If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and a touch of tang, look no further than this Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe. It’s everything you want on a busy weeknight—quick to make, incredibly flavorful, and with that irresistible glossy sauce that just begs to be drizzled over rice or noodles. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a luscious honey-soy glaze that clings to every bite, making each mouthful an absolute delight. Once you try this recipe, it’s guaranteed to become a fast favorite in your dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from creating the perfect texture in the chicken to bringing out a harmonious mix of flavors in the sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these ingredients make it easy to whip up something truly special.
- 500 g (1 lb) chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces: Thighs offer juiciness, breasts keep it lean—choose what you love!
- 2 tbsp cornstarch: Helps the chicken get a delightful crisp on the outside before saucing.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds just a subtle kick to the chicken.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: For frying the chicken to golden perfection.
- 1/3 cup honey: The star of the Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe that gives it that sweet, silky finish.
- 3 tbsp soy sauce: Brings the savory umami note that balances the sweetness.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy zing that cuts through the richness.
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional): A fragrant addition that lifts the dish.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Essential aromatics that deepen the flavor.
- 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional): Adds warmth and a gentle zing.
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water: This slurry thickens the sauce to perfectly coat the chicken.
- Toasted sesame seeds: For garnish and a lovely nutty crunch.
- Sliced green onions: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot and shimmering. Spread the chicken pieces out in a single layer—you want to give them enough space to crisp up nicely. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown and is cooked through. Then set the chicken aside on a plate while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, and in the same skillet, mix together the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil if using. Add in the minced garlic and grated ginger—these aromatics will infuse the sauce with amazing flavor. Let everything come up to a gentle simmer so the flavors can marry beautifully.
Step 3: Thicken and Coat
Stir in the cornstarch slurry (that’s the cornstarch mixed with water) into the sauce. This will thicken the glaze in just a minute or two until it becomes glossy and sticky. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it gently to coat every piece evenly with that luscious sauce. The chicken should glisten with a beautiful sticky coating that’s impossible to resist.
How to Serve Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches really elevate this Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for a nutty crunch, and add sliced green onions for a fresh, peppery note and a burst of vibrant green color. These small additions bring both texture and eye appeal to your plate.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with simple steamed rice or fluffy jasmine rice that soaks up every drop of that sticky sauce. If you prefer something green, lightly sautéed bok choy or steamed broccoli make a fresh, healthy complement. Alternatively, a bed of buttery noodles tossed with a bit of sesame oil works beautifully, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a bit adventurous? Serve the chicken lettuce wraps style, spooning the sticky chicken into crisp butter lettuce cups and topping with extra green onions and a sprinkle of chili flakes for some heat. Or dish it up over a colorful Asian-style slaw for an exciting contrast of textures and flavors—either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of your Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the chicken before sealing the container to keep it fresh and safe.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together for up to 2 months. Be sure to place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce if the sauce has thickened too much. This helps regain that perfect sticky consistency without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs are juicier and more forgiving, chicken breasts work just fine—just be careful not to overcook them so they stay tender.
Is sesame oil necessary?
Sesame oil is optional but highly recommended because it adds a subtle, nutty aroma that really completes the dish’s flavor profile.
How do I make the sauce less sweet?
You can reduce the honey slightly or add a bit more soy sauce or vinegar to balance out the sweetness to your taste.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
Tapioca starch or arrowroot powder are great substitutes for cornstarch to thicken the sauce without changing the flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a homemade Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe that brings people together around the dinner table. It’s simple enough for weeknight cooking but special enough to impress guests. I hope you dive into this recipe and make it your own—it might just become your go-to dish for those warm, cozy evenings filled with good food and great company.
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Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Sticky Honey Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces cooked to golden perfection and coated in a luscious honey-soy glaze. This quick skillet recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a hint of tanginess from vinegar and the aromatic touch of garlic and ginger. Topped with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and freshness, it’s a crowd-pleasing main course ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 500 g (1 lb) chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 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 grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
Garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, ensuring an even coating to help achieve a crispy texture when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), sesame oil if using, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to the simmering sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the thickened sauce. Toss well to ensure every piece is coated with the sticky honey glaze. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the sticky honey chicken to a serving dish and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and texture. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- You can use either chicken thighs or breasts; thighs offer more juiciness while breasts are leaner.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Adjust the amount of honey to control the sweetness to your preference.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- The optional sesame oil adds a rich nutty aroma but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Serve this dish over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
