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. Try this Garlic Sesame Chicken recipe made with chicken breasts and a flavorful Asian glaze next.
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.
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken Thighs
- 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.
Honey Sesame Chicken Ingredients
- CHICKEN: Pat chicken thighs with paper towel to remove excess moisture then coat skin with a mixture of oil and baking powder. This allows the skin to crisp in the oven.
- HONEY: Adds a touch of sweetness.
- SESAME OIL: Just a splash.
- SOY SAUCE: Regular soy sauce or low-sodium soy sauce.
- CORNSTARCH: Helps to thicken the sauce.
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.
How to Serve Sesame Chicken
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.
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
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.
3 Comments
Marilyn Tolan
10/05/2021 at 12:24 pmCan I use drumsticks as well as thighs? If so, will they bake for the same length of time as the thighs?
Swankyrecipes
10/18/2021 at 5:26 amI am sure it would not be a problem. I would cook for approximately the same amount of time. Always check the temp before serving.
Chris
01/21/2022 at 12:50 pmI used boneless and skinless thighs. The last ten mintutes I poured the sauce over and chicken and it browned up really well.
Loved it!!!