Dinner

Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

ByMaya Arden October 20, 2025October 20, 2025

Introduction

Baked Honey Sesame Chicken is a deliciously sticky and sweet dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Crispy chicken pieces are baked in a flavorful honey-soy sauce, creating a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

A white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with several pieces of golden-brown chicken coated in a thick, shiny dark brown sauce. The chicken pieces are sprinkled with white sesame seeds and chopped green onions, adding bright green and light beige color contrasts. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface, with part of a grey textured cloth visible to the side. Another similar bowl is partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts
1 cup cornstarch

3 large eggs
Salt and pepper

1/4 cup canola oil
3/4 cup honey

3/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon cornstarch
Additional sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper.

Step 2: In separate bowls, place the cornstarch and slightly beaten eggs. Dip each chicken piece first into the cornstarch, then coat in the egg mixture, and back into the cornstarch. Alternatively, place the chicken pieces in a gallon-size bag and shake to coat evenly.
Step 3: Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces until golden on all sides, then transfer them to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Pour this sauce over the chicken in the baking dish.

Step 5: Bake the chicken for 45 minutes or until cooked through, stirring every 15 minutes to coat the pieces evenly with the sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, you can double-coat the chicken by repeating the cornstarch and egg dip before frying.
Try swapping canola oil for sesame oil in the pan to boost the sesame flavor.

Add chopped green onions or steamed broccoli when serving for freshness and added texture.

Storage

Store any leftover baked honey sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A white rectangular dish is filled with one layer of small, golden-brown fried chicken pieces coated in a thick, shiny dark brown sauce. The sauce pools around the pieces, creating a glossy texture. Scattered over the top are small white sesame seeds and chopped green onions, adding specks of white and vibrant green throughout the dish. The chair edges of the dish are clean but slightly stained with sauce, and the dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and can add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time if needed to ensure they are cooked through.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to suit your dietary needs.