This sesame chicken recipe is light and filling, and topped with fresh green onions for a balanced flavor. Thighs cook fast, so the Honey Sesame Chicken Thighs are ready to go in under an hour.
This quick and easy recipe can serve two people or you can freeze one package to have on hand throughout the week.
The chicken baked in this dish is tender and moist, thanks to the honey sesame glaze. You’ll want to serve this dish with steamed rice and some stir-fried vegetables to get the full nutritional impact. This recipe makes five servings, so you can cook a package of thighs all at once or divide a larger package and freeze it for later.
What are Honey Sesame Chicken Thighs?
Honey Sesame Chicken Thighs are a flavorful dish combining the sweetness of honey with the rich, nutty taste of sesame. This recipe transforms chicken thighs into a delectable meal with a glaze that adds a perfect balance of sweetness and savory notes. It’s a popular dish known for its tender, juicy chicken coated in a glossy, honey sesame sauce.
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken Thighs
To make this dish, start by patting the chicken thighs dry and coating them with a blend of oil and baking powder for crispy skin. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil to create the savory sauce. Bake the chicken in a preheated oven, occasionally spooning the sauce over the thighs. Finish by baking at a higher temperature until the skin crisps up. Serve these delicious thighs with rice, sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onions.
Ingredients Used in Honey Sesame Chicken Thighs
Key ingredients for this recipe include chicken thighs, honey for sweetness, sesame oil for a nutty flavor, and soy sauce for a salty depth. Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce, ensuring it clings to the chicken perfectly. Other elements like garlic add flavor, while green onions and sesame seeds are used for garnish.
I like to bake chicken and serve it with a sweet and savory Asian sauce made of honey, sesame oil, garlic, and soy sauce. This sauce is tangy and has a rich dark color, with a hint of nutty sweetness. It’s not too sweet, so you can enjoy a little of the honey flavor along savory notes.
Variations for Honey Sesame Chicken Thighs
Consider using chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, or try different types of vinegar like rice or apple cider vinegar for a twist in the sauce. Adding vegetables like broccoli can make it a more rounded meal. For those monitoring sodium intake, low sodium soy sauce is a great alternative.
How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken Thighs
Baked chicken thighs can be served with fresh or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or a tableside salad. Noodles like lo-mein or rice are other options, too.
Tips and Tricks for Honey Sesame Chicken Thighs
Achieve the perfect balance of flavor by adjusting the honey and soy sauce to taste. For crispier skin, ensure the chicken is thoroughly dried before baking. Cook at medium-high heat to start and then increase the temperature for the final minutes to crisp the skin. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for freshness.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless thighs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly as they may cook faster.
How long can I store the leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Is this dish suitable for those on a low-carb diet?
Yes, serve with low-carb sides like quinoa or steamed vegetables instead of rice.
Can I use a different type of oil instead of sesame oil?
Sesame oil is recommended for its unique flavor, but you can use a mild oil like vegetable oil in a pinch.
Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?
While this recipe is designed for oven baking, you can adapt it for an Instant Pot, keeping in mind the sauce may not thicken as in the oven.
other chicken recipes to try next
- garlic sesame chicken egg roll bowls
- kung pao chicken
- honey sesame chicken lettuce wraps
- korean fried chicken wings
Honey Sesame Baked Chicken Thighs
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Juicy and moist Honey Sesame Baked Chicken Thighs in a sweet and savory garlic sesame sauce. An easy weeknight dinner recipe that pairs perfectly with rice or vegetables.
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Asian, Chinese
Servings 5 servings
Calories 362 kcal
Ingredients
- 5 chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ⅛ tsp baking powder
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce or low-sodium
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2½ tsp corn starch
- 2½ tsp cold water
- ½ tsp sesame seeds
- ¼ cup green onions, diced
Instructions
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towel.
Mix together baking powder and oil.
Spread mixture on top and under chicken skin.
Whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil.
Pour on top of chicken.
Bake in 350°F oven for 35 minutes.
Stir together cornstarch and water.
Whisk into liquid. Spoon sauce over chicken occasionally.
Turn oven to 400°F and bake until skin is crispy.
Serve with sesame seeds, green onions, and rice.
Nutrition
Calories: 362kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 19gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 514mgPotassium: 294mgFiber: 1gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 138IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
Nutritional information is only an estimate and it’s accuracy is not guaranteed to be exact.
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