Craving a dish that’s sweet, savory, and just a little sticky without the guilt of deep-frying? I’ve got you covered with this incredible Baked Honey Sesame Chicken recipe. It’s one of those meals that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right into your kitchen, but in a healthier, oven-baked way. The first time I made Baked Honey Sesame Chicken, my family couldn’t get enough—it disappeared faster than I could say “seconds?”
What I love most about this Baked Honey Sesame Chicken is how easy it is to whip up on a busy weeknight. You get that glossy, sesame-studded coating and a sauce that’s pure magic, all without standing over a hot stove. If you’re tired of the same old chicken dinners, this is your new go-to. Let’s dive into why this recipe will become a staple in your home, and I’ll share every step to make your Baked Honey Sesame Chicken shine.
In my experience, recipes like this one bridge the gap between comfort food and something special. It’s perfect for meal prep or impressing guests, and the aroma alone will have everyone gathered around the table. Ready to make some delicious Baked Honey Sesame Chicken? I promise it’s simpler than it sounds, and the payoff is worth every minute.
Key Takeaways:
- Baked Honey Sesame Chicken offers a healthier twist on takeout favorites with crispy results from the oven.
- Prep and cook time totals under 45 minutes for effortless weeknight dinners.
- The sweet honey glaze combined with savory sesame creates an irresistible flavor explosion.
- Marinate the chicken briefly for maximum tenderness and taste infusion.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat easily for quick meals.
Why You’ll Adore This Baked Honey Sesame Chicken
Healthier Than Fried Versions: This Baked Honey Sesame Chicken skips the deep-fryer, reducing oil while keeping that satisfying crunch. In my kitchen trials, baking at the right temperature gives you tender, juicy chicken every time without the extra calories. You’ll feel good serving this to your family or friends.
Quick and Family-Friendly: Who doesn’t love a recipe that’s ready in under an hour? This one is a hit with kids and adults alike, thanks to its mild sweetness. I’ve made it for picky eaters, and they always ask for more—it’s that approachable and delicious.
Versatile Flavor Profile: The honey and sesame in this Baked Honey Sesame Chicken blend Asian-inspired notes with everyday appeal. It’s subtly sweet yet savory, making it pair well with so many sides. What I find interesting is how the flavors deepen as it bakes, creating layers you can’t resist.
Customizable for Any Diet: Easily adapt this Baked Honey Sesame Chicken for gluten-free or low-carb needs. Swap in tamari for soy sauce, and you’re set. Let’s be honest, flexibility like this makes cooking exciting and stress-free.
Essential Ingredients for Baked Honey Sesame Chicken
Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken pieces are the star here, providing a lean protein base that’s easy to work with. I prefer thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work great too—just be sure not to overbake. In this Baked Honey Sesame Chicken, they absorb the marinade beautifully, resulting in tender bites every time. Opt for fresh chicken to avoid any off flavors.
Honey: This natural sweetener is key to the glossy glaze that coats your chicken. It balances the savory elements and adds a subtle floral note. When I make Baked Honey Sesame Chicken, using raw honey elevates the taste without overpowering it. Warm it slightly before mixing to ensure it blends smoothly.
Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil: These bring the umami and nutty depth that define the dish. Low-sodium soy sauce keeps things balanced, while sesame oil adds an authentic Asian flair. In my experience with Baked Honey Sesame Chicken, this combo creates the sauce’s signature stickiness. Don’t skip the oil—it’s what makes the flavors pop.
How to Make Baked Honey Sesame Chicken
Prepare the Marinade and Chicken
Start by whisking together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar in a bowl—this forms the base of your sauce for Baked Honey Sesame Chicken. Cube your chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them in the marinade, letting it sit for at least 15 minutes. I find that this step infuses so much flavor; the honey starts to tenderize the meat right away. If you’re short on time, even 5 minutes makes a difference, but longer is better for that deep taste.
Bake for Crispy Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the marinated chicken on the sheet, spacing them out to avoid steaming, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through. As it bakes, the aromas of sesame and honey will fill your kitchen—it’s pure temptation. Flip halfway if needed, and brush with extra marinade for extra gloss; the edges should caramelize beautifully, giving you that crave-worthy texture without frying.
Finish with Sesame Seeds and Glaze
While baking, simmer the remaining marinade in a saucepan until it thickens into a shiny glaze—about 5 minutes over medium heat. Once the chicken is out, toss it in the glaze and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for that classic look. This final step in Baked Honey Sesame Chicken seals in the juices and adds crunch. Serve hot, and watch it disappear; it’s even better with a side of steamed rice to soak up the sauce.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cornstarch for thickening the glaze
Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, and let it marinate in the fridge for 15-30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it.
- Remove chicken from marinade (reserve the marinade) and place pieces on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken is cooked through and edges are caramelized.
- While baking, pour reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes to thicken. If desired, stir in cornstarch slurry for extra gloss.
- Remove chicken from oven, toss in the thickened glaze, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately over rice or with your favorite sides.
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Honey Sesame Chicken
Don’t Over-Marinate: Limit marinating to 30 minutes max to avoid the chicken becoming too soft from the acids. This keeps the texture perfect.
Toasted Sesame Seeds Matter: Toast your seeds in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes—they’ll add nutty flavor that raw ones can’t match.
Check Doneness Early: Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F internally for safety and juiciness.
You Must Know
- This recipe serves 4 and is naturally gluten-free if using tamari instead of soy sauce.
- The honey caramelizes best at high heat, so don’t lower the oven temperature.
- Fresh ginger provides better zing than powdered—grate it finely for even distribution.
- Reserve some marinade uncooked for basting to boost flavor without cross-contamination.
How to Store Baked Honey Sesame Chicken
Once cooled, store your Baked Honey Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer bags for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short bursts to maintain crispiness; adding a splash of water helps revive the glaze.
Customizing Your Baked Honey Sesame Chicken
Make your Baked Honey Sesame Chicken spicier by adding sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade. For a low-carb version, swap honey with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener. Vegetarians can substitute tofu or cauliflower florets—bake the same way for a fun twist. Check out our Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe for more sauce ideas that pair well.
What to Serve with Baked Honey Sesame Chicken
Pair this dish with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to absorb the delicious sauce. Add a fresh cucumber salad with sesame dressing for crunch and balance. For veggies, stir-fried broccoli or bok choy works wonders. Don’t forget a chilled green tea or light white wine to complement the Asian flavors—it’s a complete meal everyone will love.
Baked Honey Sesame Chicken
The sauce has a sweet honey flavor to it and is absolute honey sesame perfection. If you love chinese and make one thing from my blog, make this!
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 4 chicken breasts
- 02 1 cup cornstarch
- 03 3 large eggs
- 04 salt and pepper
- 05 1/4 cup canola oil
- 06 3/4 cup honey
- 07 3/4 cup soy sauce
- 08 1/2 cup ketchup
- 09 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 10 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
- 11 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 12 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 13 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 14 sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
In separate bowls, place cornstarch and slightly beaten eggs. Dip chicken into cornstarch then coat in egg mixture then back into the cornstarch. I have also found that you can put the chicken pieces in a gallon size bag and shake to coat.
Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until browned. Place the chicken in a 9 x 13 greased baking dish.
In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and 1 T cornstarch. Pour over chicken and bake for 45 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
I stirred the chicken every 15 minutes so that it coated them in the sauce.
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NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Honey Sesame Chicken
Can I make Baked Honey Sesame Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture, though leftovers reheat well. It’s great for meal prepping weekly lunches.
How long does Baked Honey Sesame Chicken last in the fridge?
It keeps for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Beyond that, the sauce might get too thick, but it’s still safe if frozen. Always reheat to 165°F.
Is Baked Honey Sesame Chicken gluten-free?
Not by default due to soy sauce, but swap it for tamari and it’s ready. Check labels for hidden gluten in other ingredients too. This makes it accessible for many diets.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely, breasts work fine in this Baked Honey Sesame Chicken—just slice them thinner to ensure even cooking. They might be slightly leaner, so avoid overbaking. For more chicken tips, see our Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Simmer it longer or add a cornstarch slurry as mentioned. This gives your Baked Honey Sesame Chicken that sticky, restaurant-style glaze without sogginess.
How do I make Baked Honey Sesame Chicken crispy?
Bake on a wire rack over the sheet for better air circulation, or broil the last 2 minutes. Patting chicken dry before coating helps too. The result is worth the extra step.
Can I air fry this recipe?
Yes, cook at 380°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway. It mimics baking closely for this Baked Honey Sesame Chicken.
Is this recipe kid-friendly for Baked Honey Sesame Chicken?
Kids love the sweet taste, similar to our High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe. Mild flavors make it approachable—just adjust spice if needed.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the ultimate guide to creating mouthwatering Baked Honey Sesame Chicken that’s sure to wow your taste buds and simplify your cooking routine. From the easy marinade to the final sesame sprinkle, every bite is a flavor adventure. I encourage you to give this recipe a try this week; it’s become my family’s favorite, and I know it’ll be yours too. Share your results in the comments—what twists will you add?