Baked Honey Sesame Chicken

Baked Honey Sesame Chicken is sweet, savory, and perfect for any night of the week. Skip the take-out and try this easy homemade version instead!

Baked Honey Sesame Chicken recipe

Last night for dinner, I made this tasty chicken to serve with some homemade fried rice. I had been in the mood for Chinese food, so decided to make it myself rather than ordering takeout. The whole family loved it, and we even had enough leftovers to enjoy for lunch the next day!!

This version is a little healthier than the takeout version due to the fact it is baked, not fried. Plus, what could be more perfect than crisp, crunchy, coated chicken in a sticky sweet and super flavorful honey sesame glaze?

We will definitely be enjoying this meal again in the near future!! A quick, easy, family favorite meal!

Ingredients Needed:

Chicken Breasts- boneless, skinless

Cornstarch- this helps thicken the sauce up

Eggs- large

Canola Oil- vegetable oil is also an option if preferred

Honey

Soy Sauce- I always use the reduced sodium version to cut back on salt

Ketchup

Brown Sugar

Rice Wine Vinegar

Sesame Oil- although you don’t need much, don’t omit as it really adds such great flavor

Garlic- minced

Sesame Seeds/Green Onions- optional

*See recipe card below for exact amounts

How to prepare Baked Honey Sesame Chicken:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into small pieces.
3. In a large bag, add the 1 cup cornstarch.
4. In a small bowl, add the eggs and slightly beat until broken up.
5. Drop chicken pieces into bag and shake around until thoroughly coated. Remove from bag and dip into egg.
6. Place chicken in a large skillet with canola oil. Cook until chicken is browned.
7. Remove from pan and place into a greased 9×13.
8. In a different bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and cornstarch.
9. Pour mixture over chicken and bake in oven about 45 minutes.
10. Stir chicken a few times while cooking to coat in sauce.
11. Remove from oven and serve. Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top if desired!!

Can I use Chicken Thighs in place of the Chicken Breasts?

Absolutely! I tend to prefer the chicken breasts because I can easily dice the chicken and being small pieces, the chicken cooks quickly. However, if you prefer to use thighs, the only change you will make is to increase cook time as they are bigger pieces to cook. Easy-peasy either way though!

Alternative Cooking Option

Want to add more crispy goodness to the chicken? Feel free to skip the baking option and go right to the good stuff…. FRYING! Fry the chicken on both sides until golden brown and chicken is cooked inside, should take about 2 to 3 min per side. Repeat with remaining chicken. Place the fried chicken on paper towels to soak up some of the oil.

How to store

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. You can also crisp them up again using your air fryer or sticking them in the oven for a few minutes.

Freezer: You can prepare these uncooked and store in the freezer up to 3 months. Dredge the chicken and then lay them on a baking sheet and freeze them, uncooked. Seal in an airtight container once completely frozen and bake at 425 F degrees for 20 – 25 minutes from frozen when ready to eat.

Recipes that pair perfectly with this Baked Honey Sesame Chicken

This meal can be served on its own or completed with one of these great options below!

Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice

Mom’s Asian Ramen Coleslaw

Baked Egg Rolls

Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein

BEST EVER Instant Pot Jasmine Rice