There's something so satisfying about a dish that hits all the right notes—sweet, spicy, savory, and perfectly saucy. This Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe is exactly that kind of meal, delivering bold flavors with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you make it, it'll quickly become a go-to dinner in your busy week.

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

I first tried this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe on a whim when I wanted something easy but with a kick of flavor—and it blew me away. It’s quick, incredibly tasty, and you can whip it up with just a handful of pantry staples. Perfect for nights when takeout just won’t cut it.

Simple, flavorful sauce: The blend of honey, sriracha, and sesame oil gives you sweet heat with a nutty depth that's irresistible.
Quick cooking time: You’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, which I know is a lifesaver on hectic days.
Minimal ingredients: No complicated steps or hard-to-find items, just easy-to-get basics working together.
Customizable spice level: You control the heat—make it mild or turn up the sriracha for a fiery punch.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe really comes from how the ingredients balance each other out. The chicken soaks up the sauce, which marries honey's sweetness with sriracha's spice and soy’s savoriness. Here’s a quick peek into why each ingredient makes this dish shine and a tip or two to make your shopping easier.

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 and cook up fast; breasts stay juicy with a quick sear if not overcooked.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor—don't skip!
Cornstarch: Coats the chicken to give it a nice golden crust and helps thicken the sauce later.
Avocado or olive oil: Use a neutral oil that can handle medium-high heat without burning.
Low sodium chicken broth: Adds liquid and depth without making the sauce salty.
Low sodium tamari or soy sauce: You get a rich umami flavor without overpowering saltiness.
Ketchup: Surprising but perfect for tang and color; also adds a hint of sweetness.
Honey: The star of sweetness that balances the sriracha heat beautifully.
Rice wine vinegar: Brightens the sauce with a subtle acidity that cuts through the richness.
Toasted sesame oil: A little goes a long way in adding that authentic nutty aroma and flavor.
Sriracha: Adjust according to your spice tolerance for the perfect heat level.
Garlic powder: A convenient way to add garlicky depth without peeling and mincing.
Sesame seeds: Toasted on top for crunch and a little extra nuttiness—delicious!

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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

I've had fun experimenting with this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe, and you can too! Whether you want to tone down the heat or bulk it up with veggies, it’s easily adaptable to fit your kitchen mood.

Variation: I love tossing in some steamed broccoli or snap peas in the final minutes—adds freshness and crunch without complicating the process.
Make it gluten-free: Just swap tamari for a gluten-free soy sauce, and you’re good to go.
Heat levels: Start with one tablespoon of sriracha if you’re spice-sensitive, and add more gradually until you find your perfect kick.
Protein swap: Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat; just cook a minute or two longer.

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: Coat the Chicken for Crispy Perfection

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch each—that size is perfect for quick cooking and easy bites. Toss them with salt, pepper, and cornstarch in a bowl. I use a fork to mix it well; this evenly coats each piece and helps create that nice golden crust when you sear the chicken.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavor Bomb Sauce

In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk all the sauce ingredients until smooth. This includes chicken broth, tamari, ketchup, honey, vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sriracha, garlic powder, and cornstarch. The cornstarch is key here—it’s what thickens the sauce later on.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Until Golden and Cooked Through

Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer—you want them to brown nicely, so give them a few minutes undisturbed on one side before tossing. Once golden all over and cooked through, you know you’ve nailed the texture.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Let It Thicken to Glaze the Chicken

Pour the sauce you whisked earlier right into the pan with the chicken, then stir to coat every piece. It’ll start to bubble and thicken within 2-3 minutes—that's your signal to take it off the heat. Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top and get ready to serve!

Top Tip

Over the years, I've found a few simple tricks that really make this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe a success every time, avoiding the frustrating parts.

Pat your chicken dry: It helps the cornstarch stick better and get that crispy exterior.
Don't overcrowd the pan: Give the chicken room so it sears instead of steams—this leads to better texture.
Watch the sauce closely: The cornstarch thickens quickly; once it coats the chicken nicely, remove from heat to prevent it from getting too gloopy.
Add sauce off heat if it thickens too fast: If the pan feels too hot and sauce thickens immediately, remove from heat and stir in the sauce—patience here helps avoid burning.

How to Serve Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe

Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for crunch and flavor, plus a handful of thinly sliced green onions to add brightness and a pop of color. Sometimes a little fresh cilantro does wonders too if you like that herbaceous twist.

Side Dishes

This honey sriracha sesame chicken pairs beautifully with jasmine or basmati rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a lighter touch, steamed or stir-fried veggies like bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas add freshness and crunch. You can’t go wrong with a simple cucumber salad to cool down the heat either.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner, I’ve served this in a big bowl family-style with rice and greens piled high—so colorful and inviting! For something more festive, try plating the chicken atop fluffy rice in little nests, garnished with scallions and a wedge of lime for a bright finish. Makes it feel extra special when friends come over.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe cools, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 3-4 days, making it great as next-day lunches or quick dinners after work.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully, either portioned in meal prep containers or sealed bags. Just be sure to cool fully before freezing and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Sauce thickness may lighten when reheated, but warming it gently helps bring back that luscious glaze.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, but go in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. Stir often to keep it evenly warmed and saucy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just cook them slightly longer to make sure they’re fully done. They also work great if you want a more tender bite.

How spicy is this Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe?

The spice level mainly depends on how much sriracha you add. The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon, which provides a noticeable but manageable heat. Feel free to reduce if you prefer mild or add more if you love it spicy!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the tamari or soy sauce with a gluten-free version. Most grocery stores carry gluten-free tamari, which tastes very similar and works perfectly in this sauce.

What’s the best way to serve Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken?

Serving it over steamed rice is classic and excellent for soaking up the sauce. I also like pairing it with stir-fried vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the rich and spicy flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Sriracha Sesame Chicken Recipe has become a little kitchen hero for me—quick, delicious, and just flexible enough to become your favorite comfort dish with a spicy-sweet twist. I really hope you give it a try and find that it fits right into your meal rotation like it did in mine. Let’s keep cooking up joy, one saucy bite at a time!