If you’re craving a dish that’s equal parts comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare, Sticky Honey Chicken is your answer. Its tantalizing mix of sweet honey and savory soy sauce, combined with the rich umami of garlic and ginger, creates a meal your family will request again and again. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, you’ll find this recipe delightfully straightforward and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love Sticky Honey Chicken
Imagine tender chicken coated in a glossy, sticky sauce that bursts with sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite. This dish is:
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Packed with flavors that please even the pickiest eaters.
- A versatile recipe that pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
- Made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Ingredients for Sticky Honey Chicken
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 (minced) | 2 |
Fresh ginger (grated, optional) | 1/2 tsp |
Cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) |
For Garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken pieces in a bowl.
- Add cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the chicken until evenly coated. This ensures a crispy exterior when cooked.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium.
- In the same skillet, add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil (if using), garlic, and ginger.
- Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Toss the chicken to coat it evenly in the sticky sauce.
- Let it heat through for 2–3 minutes, ensuring every piece absorbs the flavors.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the sticky honey chicken to a serving plate.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Pair with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sticky Honey Chicken
- Use fresh ginger and garlic: These ingredients elevate the sauce, adding depth and freshness.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan: Cooking the chicken in a single layer ensures even browning.
- Customize the sauce: Add a pinch of red chili flakes for a hint of spice or a splash of orange juice for citrusy sweetness.
- Toast the sesame seeds: This enhances their nutty flavor and adds a crunch to the dish.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with the cornstarch creating a light crust on the chicken to hold the sticky sauce. The honey provides natural sweetness, while the soy sauce adds saltiness and depth. The optional sesame oil and ginger give it an Asian-inspired flair, making it both comforting and exotic.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
Calories | ~320 kcal |
Protein | ~25 g |
Fat | ~12 g |
Carbohydrates | ~28 g |
Fiber | ~1 g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Steamed Rice: Let the sauce seep into the rice for a satisfying meal.
- With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add color and nutrition with broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
- In a Wrap or Sandwich: Use leftover chicken to make a flavorful wrap or sandwich.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Overcooking the chicken: Monitor the cooking time closely to ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy.
- Skipping the cornstarch coating: This step is key for a slightly crispy exterior that holds the sauce well.
- Burning the sauce: Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly once the cornstarch slurry is added.
FAQs About Sticky Honey Chicken

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Just be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out faster than thighs.
2. Is there a substitute for honey?
You can use maple syrup or brown sugar as a substitute, though the flavor will vary slightly.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
4. How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
5. Can I freeze Sticky Honey Chicken?
Yes, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
6. What side dishes go well with this recipe?
Steamed broccoli, fried rice, or a simple cucumber salad complement this dish beautifully.
Conclusion: Bring Sweet and Savory to Your Table
Sticky Honey Chicken is a delightful dish that combines bold flavors, simple preparation, and versatile serving options. With its glossy, sweet-and-savory sauce and tender chicken pieces, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Why not try it tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home?
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Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe: A Perfect Blend of Sweetness and Flavor
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
If you’re craving a comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to make, Sticky Honey Chicken is the answer! The sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and rich umami from garlic and ginger come together to create a meal that’s sure to be a hit with your family. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 500g (1 lb) chicken thighs or breasts, 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)
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water)
For Garnish:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, coat chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil (if using), garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir and bring to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sticky sauce. Let it heat through for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer to a plate and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Notes
- Pro Tips: Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan while cooking the chicken to ensure even browning.
- Customize the Sauce: Add chili flakes for a spicy kick or a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet/ Stove-top
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired