Description
Tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory honey sesame glaze, then baked to crispy perfection. This dish offers a deliciously balanced flavor with a touch of sweetness, a hint of soy, and a crunchy sesame finish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
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)
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Protein: 25g