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.

The image shows a black cast iron pan filled with small pieces of chicken in a thick, shiny orange-brown sauce. The chicken pieces are cut into bite-sized chunks and are evenly coated with the sauce, which pools slightly at the bottom of the pan. White sesame seeds are sprinkled on top, adding a contrast in color and texture. The black pan sits on a white marbled surface, enhancing the warm tones of the dish. The scene looks close-up and detailed, focusing on the glossy texture and rich color of the chicken and sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe

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.

Flat lay of raw boneless skinless chicken breast pieces, a small mound of cornstarch powder on a white ceramic plate, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of golden honey, a small white bowl of vibrant red sriracha sauce, a small white bowl of dark tamari soy sauce, a small white bowl of ketchup, a small white bowl of clear rice wine vinegar, a small white bowl of toasted sesame oil with a warm amber hue, a small white bowl of low sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl with black garlic powder powder, a scattering of golden toasted sesame seeds on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl with avocado oil, kosher salt and black pepper grains on separate small white bowls, all ingredients fresh and natural, meticulously arranged with perfect symmetry placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

A white bowl is filled with a layer of fluffy white rice, topped with chunks of cooked chicken coated in a shiny, dark orange sauce. The chicken pieces are sprinkled with white sesame seeds for texture, sitting in the center of the rice bed. Two wooden chopsticks rest on the left side of the bowl, angled slightly inward, touching the chicken. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some scattered sesame seeds nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

Honey Sriracha Chicken - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

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.

How spicy is this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe?

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.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

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.

What is the best way to serve Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken?

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.