Name: Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch pieces; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil; 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth; 3 tablespoons low sodium tamari or soy sauce; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1/4 cup honey; 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon sriracha (use more if you like it really spicy); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 teaspoons sesame seeds

Nothing beats the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors like this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma and promises a tasty meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

The image shows a black cast iron skillet filled with bite-sized pieces of golden brown chicken coated in a shiny, thick brown sauce. The chicken pieces look tender and are sprinkled with small white sesame seeds, adding texture and color contrast. The skillet is sitting on a white marbled surface, and the sauce pools around the chicken, giving a glossy finish to the dish. 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

I've made the Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe countless times, and it never gets old. The way that honey mellows out the sriracha's heat, paired with a toasty sesame finish, is pure magic on the tongue.

Flavor Explosion: The sweet and spicy combo hits all the right notes, making it irresistible.
Simple Ingredients: You might already have everything in your pantry – no fancy shopping needed.
Quick to Make: From start to finish, this recipe takes under 30 minutes.
Versatile Meal: It works great with rice, noodles, or veggies – perfect anytime.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about the harmony of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from tender chicken coated lightly in cornstarch to create a slight crisp, to the luscious honey sriracha sauce that ties it all together beautifully.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, a small mound of kosher salt, a small pile of black peppercorns, a small white bowl with fine cornstarch powder, a small white bowl of golden avocado oil, a small white bowl filled with low sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl containing dark tamari sauce, a small white bowl of bright red ketchup, a small white bowl of rich amber honey, a small white bowl with clear rice wine vinegar, a small white bowl with deep golden toasted sesame oil, a small white bowl holding vibrant red sriracha sauce, a small white bowl of light beige garlic powder, and a small white bowl with pale cream-colored cornstarch, alongside a scattering of toasted sesame seeds all arranged symmetrically and proportionally, 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

Chicken Breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces ensures quick and even cooking, with a tender, juicy bite.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
Cornstarch: It creates a light coating that crisps up the chicken and helps thicken the sauce later.
Avocado or Olive Oil: Both have a high smoke point, perfect for searing the chicken quickly.
Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth without overpowering the sauce.
Low Sodium Tamari or Soy Sauce: Offers that essential umami and salt balance.
Ketchup: A little tangy sweetness that balances the heat beautifully.
Honey: The star sweetener that brings smoothness and richness.
Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity for brightness.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Imparts an irresistible nutty aroma.
Sriracha: Use your preferred heat level – I always add an extra splash for that fun kick.
Garlic Powder: For subtle savory depth without overpowering.
Sesame Seeds: The final sprinkling for 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

What I love about this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste buds or dietary needs. Once you get the base down, playing around with it is half the fun!

Variation: I sometimes swap chicken breasts for thighs when I want juicier meat; it’s just as delicious and a little more forgiving if you slightly overcook it.
Spice Level: Adjust the sriracha to your heat preference – add more if you like it fiery, or tone it down by starting with less.
Make It Gluten-Free: Just ensure your soy sauce or tamari is gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
Vegetarian Option: Try this sauce over crispy tofu or roasted cauliflower for a plant-based twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe

A white bowl filled with a layer of plain white rice with soft, separated grains, topped with several pieces of golden-brown chicken glazed in a shiny orange-brown sauce sprinkled with white sesame seeds. Two wooden chopsticks rest inside the bowl on the left side, angled inward and touching the chicken pieces. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with scattered sesame seeds around it. Another similar bowl is partly visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Coat the chicken with flavorful cornstarch

Start by placing the chicken pieces in a bowl with salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Using a fork or your hands, toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. This simple step ensures that the chicken will get a nice golden crust when cooked, and the cornstarch also helps thicken the sauce later. I find that using cornstarch instead of flour makes the coating lighter and crispier.

Step 2: Whisk up that magic sauce

While the chicken rests, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a glass measuring cup or bowl. The beauty of this sauce is its perfect balance of savory, sweet, spicy, and tangy elements. Once you give it a try, you might even find yourself making extra sauce just to drizzle over rice or noodles.

Step 3: Sear the chicken to golden perfection

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. When the oil starts shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop a golden crust, then toss and stir until all pieces are browned and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding — you want that nice sear, not steam.

Step 4: Coat and thicken with sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat everything evenly. Keep stirring over the heat for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken beautifully. This glossy coat is what makes the dish so satisfying. Finish off by sprinkling the sesame seeds over the top for a little crunch and that signature look.

Top Tip

Over the years cooking Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make a difference, especially if you want the best texture and flavor every single time.

Light Cornstarch Coating: Don’t overdo the cornstarch – just a light dusting helps the chicken crisp up and thickens the sauce without feeling gummy.
High Heat Searing: Make sure your pan and oil are hot before adding chicken – it creates that beautiful golden crust and locks in juices.
Adjust Spice Gradually: If you’re unsure how spicy you want it, start with less sriracha. You can always add more in the sauce if you want extra heat.
Don’t Skip Toasted Sesame Oil: It adds a nutty depth you won’t get from plain sesame oil or other oils – it’s worth the little extra effort.

How to Serve Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe

Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish the dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and sometimes I add thinly sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. A few cilantro leaves can brighten things up too, especially if you enjoy a little herbaceous contrast.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even tossed with stir-fried noodles. For veggies, I often serve it with sautéed bok choy, snap peas, or a crunchy Asian slaw to keep things fresh and vibrant on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving the chicken over coconut rice and garnish with sliced fresh chili and a wedge of lime for extra zing. I've also served it in lettuce wraps for a fun, handheld option that’s perfect for casual dinners or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce tends to thicken further as it chills, so just give it a quick stir when reheating and it’s like new.

Freezing

This chicken freezes well. I freeze it in portioned containers without rice, which reheats better. When thawing, do it slowly overnight in the fridge to keep the texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This way, the chicken stays tender and the sauce remains glossy, just like fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Definitely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute that adds extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs might take a minute or two longer to cook through, and remember to cut them into similar sized pieces for even cooking.

What can I serve with Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. As for veggies, stir-fried greens like bok choy, snap peas, or a fresh Asian slaw complement the flavors nicely.

How spicy is this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken recipe?

The heat level is moderate by default, thanks to the amount of sriracha used. You can easily control the spice by adjusting the sriracha quantity – use more for extra heat or less for a milder taste. The honey also helps balance out the spiciness.

Can I make this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap standard soy sauce with gluten-free tamari and double-check any other ingredients like ketchup or broth for gluten content. This recipe naturally lends itself well to gluten-free diets with that simple swap.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my recipe collection because it’s quick, delicious, and hits that sweet-spicy-savory spot that keeps me coming back for more. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a little kitchen treasure worth sharing time and again with family and friends.