Baked Honey Sesame Chicken

Baked Honey Sesame Chicken is a sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a satisfying, restaurant-style meal at home. This recipe combines crispy baked chicken pieces with a rich, flavorful honey sesame sauce, creating a dish that’s both hearty and irresistible. The sauce is a simple blend of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil, creating a glaze that caramelizes beautifully as the chicken bakes. Topped with sesame seeds and green onions, this dish is as visually appealing as it is tasty. Serve it over steamed rice or with a side of steamed broccoli for a complete and delicious meal.

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the honey sesame sauce:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

For garnish:

• 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the chicken: Set up a breading station by placing the flour in one bowl, the beaten eggs in another, and the panko breadcrumbs in a third. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, dip it in the eggs, and coat it with the panko breadcrumbs. Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the vegetable oil over the chicken.
3. Bake the chicken: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
4. Make the honey sesame sauce: While the chicken is baking, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the cornstarch-water mixture to the saucepan and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Coat the chicken: Once the chicken is baked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the honey sesame sauce over the chicken and toss gently until the chicken is well coated.
6. Garnish and serve: Transfer the coated chicken to a serving dish or plate. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top. Serve over steamed rice or with a side of vegetables.

This Baked Honey Sesame Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that captures the taste of your favorite takeout meal, but with a homemade touch. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated with a luscious honey-sesame glaze, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite!