Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Baked Honey Sesame Chicken is a delightful combination of crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory glaze. With the rich flavors of honey and sesame seeds, this dish provides a perfect balance of sweetness, umami, and a satisfying crunch. It’s an easy-to-make, healthier version of takeout that’s baked in the oven rather than fried, making it a lighter option without sacrificing taste.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s full of flavor but doesn’t take hours to prepare. Whether you’re craving something sweet and savory for dinner or looking to impress guests with an elegant yet simple dish, Baked Honey Sesame Chicken fits the bill. Serve it over steamed rice or alongside a fresh vegetable stir-fry for a complete meal that everyone will love.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. With just a few key ingredients, you can whip up a batch of crispy, honey-glazed chicken bites that will satisfy your cravings for something both crispy and sweet.

Why You’ll Love Baked Honey Sesame Chicken

• Crispy and Flavorful: The chicken is baked to perfection, offering a crunchy coating while being tender and juicy on the inside. The honey sesame glaze adds a sweet and savory flavor that’s irresistible.
• Healthier Take on a Classic: Instead of frying, this recipe bakes the chicken, making it a healthier choice without sacrificing that crispy texture. It’s a guilt-free version of your favorite takeout dish.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples like honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chicken, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also budget-friendly.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, with minimal prep work. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something quick but flavorful.
• Versatile: You can serve these chicken bites with a variety of sides, from rice and veggies to noodles or even in wraps, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

For the Honey Sesame Glaze:

• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 2 teaspoons water
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 2-3 green onions (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will ensure that the chicken doesn’t stick to the pan and that it cooks evenly.

Cut the boneless, skinless chicken into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in size. This helps ensure the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.

In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This seasoned flour mixture will create a delicious coating on the chicken.

Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it in the seasoned flour, pressing gently to coat evenly. Place the coated chicken pieces onto the prepared baking sheet. Once all the chicken is coated, lightly drizzle or brush the pieces with olive oil. This will help the chicken become crispy as it bakes.

2. Bake the Chicken

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.

Keep an eye on the chicken in the last few minutes to ensure it doesn’t overcook. The coating should be golden and crisp, and the chicken should be tender and juicy inside.

3. Prepare the Honey Sesame Glaze

While the chicken is baking, it’s time to make the sweet and savory honey sesame glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger over medium heat. Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure everything is well combined.

In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry. Once the sauce in the saucepan begins to simmer, add the cornstarch slurry and continue stirring. This will thicken the glaze and give it a glossy texture. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. If it gets too thick, you can add a splash of water to loosen it up.

Once the glaze is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside. Stir in the sesame seeds for that delightful crunch and flavor.

4. Toss the Chicken in the Glaze

Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and transfer the pieces to a large bowl. Pour the honey sesame glaze over the chicken and toss gently to coat the pieces evenly. Be sure to coat every bite with the sweet and savory sauce for maximum flavor.

5. Serve the Baked Honey Sesame Chicken

Transfer the glazed chicken to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness and color. You can also sprinkle extra sesame seeds on top for an extra crunch.

Serve the honey sesame chicken over a bed of steamed white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also pair it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal.

Tips for Perfect Baked Honey Sesame Chicken

• Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. They cook quickly and remain tender and juicy inside. If using thighs, the flavor will be slightly richer, but both cuts are delicious.
• Don’t Skip the Olive Oil: Brushing the chicken with olive oil before baking is essential for getting that crispy, golden exterior. It also helps the chicken to not dry out during the baking process.
• Toast the Sesame Seeds: Toasting sesame seeds before adding them to the glaze adds extra flavor and a deeper crunch. You can do this by dry-toasting them in a pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and lightly browned.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, feel free to add a little more honey to the sauce. For a more savory flavor, reduce the amount of honey and increase the soy sauce slightly.
• Make the Sauce Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the honey sesame glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove before tossing it with the chicken.
• Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the honey sesame chicken immediately after tossing it in the glaze. The crispy coating may soften over time as it sits in the sauce.

Variations of Baked Honey Sesame Chicken

• Spicy Honey Sesame Chicken: Add a teaspoon or two of red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick. This balances the sweetness of the honey and adds extra depth of flavor.
• Sesame Chicken with Vegetables: Toss in some vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas, before baking. You can also stir-fry the veggies separately and serve them alongside the chicken.
• Honey Mustard Sesame Chicken: Swap out the honey for equal parts honey mustard for a tangy twist. This variation works well if you prefer a bit more tartness with the sweetness.
• Crispy Chicken Tenders: Use chicken tenders or strips instead of bite-sized pieces for a more traditional finger-food style. You can also dip these chicken tenders in extra honey sesame glaze for added flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Baked Honey Sesame Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes or reheat in a skillet over medium heat.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Lay the chicken pieces out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chicken can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Baked Honey Sesame Chicken

While Baked Honey Sesame Chicken is flavorful on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal even further:

• Steamed Rice or Quinoa: Serve the honey sesame chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a wholesome base.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair the chicken with a side of stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or broccoli. The freshness and crunch of the veggies complement the sweetness of the honey sesame chicken.
• Asian-Inspired Slaw: A simple cabbage slaw with sesame dressing adds a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the chicken.
• Cucumber Salad: A light, tangy cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of soy sauce makes a perfect side dish to balance out the richness of the chicken.
• Sautéed Greens: Serve the chicken with a side of sautéed spinach or bok choy for a healthy and flavorful addition.

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Conclusion

Baked Honey Sesame Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that delivers bold flavor with every bite. The perfect combination of crispy chicken and sweet, savory honey sesame glaze makes this meal irresistible. Whether served with rice, vegetables, or in a wrap, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

With minimal prep time, simple ingredients, and an irresistible glaze, Baked Honey Sesame Chicken is the perfect dish for busy nights or when you’re looking to impress your guests with a quick and tasty meal. Enjoy this flavorful dish that’s crispy, sweet, and savory all in one bite!