Honey Baked Sesame Chicken

Sweet, savory, and just the right amount of sticky — this honey baked sesame chicken is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to impress. A quick prep, oven bake, and brief broil create tender, caramelized chicken thighs that pair beautifully with roasted broccoli and rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

🌿 Mindful Morsel: Ginger and garlic add anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting benefits, while sesame seeds provide heart-healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

(Serves 8 | ~Calories per serving: 300–350)

  • 2 Tbsp butter (salted or unsalted)

  • 8 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)

  • ½ tsp sesame seeds

  • 2 green onions, sliced

  • ¼ cup honey

  • ¼ cup soy sauce

  • 2 Tbsp ketchup

  • 2 garlic cloves (or 2 tsp jarred minced garlic)

  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar

  • 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced or shredded

  • 1 tsp sriracha (adjust for spice preference)

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • 1 tsp cornstarch

  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Set to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Prep aromatics: Mince the garlic, shred the ginger, and slice the green onions.

  3. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, ginger, sriracha, sesame oil, cornstarch, and black pepper until smooth.

  4. Brown the chicken: In a large ovenproof skillet or pan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and brown for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.

  5. Combine chicken and sauce: Remove the chicken from heat. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated, and place the pan in the oven.

  6. Bake: Roast for 25–30 minutes, basting the chicken with the sauce halfway through. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 175°F (79°C).

  7. Broil for caramelization: For a sticky, slightly crisp finish, broil the chicken for 5 minutes until the sauce caramelizes. Watch closely to prevent burning.

  8. Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Pair with roasted broccoli and rice or cauliflower rice for a balanced, nourishing meal.

Tips

  • Adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder version.

  • Make extra sauce to drizzle over your sides — it’s delicious on rice or roasted vegetables.

  • Leftover chicken keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days and reheats beautifully in a skillet or oven.