightly out of focus. The setup sits on a wooden table with some ginger root visible in the lower part of the image. The overall colors are warm with the bright orange chicken and fresh green scallions standing out. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds not only boosts the visual appeal but also introduces fresh, crisp pops of flavor and texture. These finishing touches make the dish pop on the plate and add that irresistible touch of authenticity.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. For a veggie boost, toss in some stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or roasted carrots. The contrast in textures and colors makes your meal feel well-rounded and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to jazz up your meal presentation? Serve the chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice or arrange it alongside crispy lettuce cups for an interactive, lighter twist. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for added brightness. These creative plating ideas make this recipe perfect for dinner parties or casual nights alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Honey Sesame Chicken keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for batch cooking or quick lunches throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to savor this recipe later, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Just separate portions with parchment paper to avoid clumping, and label clearly for easy meal prep.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring to avoid drying out the sauce. Microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts to keep that delicious glaze intact without overcooking the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe and provide extra juiciness and flavor.

Is cornstarch necessary in this recipe?

Yes, the cornstarch is key to creating that light crispy coating on the baked chicken, giving it texture similar to fried chicken without the oil.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, but you can easily adjust the amount to suit your spice preference, making it milder or more fiery.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Choose gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the dish safe for gluten-free diets without sacrificing flavor.

What’s the best way to ensure chicken stays tender when baking?

Cutting the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces and not overbaking them ensures they stay juicy. Using a digital thermometer helps you bake just until they hit 165°F.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone craving takeout flavors in a healthier, homemade way. It’s quick, fun to make, and packed with a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. So grab those ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this irresistible dish. I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to dinners!