When I say this Honey Sesame Chicken Skillet saved our weeknight dinner plans, I mean it. I’d just finished sorting out a dozen breakfast ideas for the blog, and this came together quicker than you can say ‘takeout again?’ The chicken’s coated in a sticky, sweet honey glaze—just enough to make you lick the spoon when no one’s watching. There’s a secret to the golden crisp: a quick toss in cornstarch before pan-frying, and boom—crunchy outside, tender inside. And the sauce? It’s got a hint of honey BBQ vibes, but leans Asian with soy, garlic, and toasted sesame. This is one of those quick dinner ideas for two that doesn’t feel like a compromise. No deep fryer. No drama. Just skillet love. Oh, and if you’re still wondering how to cook eggs perfectly, don’t worry—I’ve got that recipe for two coming next.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Honey Sesame Chicken Skillet Recipe
3) Ingredients for Honey Sesame Chicken Skillet
4) How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken Skillet
5) Tips for Making Honey Sesame Chicken Skillet
6) Making Honey Sesame Chicken Skillet Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Honey Sesame Chicken Skillet
8) Try these Main Course Recipes next!
9) Honey Sesame Chicken Skillet Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This recipe makes a sweet, savory, and crispy skillet chicken perfect for weeknights.
The sauce has soy, garlic, honey, and toasted sesame, bringing big flavor without needing takeout.
You’ll only need one pan, less than 30 minutes, and a bit of rice on the side.
It’s a great fit when you’re craving comfort food without heavy lifting.

2) Easy Honey Sesame Chicken Skillet Recipe

This honey sesame chicken skillet has saved dinner in our home more times than I can count. It’s the kind of thing I can throw together after a long day and still sit down with something that smells like I spent hours in the kitchen.

I wanted this recipe to taste like something you’d order from a great takeout place but with a more honest ingredient list and way less oil. The chicken comes out crispy on the edges and juicy in the middle. That sticky, glossy glaze makes each bite rich, sweet, and a little salty in the best way.

If you’re always searching for breakfast ideas that double as quick dinner ideas for two, this is one you’ll love. I know, it says chicken, not eggs, but if you’re like me, breakfast ideas don’t always have to mean pancakes. Sometimes they mean something hot, skillet-seared, and shared right out of the pan.

3) Ingredients for Honey Sesame Chicken Skillet

Chicken Thighs: I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and cook fast. You can use chicken breast, but it won’t be quite as rich or forgiving on cook time.

Cornstarch: This is my not-so-secret trick for getting the chicken extra crispy without deep frying. Just a light toss before cooking makes a big difference.

Soy Sauce: It adds that deep umami base to the glaze. I like low-sodium so the honey comes through more clearly.

Honey: This is where the magic happens. It thickens the sauce and balances the salt with a little sweet. I always use something mild so it doesn’t overpower.

Garlic: A couple cloves go a long way. Fresh garlic makes the dish shine and gives the glaze its warmth.

Rice Vinegar: It adds tang and keeps things from tasting flat. Just a splash rounds out the flavors.

Sesame Oil: A drizzle of toasted sesame oil gives the whole dish that nutty finish you smell before you even take a bite.

Toasted Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle on top for crunch and that roasted aroma. You don’t need much, but it matters.

Green Onions: Sliced thin and tossed on at the end. They add color, a bit of bite, and balance out the sweetness.

Steamed White Rice: You’ll want something to catch every last drop of the honey BBQ sauce glaze. Rice is my go-to, but noodles would be great too.

4) How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Cut your chicken thighs into small, even pieces. Toss them in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Mix until the pieces are lightly coated.

Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and cook the chicken in a single layer. Let it sit for a few minutes before flipping so it forms that crispy edge. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 3: While the chicken cooks, mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.

Step 4: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir well and let it bubble for a few minutes. The sauce will thicken and cling to the chicken.

Step 5: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Turn off the heat and give everything one last toss.

Step 6: Serve over rice and spoon that extra glaze on top. You’ll want every drop, trust me.

5) Tips for Making Honey Sesame Chicken Skillet

Cut your chicken into even pieces. This helps them cook at the same speed and makes them easier to crisp up without burning.

Don’t crowd the skillet. If the pan’s too full, the chicken steams instead of sears. If you need to cook in batches, it’s worth the few extra minutes.

Don’t skip the cornstarch. It’s what gives the edges that crisp bite. Without it, the chicken won’t grab onto the sauce as well. And for breakfast ideas that feel like something new, this is a fun twist when you’re over scrambled eggs.

6) Making Honey Sesame Chicken Skillet Ahead of Time

Cooking ahead? This recipe holds up well. I like to make a batch on Sunday night and reheat it during the week. The glaze thickens more in the fridge, which means the flavor gets even more intense. That’s a good thing.

Store the cooked chicken and sauce together, but keep the green onions and sesame seeds separate. That way, when you reheat, you can top it fresh for that same texture and flavor pop.

If you’re prepping for busy mornings, this reheats fast and makes a good switch-up from usual breakfast ideas. Sometimes I toss leftovers with a fried egg and rice. That combo? Pure comfort.

7) Storing Leftover Honey Sesame Chicken Skillet

Pack any leftovers into a sealed container and refrigerate. It’ll stay good for up to four days. I reheat mine in the skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. A microwave works too, but the skillet keeps that nice texture.

Don’t forget the toppings. Save a little sesame seed and green onion for after reheating. It makes it feel fresh even if it’s day three. And let’s be honest, leftovers like these are what make meal planning worth it.

This reheats so well it could even work in your rotation of breakfast ideas. Cold over rice or hot with a soft-boiled egg, you really can’t go wrong.

8) Try these Main Course Recipes next!

9) Honey Sesame Chicken Skillet Recipe