Name: Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-size pieces; 1 egg, helps bind the coating; 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce, for the marinade; 0.25 teaspoon white pepper, adds subtle heat; 2.5 tablespoons cornstarch, creates the crispy exterior; oil spray or oil, as needed for cooking; 1 tablespoon butter, for the sauce base; 2.5 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons ketchup, adds umami and sweetness; 2.5 tablespoons honey, adjust to taste for desired sweetness; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, for tangy balance; 1 teaspoon sriracha, or more if you like spicy; 0.5 teaspoon sesame oil, for aromatic finish; sesame seeds, for garnish; chopped green onions, for garnish

Description

Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken features tender, golden-brown chicken coated in a sticky, balanced glaze of honey, sesame, and a hint of sriracha heat. This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1 egg, helps bind the coating
1.5 tablespoons soy sauce, for the marinade
0.25 teaspoon white pepper, adds subtle heat
2.5 tablespoons cornstarch, creates the crispy exterior
oil spray or oil, as needed for cooking
1 tablespoon butter, for the sauce base
2.5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons ketchup, adds umami and sweetness
2.5 tablespoons honey, adjust to taste for desired sweetness
1 tablespoon rice vinegar, for tangy balance
1 teaspoon sriracha, or more if you like spicy
0.5 teaspoon sesame oil, for aromatic finish
sesame seeds, for garnish
chopped green onions, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Mix the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the chicken with egg, soy sauce, white pepper, and cornstarch, stirring until evenly coated.
Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to marinate for 15 to 20 minutes so the coating adheres fully.
Pan Fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, then remove and set aside.
Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, lightly spray the basket with oil, arrange chicken in a single layer, lightly spray the top, and air fry for 10 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Bake: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil, spread chicken in a single layer, spray the top, and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through, then broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end for extra color if desired.
Sauté the Garlic: Melt butter in a pan over medium heat and add minced garlic, stirring constantly for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
Build the Sauce: Stir in ketchup, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, and sesame oil, combining thoroughly.
Simmer: Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
Combine: Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and toss until fully coated and glistening.
Garnish: Top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Serve: Plate immediately while hot and crispy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes