There’s just something about that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and nutty that makes this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe a real crowd-pleaser. The sauce clings to tender chicken pieces like a dream, offering a flavor punch that’s both comforting and exciting. Let me walk you through how to bring this deliciousness to your table—it’s easier than it looks!

The image shows a black cast iron pan filled with small pieces of chicken in a thick, shiny orange-brown sauce. The chicken pieces are cut into bite-sized chunks and are evenly coated with the sauce, which pools slightly at the bottom of the pan. White sesame seeds are sprinkled on top, adding a contrast in color and texture. The black pan sits on a white marbled surface, enhancing the warm tones of the dish. The scene looks close-up and detailed, focusing on the glossy texture and rich color of the chicken and sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen because it hits all the right notes — sweet honey, spicy sriracha, and that amazing toasted sesame aroma. It’s quick to whip up, insanely tasty, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners.

Balanced Flavors: The blend of honey’s sweetness with sriracha’s heat creates a sauce that’s addictive without overwhelming.
Quick and Simple: You’ll have this dish on your table in about 30 minutes, which is perfect for those hectic evenings.
Versatile and Customizable: Whether you want it extra spicy or a little milder, it’s easy to adjust to your taste buds.
Impressively Crunchy and Saucy: The light coating on the chicken crisps up beautifully and then soaks up that luscious sauce.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this recipe is really in the combination of simple pantry staples coming together effortlessly. Each ingredient plays a role in building a layered, savory sauce with a vibrant punch. And the chicken comes out tender yet perfectly coated thanks to the cornstarch.

Flat lay of raw boneless skinless chicken breast pieces, a small mound of cornstarch powder on a white ceramic plate, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of golden honey, a small white bowl of vibrant red sriracha sauce, a small white bowl of dark tamari soy sauce, a small white bowl of ketchup, a small white bowl of clear rice wine vinegar, a small white bowl of toasted sesame oil with a warm amber hue, a small white bowl of low sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl with black garlic powder powder, a scattering of golden toasted sesame seeds on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl with avocado oil, kosher salt and black pepper grains on separate small white bowls, all ingredients fresh and natural, meticulously arranged with perfect symmetry placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Easy to cut into bite-sized pieces, chicken breasts stay tender and soak up all that flavor.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning to elevate the natural flavor of the chicken before cooking.
Cornstarch: Essential for coating the chicken so you get a lightly crispy exterior and the sauce sticks beautifully.
Avocado or olive oil: Oils with mild flavor and a high smoke point keep the chicken cooking evenly without burning.
Low sodium chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce without making it too salty.
Low sodium tamari or soy sauce: Brings the umami and saltiness that balance the sweetness perfectly.
Ketchup: Surprising but brilliant, it adds acidity and a touch of tomato sweetness to round out the sauce.
Honey: The star ingredient that delivers natural sweetness and a gorgeous glaze.
Rice wine vinegar: Cuts through sweetness and adds a subtle tangy brightness.
Toasted sesame oil: Boosts that nutty sesame flavor that makes this recipe special.
Sriracha: Adjust this according to your spice preference, from mild zing to fiery blast.
Garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlicky undertone without overpowering.
Sesame seeds: For that final pop of texture and visual appeal.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it just the way you like it. Whether you like it saucier, spicier, or with a hint of something extra, it’s all fair game.

Variation: For a milder kick, I sometimes swap out half the sriracha for a dash of smoked paprika—that smoky twist is incredible and kid-friendly.
Vegetarian option: Try substituting chicken with firm tofu cubes, pressing and pan-frying them for extra crunch before tossing with the sauce.
Extra veggies: Fold in steamed broccoli or snap peas in the last minute of cooking for a wonderful pop of color and nutrition.
Gluten-free tweak: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check your ketchup label, and you’re all set.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe

A white bowl is filled with a layer of fluffy white rice, topped with chunks of cooked chicken coated in a shiny, dark orange sauce. The chicken pieces are sprinkled with white sesame seeds for texture, sitting in the center of the rice bed. Two wooden chopsticks rest on the left side of the bowl, angled slightly inward, touching the chicken. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some scattered sesame seeds nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get the chicken ready and coated

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces—around 1 inch works perfectly. Toss them in a bowl with kosher salt, black pepper, and cornstarch. I like to use a fork here and stir gently until every piece has that light cornstarch coating. This step is key for that slightly crisp texture once cooked.

Step 2: Whisk together the flavorful sauce

Next, mix all the sauce ingredients in a glass bowl or measuring cup: chicken broth, tamari (or soy sauce), ketchup, honey, rice wine vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sriracha, garlic powder, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth and set it aside—you’ll notice the sauce is thin before it thickens on the stove.

Step 3: Cook the chicken until golden

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer. Resist the urge to stir immediately; let it sit for a few minutes to brown on one side. Then toss and stir until the chicken is evenly golden and cooked through. This might take about 6–8 minutes—watch for that gorgeous crust forming!

Step 4: Simmer the sauce to perfection

Pour your sauce over the cooked chicken and stir to coat every piece. Keep stirring on medium heat as the sauce thickens—this will take about 2–3 minutes. Once luscious and glossy, remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for that extra special finish.

Top Tip

From my many attempts, I’ve learned a few things that make this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe really shine. These tips helped me nail the balance of crunch and sauce every time, so no soggy chicken here!

Don’t skip the cornstarch coating: It’s what gives the chicken that perfect, slightly crispy texture that holds the sauce beautifully.
Use a hot pan: A properly heated skillet prevents sticking and helps with browning, which adds flavor.
Whisk sauce thoroughly: Mixing the cornstarch into the sauce ingredients before adding to the pan avoids clumps and ensures smooth thickening.
Taste and adjust the heat: I always recommend starting with less sriracha—you can add more if you want it spicy but it’s hard to fix if too hot.

How to Serve Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe

Honey Sriracha Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and some sliced green onions. The crunch from the sesame seeds adds texture, and the green onions bring a fresh, vibrant note that balances the rich sauce.

Side Dishes

This chicken goes beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice, which soaks up all the sauce perfectly. Sometimes I’ll throw in a side of quick stir-fried veggies like broccoli or snap peas for a bright contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I like serving this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe in lettuce cups topped with extra sesame seeds and thin carrot ribbons. It makes it feel fresh and fun, and guests love the hand-held presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The chicken keeps well for about 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen slightly overnight. Just give it a quick stir when reheating to redistribute the sauce.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, too. Freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge. The sauce might thicken a bit, but a splash of water or broth when reheating brings it back to life nicely.

Reheating

I recommend reheating gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to keep the chicken tender and the sauce glossy. Microwaving works in a pinch but stir halfway through to avoid drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and can add a richer flavor. Just cut them into similar sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions.

How spicy is this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe?

The spice level depends on how much sriracha you add. The recipe calls for one tablespoon, which gives it a balanced moderate heat. Adjust up or down based on your heat tolerance—start low if unsure!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari and make sure your ketchup is gluten-free. This creates a delicious gluten-free version without sacrificing flavor.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! It reheats well and tastes great after a day in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep. Just pack it with rice and some fresh veggies for balanced lunches.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug wrapped in bold flavors. It’s straightforward, adaptable, and always impresses anyone I serve it to. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and if you try it, come back and tell me your favorite tweaks!