Description

A high-protein, baked alternative to takeout sesame chicken. These thighs are coated in cornstarch for a crispy crust and glazed with a sticky, savory-sweet sauce made from honey, soy, and ginger.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado or canola)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Black pepper to taste
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2–3 green onions, sliced thinly
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for serving

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, toss chicken with cornstarch until lightly and evenly coated. Shake off excess.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange chicken in a single layer with space between pieces.
Bake for 15 minutes.
While chicken bakes, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
Remove chicken from oven. Pour half the sauce over the chicken and flip to coat both sides.
Return to oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes until sauce bubbles and thickens.
Switch oven to broil. Brush remaining sauce over chicken and broil for 2-3 minutes until caramelized and sticky. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Remove from oven, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds, and let rest for 2 minutes before serving over rice.

Notes

Ensure chicken is completely dry before coating with cornstarch to achieve crispiness. Do not crowd the pan. Honey burns easily, so watch closely during the broiling step. For a spicy version, add gochujang or sriracha to the sauce.

Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 thighs per serving
Calories: 380
Sugar: 18
Sodium: 680
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 1
Protein: 32

Keywords: sesame chicken, baked chicken, high protein, healthy takeout alternative, sticky chicken, easy dinner, gluten-free option