Description

Craving something bold, flavorful, and fast? This Sticky Sesame Chicken is a must-try for any home cook looking for an easy dinner idea that rivals takeout. Juicy, golden chicken bites are glazed in a sticky-sweet sesame sauce that’s perfectly balanced with soy, garlic, and honey. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a new meal prep favorite, or a standout dish to wow the family, this recipe delivers. It’s a deliciously satisfying option that fits into your list of go-to dinner ideas, food ideas for the week, or even those last-minute healthy snack cravings. This easy recipe hits all the right notes—crispy, sticky, savory, and sweet—all in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
⅓ cup cornstarch
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)

Optional for Garnish:

1–2 teaspoons sesame seeds
½ cup green peas (frozen or fresh)

Instructions

Season chicken with salt and pepper, then toss in cornstarch until evenly coated.
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
In a small cup, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, pour in the sauce mixture. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens into a glaze, about 2–3 minutes.
Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly. Add peas if using, and cook for 1 more minute.
Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes