Golden Oven-Baked Honey Sesame Chicken: A Healthier Twist on a Takeout Classic

Baked Honey Sesame Chicken

Introduction

Craving classic takeout flavors without deep frying? Baked Honey Sesame Chicken delivers all the sticky-sweet satisfaction with golden, oven-crisped chicken that keeps it lighter and easier to make in your own kitchen. Coated in a glossy honey sesame sauce, this dish is perfect for family weeknight dinners or as a stunning centerpiece for potlucks and gatherings.

The contrast of crisp-baked chicken with a luscious sauce ensures each bite bursts with flavor and texture—delighting everyone, from picky kids to discerning foodies.

What Makes Baked Honey Sesame Chicken Special?

Rather than resorting to greasy frying, this recipe uses the oven to achieve tender, juicy chicken with a satisfyingly crisp coating. The honey sesame glaze, with its mix of sweet, savory, and nutty elements, clings beautifully to every piece, making the dish as appealing to look at as it is to taste.

And because it’s baked, cleanup is minimized and your kitchen stays fresher—no hot oil required.

Prepping the Chicken to Perfection

Start with boneless chicken breast or thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces for maximum flavor absorption. For consistent cubes in seconds, use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. Not only does this speed up prep, but it also ensures even cooking.

To keep cleanup simple and prevent sticking during baking, line your sheet pan with a layer of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. This step is key for beautifully browned, easy-to-remove chicken pieces.

Simple, Sticky Honey Sesame Sauce

While the chicken bakes, create your signature sauce. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and a splash of rice vinegar. When the chicken is crisp and ready, toss it in the bubbling sauce for that irresistible glossy finish.

Blend any aromatics to ultra-smoothness with the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender. This ensures no chunks—just pure, pourable sauce to coat every piece.

Serving and Storing Your Masterpiece

Serve over fluffy steamed rice or atop a quick veggie stir fry for a balanced meal. Transporting lunch? The Bentgo Salad Container keeps chicken and sides perfectly separated for fresh, on-the-go enjoyment.

Store any leftovers in leak-proof Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers—they’ll stay juicy and ready for easy reheating!

Nutrition and Servings

This recipe yields about 4 hearty servings. Baked, not fried, each portion boasts less oil and fewer calories, with plenty of lean protein and flavor-packed sauce. Pair with steamed broccoli or bok choy to add vitamins and color to your plate.

Baked Honey Sesame Chicken: Flavorful and Fuss-Free

Oven-baked for healthy crispiness and finished in a luscious honey sesame sauce, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Effortless prep, easy cleanup, and addictive flavor make it a dinnertime winner—perfect for busy cooks who refuse to compromise on taste.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 large eggs
¾ cup cornstarch
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil spray
½ cup honey
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, divided
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Cooked rice, for serving
Optional: steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for stick-free cleanup.
  2. Pat the chicken pieces dry. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs. Place the cornstarch in a second bowl.
  4. Dip each chicken piece in egg, then dredge in cornstarch to coat thoroughly. Arrange coated pieces on your lined baking sheet, spacing them out.
  5. Lightly mist the chicken with YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking or any fine olive oil spray.
  6. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is crisp and cooked through.
  7. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds. Bring to a simmer. Stir frequently until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
  8. Add baked chicken to the sauce; toss to coat evenly. For best results, return sauced chicken to the baking sheet and broil 2–3 minutes to caramelize.
  9. Serve over rice, topped with remaining sesame seeds and green onions. Optional: add steamed veggies for color and crunch.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Enjoy a golden, saucy takeout classic—made simpler, lighter, and entirely at home!

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