WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Are you craving a dish that brings the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout to your home kitchen? Look no further! My Gluten-Free Honey Sesame Chicken Copycat Delight is easy to make and packed with taste. With simple ingredients and quick steps, you can enjoy a crispy, sweet, and savory meal any day of the week. Let’s dive in and bring this delightful recipe to your dinner table!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Harmony: This dish perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, making it irresistible for any palate.
- Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Healthy Ingredients: Using fresh chicken and gluten-free ingredients, this recipe is a healthier alternative to takeout.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sauce ingredients or add vegetables to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup gluten-free cornstarch
– 1/4 cup honey
Sauce Ingredients
– 1/4 cup gluten-free soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Aromatics and Garnishes
– 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 1 inch fresh ginger, finely minced
– 3 green onions, sliced, for garnish
The main ingredients form the heart of this dish. You start with the chicken breast. This meat is lean and cooks quickly. The gluten-free cornstarch gives the chicken a nice crisp. Honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory sauce.
The sauce ingredients create a rich flavor. Gluten-free soy sauce gives a nice umami. Sesame oil adds a warm, nutty taste. Rice vinegar brings a bright note to the mix.
Aromatics play a big role. Garlic adds depth. Fresh ginger gives warmth and spice. Green onions, when sliced, offer a fresh crunch on top.
These ingredients blend perfectly. Together, they create a delightful and tasty meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
First, take 1 lb of chicken breast and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken in a mixing bowl. Season it well with salt and pepper. Make sure every piece gets some seasoning. Next, sprinkle 1/2 cup of gluten-free cornstarch over the chicken. Toss it around so all pieces are coated. Let the seasoned chicken sit for a few minutes. This helps the flavors soak in.
Making the Sauce
Grab a small bowl to make the sauce. Combine 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of gluten-free soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. Add 2 cloves of finely minced garlic and 1 inch of finely minced fresh ginger. Mix all these ingredients well. You want a smooth sauce that blends sweet and savory flavors.
Cooking the Chicken
Now it’s time to cook! Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough cooking oil to cover the bottom. Wait until the oil shimmers. Carefully add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes without stirring. Flip the pieces to brown them on all sides. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink inside.
Combining with Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, lower the heat to medium. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Use a spatula to stir gently. Make sure every piece gets coated in that delicious sauce. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of sesame seeds in and toss again. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and stick to the chicken.
Enjoy your homemade gluten-free honey sesame chicken!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Crispy Chicken
To get that crispy chicken, start with cornstarch. It gives a nice crunch. You should season the chicken well with salt and pepper. This adds flavor to every bite.
When cooking, keep the oil hot. Use medium-high heat. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Don’t overcrowd the pan. This keeps the temperature steady. You want the chicken to sizzle when it hits the oil.
Enhancing Flavor
You can add more spices for depth. Try adding some red pepper flakes for heat. A little garlic powder or onion powder can also boost taste. If you like, drizzle in more sesame oil for a nutty flavor.
Don’t forget to taste your sauce before adding it to the chicken. Adjust it if needed. You want the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your honey sesame chicken over fluffy rice or quinoa. Both make a great base. This adds texture and absorbs the sauce well.
For garnish, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. They add crunch and look nice too. Sliced green onions bring a fresh touch and pop of color. This makes your dish not just tasty but beautiful as well.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor of your sauce significantly. Always opt for fresh over powdered for the best results.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Ensure your cooking oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender inside.
- Experiment with Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey based on your personal preference for sweetness. You can also substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Garnish for Appeal: Don’t skip the green onion garnish, as it adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color that makes the dish visually appealing.

Variations
Using Different Proteins
You can swap chicken for other proteins to change the dish. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian option. It soaks up flavors well and gives a nice texture. Shrimp also works well. Just make sure to adjust cooking times. Cook shrimp until they turn pink, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. For beef lovers, thin strips of flank steak can add a rich flavor. Each protein brings its unique taste and texture to the dish.
Vegetarian and Vegan Substitutes
If you want a plant-based dish, use tempeh or seitan. Tempeh has a nutty flavor and a firm texture. Cut it into small pieces and follow the same steps as with chicken. Seitan is another option that mimics meat closely. It absorbs flavors very well. Both options offer great protein while keeping the dish vegan-friendly.
Adding Vegetables
Incorporating veggies can enhance the meal. Try adding bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Slice them thinly and add them to the skillet with the chicken. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds color and crunch. You can also toss in carrots or zucchini for extra flavor. Just be mindful of cook times. You want the veggies to stay crisp but tender. Mixing veggies makes the dish more vibrant and delicious.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To store your leftover honey sesame chicken, let it cool down first. Once it cools, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken fresh. It will stay good in the fridge for about three to four days. When you reheat it, use a microwave or a skillet. This keeps the chicken juicy and tasty.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some for later, freezing is easy. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, heat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, your honey sesame chicken lasts about three to four days. If frozen, it can stay fresh for up to three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage, like off smells or changes in texture. These tips help ensure you enjoy your delicious dish at its best!
FAQs
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. I use gluten-free cornstarch to coat the chicken. This keeps the dish crispy without gluten. The soy sauce I choose is also gluten-free, which adds flavor without any gluten. You can find gluten-free soy sauce in most stores. Always check labels to be sure.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes, you can easily add heat to this dish. Try adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce. Start with a small amount, then taste. You can always add more spice if needed. For a different flavor, try fresh chopped chilies. Adding these will make the dish pop with heat!
What to serve with gluten-free honey sesame chicken?
I love serving this dish with steamed rice or quinoa. Both pair well with the sweet sauce. You can also add stir-fried vegetables for extra color and crunch. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas work great. Another option is a fresh salad to balance the meal. Enjoy experimenting with sides!
This blog post covered how to make gluten-free honey sesame chicken. You learned the key ingredients and how to prepare them. I shared tips for crispy chicken, flavor enhancements, and different serving ideas.
You can also explore variations like substituting proteins or adding veggies. With the right storage, your leftovers will stay fresh. Cooking the perfect dish can be simple and fun. Enjoy creating this tasty mea
Gluten-Free Honey Sesame Chicken
A delicious and easy gluten-free dish featuring chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup gluten-free cornstarch
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup gluten-free soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, finely minced
- 1 cup sesame seeds
- 3 pieces green onions, sliced, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking oil, for frying
Begin by placing the chicken pieces into a mixing bowl. Season them generously with salt and pepper, ensuring every piece is lightly coated. Next, sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken, tossing it to uniformly coat each piece. Set the seasoned chicken aside to absorb the flavors.
In a separate small bowl, combine the honey, gluten-free soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and the minced garlic and ginger. Mix well to create a cohesive sauce that harmonizes both sweet and savory elements.
Preheat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and pour in enough cooking oil to just cover the bottom, ensuring an even sear on the chicken.
When the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook without stirring for about 4-5 minutes, then flip the pieces to ensure they are golden brown on all sides. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink in the middle.
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked and crispy, lower the heat to medium and pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Use a spatula to stir gently, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the luscious sauce.
Next, sprinkle in the sesame seeds and toss everything again to incorporate. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes, enabling the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the chicken.
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the dish with freshly sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
For an appealing serving, arrange the honey sesame chicken over a bed of fluffy cooked rice or quinoa. Drizzle with a little extra sauce for added flavor, and finish with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra crunch and visual appeal.
Keyword chicken, gluten-free, honey sesame
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?