Joe Wicks’ Honey Sesame Chicken is fast, crispy, golden, and totally addictive — but made with ingredients you actually recognise. No deep fryer. No packet sauces. Just real food, fast flavour, and a little sesame magic.
This is one of those recipes that lands somewhere between “weeknight winner” and “fakeaway upgrade.” It only takes about 30 minutes start to finish, and the sauce? Sticky, glossy, sweet-but-savoury heaven.
I usually double the sauce — not sorry. Drizzle it over rice, noodles, or eat it off the spoon (no judgement here).
Why You’ll Love It
- Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside — chicken perfection
- The sauce: sweet, salty, sesame-rich, and better than takeaway
- Ready in 30 minutes, including prep
- Great for meal prep, packed lunches, or fast dinners
- Easy to customise — swap the protein, tweak the heat, add veg
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ⅓ cup avocado oil (or any neutral oil)
For the sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 2½ tbsp regular soy sauce (not dark)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ tbsp white granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 tsp rice vinegar
- ¾ cup water
To garnish (optional):
- ½ stalk green onion, finely sliced
- Extra sesame seeds
How to Make Joe Wicks Honey Sesame Chicken
Step 1:
Whisk all the sauce ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2:
Dice the chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks (about 6–8 per thigh). Season with salt, then add cornstarch. Toss gently with tongs until evenly coated — don’t overmix.
Step 3:
Heat oil in a large nonstick pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it fry undisturbed until crisp and golden, about 6–8 minutes total, flipping once or twice.
Step 4:
Remove the crispy chicken and set aside on a plate. Discard any excess oil from the pan.
Step 5:
Pour the sauce into the same pan. Simmer over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring, until thickened.
Step 6:
Add the chicken back to the pan. Toss to coat every piece in that glossy sauce. Turn off the heat.
Step 7:
Top with green onions and extra sesame seeds if you like. Serve hot and enjoy — it goes fast.
Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them
Chicken not crispy?
The pan wasn’t hot enough, or you overcrowded it. Fry in batches if needed.
Sauce too thin?
Simmer longer, or add a touch more cornstarch dissolved in cold water.
Chicken went soggy?
Don’t add it to the sauce too early. Always toss it right before serving.
Not sweet enough?
Adjust honey to taste — some brands are milder. A splash more can go a long way.
Storage and Reheating
Fridge:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months. Best if thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat:
- Oven: 180°C (350°F), covered with foil, 15 minutes
- Microwave: Covered with a damp paper towel, about 1 minute
- Stove: Low heat in a nonstick pan, 2–3 minutes
- Air fryer: 180°C for 5–7 minutes to get it crispy again
What to Serve With Honey Sesame Chicken
- Steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice
- Fried rice or noodle stir-fry
- Miso soup or veggie spring rolls
- A crunchy cucumber salad with rice vinegar
- Steamed broccoli or bell peppers tossed in sesame oil
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes — they’re leaner, just don’t overcook or they’ll dry out.
Q: How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?
A: It should coat the back of a spoon. Simmer until glossy and clingy.
Q: How can I keep the chicken crispy?
A: Only toss it in sauce just before serving. Don’t let it sit too long.
Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: Add chilli flakes, Sriracha, or fresh red chilli to the sauce. Adjust to your taste.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 540mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 16g
- Protein: 16g
More Joe Wicks Recipe:
Joe Wicks Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Description
Indulge in the savoury delight of Joe Wicks’ Honey Sesame Chicken — crispy, golden bites of chicken tossed in a sticky-sweet sesame-soy glaze. A 30-minute crowd-pleaser you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients
Chicken:
Sauce:
Optional garnish:
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients. Set aside.
- Dice chicken into bite-sized chunks. Season with salt and toss with cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high. Fry chicken for 6–8 mins until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Discard excess oil. Pour sauce into the pan and simmer until thick.
- Add fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use an air fryer for a lighter version.
- Add vegetables like broccoli or peppers for extra nutrition.
- Adjust honey to control sweetness.