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Crispy Sesame Chicken with Honey Glaze

crispy sesame chicken with honey glaze - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring juicy chicken thighs coated in a crispy double-layer crust and tossed in a sticky, sweet-savory honey glaze with toasted sesame seeds.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 700g)
  • 1 cup cornstarch (120g)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (65g)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • ¼ cup honey (85g)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • About 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying, such as canola or peanut oil)
  • Optional: sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces (about 1.5-inch chunks). Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Set up dredging stations: whisk eggs in one bowl; mix cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds in another bowl.
  3. Dip each chicken piece first in the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the dry mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Place coated pieces on a tray and let rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry chicken pieces in batches without overcrowding for 4-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with tongs and drain on a wire rack.
  6. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Warm over low heat, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened (3-4 minutes). Avoid boiling.
  7. Toss the fried chicken gently in the warm honey glaze until evenly coated. Sprinkle with remaining sesame seeds and garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
  8. Serve immediately while crispy and sticky, ideally with steamed rice or simple greens.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before coating to ensure crispiness. Rest coated chicken for 5 minutes before frying to help the crust set. Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness. Warm glaze gently to avoid burning honey. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or rice flour and use tamari instead of soy sauce. For a lighter option, bake coated chicken at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken, sesame chicken, honey glaze, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, fried chicken, sweet and savory