Sweet & Zesty Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe: A Family Favorite

Crispy, golden sicky honey chicken dances with sweet and savory flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Tender pieces of poultry glisten under a glossy amber sauce that promises pure deliciousness.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers comfort with a twist.

Simple ingredients combine to create magic in your kitchen, turning ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

Home cooks can easily master this delectable dish with just a few smart techniques.

Unexpected flavor combinations will surprise and delight everyone around your dinner table.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of crunch and sticky sweetness that keeps you coming back for more.

Sticky Honey Chicken – Sweet And Savory Joys

• Speedy Weeknight Winner: Whip up this mouthwatering chicken dish in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet honey, tangy vinegar, and spicy red pepper flakes for a taste sensation that'll wake up your taste buds and keep everyone coming back for more.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Easily adaptable to different dietary preferences, serving beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables, making it a go-to recipe for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Uses common pantry staples and requires minimal cooking skills, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal that looks and tastes impressive.

Sticky Honey Chicken Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken: Tender pieces that form the base of this delicious dish and absorb the sticky honey sauce.

• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create the signature sticky glaze.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and saltiness to the sauce.
• Vinegar: Balances the sweetness and adds a tangy note to the dish.

• Garlic, Ginger: Provide warm, aromatic flavors that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the flavors of the dish.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a slurry that helps thicken the sauce and give it a glossy appearance.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Add texture, color, and a fresh finish to the dish.

Cooking Oil: Helps in browning the chicken and preventing it from sticking to the pan.

Cooking Steps For Sticky Honey Chicken Night

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot pan, allowing each side to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Cook thoroughly until the chicken is perfectly crispy and cooked through, around 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until the sauce looks smooth and well-integrated.

Step 3: Marry Chicken and Sauce

Pour the vibrant sauce over the seared chicken.

Stir gently to ensure every piece gets coated with the delicious glaze.

Allow the mixture to simmer and bubble, letting the flavors meld together for 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small cup, blend cornstarch with water to create a silky slurry.

Pour this into the skillet and stir continuously.

Watch as the sauce transforms into a glossy, clingy coating that hugs each chicken piece perfectly.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Remove the skillet from heat.

Sprinkle a generous handful of sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the chicken alongside fluffy white rice or steamed vegetables.

Enjoy this mouthwatering dish while it’s hot and aromatic.

Tips For Perfect Sweet And Savory Chicken

• Keep heat at medium and stir chicken frequently to avoid sticking and uneven browning.
• Marinate chicken in sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance taste penetration.
• Adjust cornstarch slurry amount gradually to achieve desired sauce thickness without making it too gloopy.
• Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version of the dish.
• Reduce or increase red pepper flakes based on personal heat tolerance for a customized spicy experience.

Tasty Twists For Sticky Honey Chicken Fans

• Spicy Maple Chicken: Replace honey with maple syrup and add extra red pepper flakes for a bolder kick.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the cornstarch and serve with cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using same marinade and cooking method.

Serving Sticky Honey Chicken With Flair

• Flavor Companions: Pair this sticky honey chicken with fluffy jasmine rice or brown rice for a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
• Veggie Sidekick: Roast broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers as a colorful and nutritious side dish that complements the chicken's rich glaze.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle extra green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or crushed red pepper flakes for added crunch and visual appeal that elevates the entire meal.
• Fresh Finish: Add a small side of cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to cut through the dish's sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast.

Storage Tips For Sticky Honey Chicken Leftovers

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain flavor.
• Pack cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Prevents freezer burn and maintains quality.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with damp paper towel, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Ensures even warming and retains moisture.

FAQs

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe includes red pepper flakes, which add a mild heat. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preference.

• What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy, while breasts are leaner and cook quickly.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to make the entire dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

• How can I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Avoid overcooking the chicken. Cook until it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Sicky Honey Chiken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sticky honey chicken brings sweet and savory comfort to your dinner table. Juicy chicken pieces glazed with golden honey create a simple yet irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil or vegetable oil

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm a skillet with oil at medium-high temperature, carefully arranging chicken pieces to achieve an even golden-brown exterior, approximately 5-7 minutes per side.
2. Craft a robust marinade by whisking together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and cracked black pepper in a separate mixing vessel.
3. Transfer the vibrant sauce over the perfectly seared chicken, ensuring each morsel becomes thoroughly coated and allowing the mixture to gently bubble and meld flavors for 3-4 minutes.
4. Create a smooth cornstarch slurry by blending cornstarch with cool water until completely dissolved, then gradually incorporate into the simmering sauce to develop a glossy, thick consistency.
5. Once the sauce reaches a luxurious, clingy texture, immediately remove the skillet from heat to prevent overcooking.
6. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions across the glistening chicken.
7. Present the sticky honey chicken alongside steamed white rice or tender roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Choose tender chicken cuts like thighs or breasts for maximum flavor absorption and juiciness.
• Create a glossy sauce by whisking honey and soy sauce thoroughly to prevent clumping and ensure even coating.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes to suit personal heat preferences without overwhelming the dish.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier version that controls salt content while maintaining rich umami flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg