There’s nothing quite as satisfying as preparing a meal that’s both simple and irresistibly delicious. Sticky Honey Chicken is a perfect dish that hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, and incredibly comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking to impress guests, this recipe guarantees smiles all around. Let’s dive into how you can create this mouthwatering dish at home.
Why You’ll Love Sticky Honey Chicken
Imagine tender, golden chicken pieces coated in a sticky glaze that balances sweetness from honey with the umami of soy sauce and a hint of zest from ginger and garlic. It’s not only packed with flavor but also easy to prepare with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Plus, this dish is versatile—it pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or even a fresh green salad.
Ingredients for Sticky Honey Chicken
To make this recipe, you’ll need simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll use:
For the Chicken
Ingredient | Amount |
Chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless) | 500 g (1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces |
Cornstarch | 2 tbsp |
Salt | 1/2 tsp |
Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
Vegetable oil | 2 tbsp |
For the Sauce
Ingredient | Amount |
Honey | 1/3 cup |
Soy sauce | 3 tbsp |
Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar | 1 tbsp |
Sesame oil (optional) | 1 tsp |
Garlic cloves | 2, minced |
Fresh ginger (grated) | 1/2 tsp (optional) |
Cornstarch mixed with water | 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water |
For Garnish
Ingredient | Amount |
Toasted sesame seeds | As needed |
Sliced green onions | As needed |
Preparing the Chicken
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
- Toss the chicken pieces in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Ensure all pieces are evenly coated. This coating gives the chicken a crispy texture when cooked and helps the sauce stick.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Making the Sticky Honey Sauce
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.
- Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil (if using), minced garlic, and grated ginger.
Step 2: Thicken the Sauce
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water). Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
Bringing It All Together
Step 1: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until fully coated.
- Let it heat through for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the chicken to a serving plate.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a burst of flavor and visual appeal.
What to Serve with Sticky Honey Chicken
Sticky Honey Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Rice: The perfect base to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Fried Rice: Add an extra layer of flavor with a side of fried rice.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers complement this dish beautifully.
- Noodles: Toss some plain noodles in a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil for a quick side.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the sweetness of the chicken.
Tips for Perfect Sticky Honey Chicken
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the flavor of the sauce.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of honey slightly and increase the soy sauce.
- Double the Sauce: For those who love extra sauce to drizzle over rice, double the sauce ingredients.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a kick of heat.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 280 |
Protein | 25 g |
Carbohydrates | 15 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Sodium | 600 mg |
FAQs About Sticky Honey Chicken
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving during cooking, making them an excellent choice for this recipe.
2. Can I make Sticky Honey Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat before serving. Keep them refrigerated in airtight containers.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. Double-check your cornstarch and other ingredients for hidden gluten.
4. What can I use instead of rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar are great substitutes, but reduce the amount slightly to avoid overpowering the dish.
5. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, coat the chicken as instructed, then bake on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Conclusion: Try This Recipe Today!
Sticky Honey Chicken is a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Its perfect balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and versatility make it a must-try. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and enjoy the magic of Sticky Honey Chicken tonight!
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Sticky Honey Chicken: A Deliciously Irresistible Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Sticky Honey Chicken is a sweet and savory dish with tender, golden chicken coated in a glossy honey-soy glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, this recipe is quick, flavorful, and pairs well with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 500 g (1 lb) chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)
For Garnish:
- Toasted sesame seeds (as needed)
- Sliced green onions (as needed)
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken:
- Coat the Chicken: Toss chicken pieces in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Making the Sauce:
- Combine Ingredients: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir to combine.
- Thicken the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
Final Steps:
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss until fully coated. Heat for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer to a plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for maximum flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan for even browning.
- Double the sauce ingredients if you prefer extra glaze for rice or noodles.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired