There’s something about the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and nutty that just hits the spot every time, and that’s exactly why this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe is a keeper. From the crispy chicken to the glossy, sticky sauce, it’s such a comforting dish you'll want to make again and again.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
When I first made this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe, I was hooked from the first bite! It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is actually pretty straightforward, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a quick crowd-pleaser when friends drop by.
- Perfect Flavor Harmony: The sweet honey and spicy sriracha blend beautifully, creating a sauce that dances on your taste buds without being overpowering.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this ready in about 30 minutes — trust me, it’s a game-changer for busy days.
- Versatile Pairings: It goes with rice, noodles, or even wrapped in lettuce for a fresh twist, giving you plenty of options on how to enjoy it.
- Impressively Crispy Chicken: Tossing the chicken in cornstarch before cooking gives you that irresistible golden crust that I know you’ll love.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe lies in using a handful of everyday ingredients that complement each other to build that unforgettable flavor. I always recommend picking low sodium soy sauce or tamari to keep the dish balanced and not overly salty.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Easy to cut into bite-sized pieces and quick-cooking, perfect for a fast stir-fry.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out the natural flavor of the chicken.
- Cornstarch: Essential for coating the chicken to get that crispy texture when sautéed.
- Avocado or olive oil: Both have high smoke points, great for searing the chicken without burning.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Adds depth and keeps the sauce from feeling too thick or sticky.
- Low sodium tamari or soy sauce: Brings the umami and saltiness that balance the sweetness.
- Ketchup: Adds a subtle tang and a hint of tomato sweetness that really rounds out the sauce.
- Honey: The star of the show — creates that luscious, sweet glaze.
- Rice wine vinegar: Brightens the sauce with a slight acidity, cutting through the richness.
- Toasted sesame oil: Infuses the dish with that irresistible nutty aroma.
- Sriracha: Packs the spicy punch; adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth without overpowering the sauce.
- Sesame seeds: The finishing touch for a bit of crunch and visual appeal.
Make It Your Way
I love playing with this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe by tweaking the heat level and sometimes adding fresh ginger or chopped green onions to give it an extra punch. Feel free to personalize it — that’s the fun of cooking!
- Milder Version: If you're not big on spice, reduce the sriracha or swap it for a milder chili sauce; the honey and sesame keep it flavorful and balanced.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in some bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for a colorful, nutritious twist I make often on busy nights.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Use tamari and cornstarch to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing taste or texture.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat Your Chicken
Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces — about an inch works best for even cooking—and toss it in kosher salt, black pepper, and cornstarch. I usually grab a fork and give it a good toss until every piece is nicely coated; this step is key for that crispy crust you'll love.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce Together
In a separate bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together chicken broth, tamari, ketchup, honey, rice wine vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sriracha, garlic powder, and cornstarch. The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce perfectly once it hits the pan—don't skip it!
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat your skillet over medium-high with your oil of choice. When it’s shimmering, spread the chicken pieces out in a single layer. Don’t rush this part — let it brown well on one side before flipping. A golden crust makes all the difference. Toss occasionally until evenly cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Sauce and Finish Up
Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir everything together, coating each piece. Keep cooking for 2-3 minutes while the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and you’re ready to serve.
Top Tip
After making this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few things that really help it shine. The right balance of sauce ingredients and careful cooking of the chicken make a big difference.
- Don’t Skip Cornstarch on Chicken: It helps lock in moisture and gives you that crave-worthy crispy exterior without frying.
- Low and Slow Isn’t Always Better: Cooking on medium-high heat ensures that beautiful golden color without drying out the chicken.
- Sauce Thickness: Whisk the cornstarch well in the sauce before adding it to avoid lumps. Stir continuously as it thickens to get that silky texture.
- Sesame Seeds at the End: Toast them lightly in a dry pan beforehand for an added nutty crunch, then sprinkle right before serving.
How to Serve Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top mine with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions for color and a little fresh bite. Sometimes a squeeze of lime juice adds a lovely zing that brings all those flavors together beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve this chicken over steamed jasmine rice for a classic combo, or mix it up with cauliflower rice if you’re watching carbs. For something lighter, I love pairing it with a crisp cucumber salad or sautéed bok choy, which balances out the rich, sticky sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe wrapped in butter lettuce leaves with thinly sliced carrots and cucumber ribbons. It makes for a fun, hands-on meal that feels fresh and elegant — perfect for summer dinners or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually keeps well for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken as it chills, so you might want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to get it back to that perfect consistency.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Just cool completely and freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve the texture of the chicken and sauce.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, gently stirring until warmed through. This helps keep the chicken tender and the sauce glossy without overcooking. I avoid microwaving since it can make the chicken rubbery sometimes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and even more forgiving to cook. Just cut them into the same size pieces and follow the same method. You might get an even more tender result.
The heat level can be easily adjusted by the amount of sriracha you use. The amount listed is a nice medium heat, but if you prefer it milder, start with less. For extra heat, add more or a dash of chili flakes.
Yes! Using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring your cornstarch is certified gluten-free makes this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising flavor or texture.
It’s fantastic over steamed rice or cauliflower rice, but you can also serve it with noodles or in lettuce wraps. Fresh garnishes like green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime elevate the dish beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen rotation. It’s quick, satisfying, and gets rave reviews from everyone who tries it. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I do — it’s a dish that makes weeknights feel a little more exciting and dinner time downright delicious.
Print
Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian American
Description
Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken pieces tossed in a sticky, sweet, and spicy honey sriracha sauce, garnished with toasted sesame seeds. Perfect for a quick dinner served over rice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
Honey Sriracha Sauce
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons low sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (use more if you like it really spicy)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the pieces of chicken in a mixing bowl along with the salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Use a fork to toss the chicken until it is evenly coated in the cornstarch.
- Make the sauce: In a glass measuring cup or bowl, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients until well combined.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add the tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, swirl it around the pan and add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let the chicken brown on one side for a few minutes, then use a spatula to toss and cook until the chicken is golden brown all over and fully cooked through.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken and stir to coat evenly. Continue stirring and cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes or until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the chicken, and serve hot over rice or your preferred side.
Notes
- Use avocado oil or olive oil for a healthier fat option.
- You can adjust the amount of sriracha to make the dish more or less spicy.
- For gluten-free, ensure tamari or soy sauce is gluten-free certified.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower.
- Make sure to brown the chicken well for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Leave a Reply