Trader Joe's Honey Sesame Chicken

Name: Trader Joe's Honey Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, cubed; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ginger powder; Sesame seeds, for garnish; Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Highlighted under: The Family Table Recipes

I absolutely love making Trader Joe's Honey Sesame Chicken at home! It perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, making it a delightful dish that's hard to resist. The crispy chicken coated in a luscious honey sesame glaze is not just flavorful, but also incredibly satisfying. I often whip this up for weeknight dinners, and it never fails to impress my family and friends. Pair it with steamed rice and veggies for a complete meal that you'll want to revisit time and again.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-04T17:53:27.023Z

When I first tried Trader Joe's Honey Sesame Chicken, I was impressed by how easily the flavors melded together. I decided to recreate it at home, combining crispy chicken with a rich honey and sesame sauce. I learned that letting the chicken rest after frying keeps it juicy, and it allows the sauce to cling wonderfully. The addition of sesame seeds at the end gives the dish a lovely texture.

As I perfected my version, I found that cooking the chicken in batches really helped retain its crispiness, avoiding overcrowding in the pan. This method not only ensures each piece gets that golden brown color but also enhances the overall taste. The glaze thickens beautifully, making each bite a perfect marriage of sweetness and umami.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crispy chicken enveloped in a savory-sweet glaze
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep
Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables

Marinating the Chicken

To achieve flavorful bites of chicken, marinating is key. I use a blend of garlic and ginger powders in the marinade for a kick of warmth and depth. The marinating time of just 10 minutes may seem brief, but it’s sufficient for smaller cube sizes to soak in the flavor without making the chicken mushy. If you have more time, consider letting it marinate for up to an hour in the refrigerator for an even richer taste.

Don’t skip salting the chicken; a pinch of salt added to the marinade helps to draw out moisture, making the chicken juicier while enhancing its natural flavor. Remember, however, that you’ll also be adding soy sauce later, which is already salty. Taste test your marinade if you’re concerned about salt levels!

Perfecting the Honey Sesame Glaze

The glaze is a crucial part of this dish, delivering the sweet-savory profile it’s known for. Use a high-quality honey for the best results; it should be thick and aromatic. This thickness helps ensure the sauce clings beautifully to the chicken instead of becoming watery. If you prefer a slightly spicy kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce as it simmers.

Simmer the honey and soy sauce mixture until it thickens slightly, observing it turning glossy and almost syrupy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes over medium heat. A visual cue is the sauce coating the back of a spoon; if it drips off easily, it’s not ready yet. You’ll want that perfect texture to adhere to the chicken and enhance each bite.

Serving Suggestions

When serving your Honey Sesame Chicken, consider a base of fluffy steamed rice. The rice will absorb the rich sauce, making each bite a delightful blend of flavors. For added color and nutrition, pair the dish with stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. These additions not only enhance the meal but also provide a nice crunch.

If you're looking to make this a meal prep option, portion the chicken and steamed rice in individual containers. It stores well in the fridge for up to four days. Just reheat in the microwave and enjoy! I recommend reheating it gently to keep the chicken juicy.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

For the Honey Sesame Chicken

1 pound chicken breast, cubed
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger powder
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Once your ingredients are ready, you're all set to start cooking!

Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious dish:

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken with garlic powder, ginger powder, and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Cook the Chicken

Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add honey and soy sauce. Stir to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until well coated. Plate and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Serve the dish hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra crunch, consider adding some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make this dish gluten-free, simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. This ensures you still get the essential umami flavor without the gluten. Additionally, you could replace honey with agave syrup for a vegan version, adjusting the quantity to taste as agave tends to be sweeter.

For those who are sensitive to garlic or ginger, consider using fresh herbs like cilantro or basil as alternatives. While they will significantly change the flavor profile, they can still provide a fresh, aromatic element to the dish.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

To make your weeknight routine easier, prepare the marinade and chicken a day ahead. Store the marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to deepen. It’s a great way to elevate the dish without much extra effort.

If you plan to freeze the finished dish, make sure it has cooled to room temperature before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. This dish can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove for best results, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find your glaze isn’t thickening, make sure the heat is at a steady medium. Too low will prevent it from reducing properly, while too high can cause the honey to scorch. Keep an eye on it and stir frequently to avoid burning.

If the chicken turns out dry, it may have been overcooked. Always check for doneness around the 10-minute mark by slicing a piece in half; it should be opaque and firm but not tough. Adjust cooking time based on the size of your chicken cubes; smaller pieces will cook faster.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it first and pat it dry before cooking for the best results.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa and a side of stir-fried vegetables.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.