Honey baked sesame chicken thighs in a skillet, topped with sesame seeds and sliced green onions

Honey Baked Sesame Chicken (Sticky, Sweet & Savory)

This honey baked sesame chicken is sticky, sweet, and savory with ginger, garlic, and sesame. Easy enough for weeknights yet flavorful enough to impress.

Introduction

Sticky, sweet, and savory with just the right amount of heat, this honey baked sesame chicken is the kind of weeknight dinner that tastes restaurant-worthy with only a fraction of the effort. A quick sear locks in flavor, while a honey-soy sauce caramelizes beautifully in the oven for tender, juicy chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onions, and you’ve got a dish that pairs perfectly with roasted broccoli and rice—or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

🌿 Mindful Morsel

Ginger and garlic bring natural anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, while sesame seeds provide heart-healthy fats and a satisfying crunch. Balanced with lean protein, this dish is proof that comfort food can be both nourishing and crave-worthy.

Recipe Information

  • Servings: 8

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

  • Total Time: ~40 minutes

  • Calories per Serving: ~300–350

Ingredients

  • 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 garlic, shred ginger, and slice green onions.

  3. Make the sauce: In a 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, melt butter over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.

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

  6. Bake: Roast 25–30 minutes, basting halfway. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 175°F (79°C).

  7. Broil for caramelization: Broil 5 minutes until sauce is sticky and caramelized. Watch closely to avoid burning.

  8. Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with roasted broccoli and rice or cauliflower rice.

Tips/Notes

  • Adjust sriracha for spice preference or omit for mild.

  • Double the sauce to drizzle over rice or roasted vegetables.

  • Leftovers keep well 2–3 days in the fridge; reheat in a skillet or oven for best texture.

Social Media Callout

Sticky, sweet, and savory, this honey baked sesame chicken is the weeknight dinner you’ll want on repeat. Save this one for later!