Description
A reliable meal prep recipe for sticky baked sesame chicken that stays juicy and flavorful when reheated. This dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch (divided)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup (110g) honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 stalks green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch cubes.
- In a large bowl, toss chicken with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange chicken cubes in a single layer on the rack. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Remove and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, water, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
- Whisk over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry if a thicker consistency is desired. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Return baked chicken to the warm pan or back to the oven for 2 minutes. Toss chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
For best texture, reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. If microwaving, place a damp paper towel over the container to prevent drying out. Ensure chicken is patted dry before coating to avoid sogginess. Do not overcrowd the pan during baking to ensure crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1/4 of the r
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: meal prep, sesame chicken, baked chicken, sticky chicken, healthy dinner, high protein, gluten-free option, dairy-free