Baked Honey Sesame Chicken

If you’re looking for a deliciously sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for any night of the week, then Baked Honey Sesame Chicken is what you need! This dish is not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a favorite in our household. The crispy chicken is coated in a sticky honey sesame sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try and how you can whip it up in no time!

Why I Love This Recipe

Baked Honey Sesame Chicken is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The crispy chicken combined with the sweet and savory sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a healthier alternative to fried chicken, thanks to the baking method. Plus, it’s versatile! You can serve it over rice, toss it into a salad, or even pack it for lunch the next day. It’s the kind of dish that brings comfort and joy to the table.

What Goes In

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delectable dish:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch (boneless skinless chicken thighs may be substituted)
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, or to taste
• ⅓ cup honey
• ⅓ cup soy sauce (I use reduced sodium or lite soy sauce)
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 to 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 to 2 teaspoons sesame oil, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger, or about 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste (add more for more heat, less for less heat)
• 1 or 2 green onions, trimmed and sliced into thin rounds, for garnishing as desired
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnishing as desired

Setup & Equipment

Before you start cooking, gather the necessary equipment:

• Large mixing bowl – for combining the chicken and cornstarch.
• Baking sheet – lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Whisk – to mix the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Sharp knife – for cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

How to Prepare Baked Honey Sesame Chicken

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Baked Honey Sesame Chicken:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized pieces of chicken with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

Drizzle the olive oil onto your prepared baking sheet. Spread the chicken out in a single layer on the sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, light brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, ground ginger, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. If you want to thicken the sauce, you can return the chicken to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven, and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice or a bed of greens for a delightful meal.

Make It Fit Your Plan

This Baked Honey Sesame Chicken can easily be adapted to fit various dietary preferences:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
• Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• Extra Veggies: Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
• Spicy Version: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha for an extra kick.

Easy-to-Miss Gotchas

When making Baked Honey Sesame Chicken, keep these tips in mind:

• Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Using a parchment-lined baking sheet helps with cleanup and prevents sticking.
• Don’t skip the flipping step while baking; it ensures both sides get crispy.
• Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less honey according to your preference.

Prep Ahead & Store

If you want to make this dish ahead of time, here’s how to do it:

You can marinate the chicken in the cornstarch mixture and sauce for a few hours before baking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken. Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in the oven until heated through. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months; just be sure to label the container with the date.

Quick Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add a richer flavor and stay juicy during baking, making them a great substitute.

What can I serve with Baked Honey Sesame Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You could also serve it with baked chicken alfredo ziti for a comforting meal.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce or drizzle with sriracha before serving.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, following the same preparation method for a delicious vegetarian version.

Cook This Next

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are some other delicious options to try next:

• Chicken Tater Tot Casserole – A fun and hearty dish that the whole family will love.
• Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Pasta – A creamy and cheesy twist on traditional enchiladas.

Next Steps

Now that you have this scrumptious recipe for Baked Honey Sesame Chicken, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking! Your kitchen will soon be filled with the enticing aroma of sweet and savory flavors coming together. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share your creation with family and friends! Happy cooking!

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