A healthier take on a takeout favorite

This Honey Sesame Chicken is a lighter, healthier take on a takeout favorite, with tender golden chicken coated in a glossy honey-sesame glaze. Fresh ginger and garlic add savory depth, while orange zest and juice and rice vinegar keep the sauce bright and balanced. Finished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions, it’s an easy dinner that feels special enough for a holiday table.

It’s also particularly fitting for Rosh Hashanah, when honey is traditionally enjoyed as a symbol of hope for a sweet year ahead. We’ve made this version with healthier, wholesome ingredients while keeping the sweet-and-savory flavor that makes honey sesame chicken so irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Sesame Chicken

A healthier twist on a takeout favorite, with a glossy honey-sesame glaze and plenty of flavor.

There’s something especially satisfying about recreating a favorite takeout dish at home—and this version makes it easy to do so with ingredients you can feel good about. Rather than a heavy, overly sweet sauce, this recipe combines honey with rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, coconut aminos, fresh orange, garlic, and ginger for a glaze that is flavorful and balanced.

The chicken is cooked in avocado oil and thickened with arrowroot starch, creating a beautifully glossy sauce without needing a complicated list of ingredients.

A Sweet Choice for Rosh Hashanah

Honey has a special place on the Rosh Hashanah table, where it is traditionally associated with the wish for a sweet and positive year ahead. That makes this Honey Sesame Chicken a natural fit for a holiday meal.

The honey doesn’t overwhelm the dish, though. Rice vinegar and fresh orange juice provide acidity, while ginger, garlic, and sesame oil add savory complexity. The result is a chicken dish that feels festive without being fussy.

For a beautiful Rosh Hashanah presentation, transfer the glazed chicken to a serving platter and scatter toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions over the top.

Made with Healthier Ingredients

We’ve given this recipe a more wholesome makeover without taking away the flavor you expect from honey sesame chicken.

Here are some of the thoughtful swaps:

• Avocado oil is used for cooking instead of a heavier cooking oil.
• Honey provides natural sweetness for the glaze.
• Coconut aminos provide savory depth while keeping the recipe soy-free.
• Fresh ginger and garlic add lots of flavor without relying on bottled sauces.
• Orange zest and juice brighten the glaze naturally.
• Arrowroot starch thickens the sauce into a silky glaze.

The result is a recipe that feels indulgent while using a relatively simple, recognizable ingredient list.

What You’ll Need

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Avocado oil
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic
• Fresh ginger
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Toasted sesame oil
• Coconut aminos
• Orange zest
• Fresh orange juice
• Arrowroot starch
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Green onions

The recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and soy-free, making it a versatile option for a variety of dietary needs.

How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken

1. Brown the chicken

Start by patting the chicken dry and seasoning it with salt and pepper. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken in a single layer.

Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

2. Make the honey sesame sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic and ginger to the same skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Meanwhile, whisk together the honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, coconut aminos, orange zest, and orange juice. Pour the mixture into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer.

3. Thicken the glaze

Whisk the arrowroot starch and water together in a small bowl until smooth. Stir the mixture into the simmering sauce and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Glaze the chicken

Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat every piece in the honey sesame glaze. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to become glossy and cling to the chicken.

5. Garnish and serve

Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.

Tips for Making the Best Honey Sesame Chicken

Pat the chicken dry

Removing excess moisture helps the chicken brown nicely in the skillet.

Don’t overcrowd the pan

Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer so they have enough room to brown rather than steam.

Use fresh ginger

Freshly grated ginger makes a noticeable difference in the finished glaze. Its bright, slightly spicy flavor balances the sweetness of the honey.

Make the arrowroot slurry separately

Always whisk the arrowroot starch with water before adding it to the sauce. This helps prevent clumps and creates a smooth glaze.

Give the chicken time to soak up the sauce

After returning the chicken to the skillet, toss it in the glaze for a minute or two. This allows the sauce to coat the chicken rather than simply pooling in the pan.

What to Serve with Honey Sesame Chicken

This chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that can soak up some of the flavorful glaze.

Try serving it with:

• Steamed jasmine or brown rice
• Roasted broccoli
• Green beans
• Roasted carrots
• Cucumber salad
• Steamed vegetables

For Rosh Hashanah, serve it on a large platter surrounded by colorful roasted vegetables for an easy but festive presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Last Bite

This Honey Sesame Chicken delivers the comforting flavors of a takeout favorite with a healthier ingredient list. Golden chicken thighs are coated in a homemade honey-sesame glaze accented with fresh ginger, garlic, orange, and rice vinegar, then finished with sesame seeds and green onions.

And for Rosh Hashanah, the honey adds an extra layer of meaning to the meal—a delicious way to welcome the new year with wishes for sweetness, health, and happiness.