Sticky Honey Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight

If you’re searching for a quick, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, Sticky Honey Chicken is the answer. This dish combines tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy, sticky-sweet sauce with the perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family or whipping up a weeknight dinner, this recipe is bound to impress.

Picture golden-brown chicken coated in a luscious honey glaze, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love Sticky Honey Chicken

This recipe stands out for so many reasons:

• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you probably already have.
• Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just 30 minutes!
• Bursting with Flavor: Sweet, savory, and slightly tangy, it’s a flavor explosion.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love it.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice, sweetness, or garnish to your liking.

Ingredients for Sticky Honey Chicken

For the Chicken

For the Sauce

For Garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sticky Honey Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with:
   • Cornstarch
   • Salt
   • Black pepper
2. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated, which helps create a crispy exterior when cooked.

2. Cook the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
3. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Sticky Honey Sauce

1. Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add:
   • Honey
   • Soy sauce
   • Vinegar
   • Sesame oil (if using)
   • Minced garlic
   • Grated ginger (optional)
2. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer.
3. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy consistency.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
2. Toss to coat the chicken pieces evenly in the sticky honey sauce.
3. Let it heat through for 2–3 minutes to ensure the flavors meld together.

5. Serve and Garnish

1. Transfer the Sticky Honey Chicken to a serving plate.
2. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of flavor and color.
3. Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Sticky Honey Chicken

1. Use Boneless Chicken

Chicken thighs are juicier, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.

3. Balance the Sauce

If the sauce is too sweet, add a splash more vinegar. For a spicier kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.

4. Toast the Sesame Seeds

Toasting enhances their flavor and adds a nutty crunch to the dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Creative Variations of Sticky Honey Chicken

1. Spicy Honey Chicken

Add red chili flakes or diced chili peppers to the sauce for extra heat.

2. Citrus Honey Chicken

Replace half the vinegar with fresh orange or lemon juice for a zesty twist.

3. Vegan Option

Swap chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets, and use maple syrup instead of honey.

4. Peanut Honey Chicken

Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a nutty flavor.

5. Air Fryer Honey Chicken

Instead of pan-frying, cook the cornstarch-coated chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for 12–15 minutes before tossing it in the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

3. Can I freeze Sticky Honey Chicken?

Yes! Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

4. What can I serve with this dish?

Serve it with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, stir-fried vegetables, or even a fresh salad.

5. How can I make the dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure you have a large enough skillet to cook the chicken in batches for even browning.

A Final Bite: Why Sticky Honey Chicken is a Must-Try

Sticky Honey Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The combination of tender chicken, a luscious sauce, and simple yet impactful ingredients makes it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, dinner parties, or anytime you’re craving something sweet, savory, and satisfying.

Ready to Cook?

Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this mouthwatering dish. It’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Sticky Honey Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Print Recipe

Sticky Honey Chicken is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a luscious honey glaze. With a balance of tangy and umami flavors, this quick and easy dish transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal. Serve it over rice or alongside veggies for a family-friendly dinner or an impressive weeknight treat.

 

• Author: ating
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Pan-Frying
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 500 g (1 lb) chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

• ⅓ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

For Garnish:

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

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Instructions

• Prepare the Chicken:
  • In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
  • Ensure each piece is evenly coated for a crispy texture when cooked.
• Cook the Chicken:
  • Heat 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 through.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
• Make the Sticky Honey Sauce:
  • Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil (if using), garlic, and grated ginger.
  • Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer.
  • Add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
• Combine Chicken and Sauce:
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat the pieces evenly in the sauce.
  • Let it heat through for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
• Serve and Garnish:
  • Transfer the Sticky Honey Chicken to a serving plate.
  • Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and a pop of color.
  • Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.

Notes

• Use Boneless Chicken: Thighs are juicier, but breasts work well for a leaner option.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to ensure even browning.
• Adjust the Sauce: Add more vinegar for tanginess or red pepper flakes for heat.
• Toast Sesame Seeds: Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and adds crunch.