How To Make Perfect Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe offers a deliciously sticky and sweet glaze over perfectly baked chicken thighs, infused with garlic and ginger for an authentic Asian-inspired flavor. It’s easy to prepare, marinating the chicken to deepen the taste before baking it to juicy perfection, then finishing with a reduced honey glaze and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The dish pairs wonderfully with rice and greens for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Make the marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, minced ginger, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, and water until well combined to create the marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs into the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare to bake: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, reserving the marinade for the glaze. Arrange the chicken in a high-sided skillet or on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC) and the juices run clear, indicating the chicken is fully cooked.
- Make the honey glaze: While the chicken bakes, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly until the sauce comes to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce and thicken for about 5 minutes until it becomes a sticky glaze that will coat a spoon.
- Serve the chicken: Once baked, drizzle the chicken thighs with the thickened honey glaze and sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.
- Final presentation: Serve immediately with cooked rice and steamed greens to complete this flavorful Asian-inspired takeout style dish.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs adds flavor and helps keep the meat juicy, but you can use boneless skinless if preferred; adjust baking time accordingly.
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the depth of flavor, but 30 minutes minimum works well for a quicker meal.
- Make sure to reduce the marinade fully to avoid any risk from raw chicken juices.
- For a thicker glaze, continue simmering until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Serve with jasmine or basmati rice and steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
