Sweet & Savory Sticky Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

Irresistible Sweet & Savory Sticky Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

Crafting an irresistible sweet and savory sticky honey glazed chicken recipe delivers pure culinary magic right to your kitchen.

Succulent chicken pieces transform into a mouthwatering masterpiece with minimal effort.

Honey’s golden richness combines perfectly with aromatic spices, creating layers of complex flavor.

Each bite promises a delightful balance between caramelized sweetness and robust seasoning.

Kitchen novices and experienced cooks alike can master this simple yet impressive dish.

Vibrant colors and enticing aromas will have everyone gathering around the table, eager to savor every delectable morsel.

You won’t be able to resist making this chicken again and again.

Why Sweet And Savory Sticky Honey Glazed Chicken Stands Out

  • Conquer Complex Flavors: Blend sweet honey with savory soy sauce for a restaurant-quality dish that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.
  • Streamline Meal Preparation: Cook everything in one skillet, minimizing dishes and saving precious kitchen cleanup time while creating a delicious dinner.
  • Master Quick Cooking Techniques: Learn professional-level coating and glazing methods that ensure crispy chicken with a glossy, flavorful sauce in under half an hour.
  • Customize for Every Palate: Easily adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit family preferences, making this recipe adaptable for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike.

What You’ll Need For Sweet And Savory Sticky Honey Glazed Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A versatile protein that becomes tender and golden when cooked perfectly.
Coating and Thickening Agents:
  • Cornstarch, Salt, Pepper: A classic seasoning and coating mix that helps create a crispy exterior and enhances flavor.
  • Cornstarch Slurry: A simple mixture that helps thicken the sauce and gives it a glossy appearance.
Sauce and Flavor Builders:
  • Honey: A natural sweetener that creates a delicious sticky glaze.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds a deep umami and salty dimension to the sauce.
  • Vinegar: Provides a tangy balance to the sweet honey.
  • Sesame Oil: Offers a nutty and aromatic background flavor.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Classic Asian-inspired aromatics that add depth and complexity to the sauce.
Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and creating a golden brown exterior.
  • Toasted Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Fresh garnishes that add texture and a pop of color to the final dish.

How To Make Sweet And Savory Sticky Honey Glazed Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Magic

Mix chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Ensure each piece gets a beautiful, even coating that will create a crispy exterior.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken pieces in a single layer, allowing each piece to develop a gorgeous golden-brown color.

Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until chicken is completely cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside on a clean plate.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet. Combine the following ingredients:
  • Honey
  • Soy sauce
  • Vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated ginger

Simmer the mixture for about a minute, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Add cornstarch slurry to the sauce, stirring continuously. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches a perfect, glossy consistency that will cling beautifully to the chicken.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return cooked chicken to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each piece gets completely coated in the sticky, delicious sauce. Warm the chicken through for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the glazed chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Smart Tips For Sweet And Savory Sticky Honey Glazed Chicken

  • Coat chicken pieces thoroughly with cornstarch for a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and creates delightful texture.
  • Use a hot skillet to achieve perfect browning, ensuring chicken pieces are not overcrowded for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
  • Create a balanced sauce by balancing sweet honey with tangy vinegar and salty soy sauce, adjusting proportions to personal taste preferences.
  • For gluten-free option, replace regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain rich flavor without wheat ingredients.
  • Enhance dish by toasting sesame seeds before garnishing to release deeper, nuttier flavor and add delightful crunch to the final presentation.

Different Styles For Sweet And Savory Sticky Honey Glazed Chicken

  • Spicy Honey Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a fiery kick that elevates the sweetness.
  • Citrus-Infused Version: Replace vinegar with fresh orange or lemon juice to bring bright, tangy notes to the glaze.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Mix dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary into the cornstarch coating for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Coconut Fusion Chicken: Swap sesame oil for coconut oil and add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce for a tropical, creamy variation.

Great Pairings For Sweet And Savory Sticky Honey Glazed Chicken

  • Pair with Crisp Riesling: Balance the sweet and tangy honey glaze with a chilled, slightly sweet German Riesling that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
  • Serve Alongside Jasmine Rice: Create a perfect base for the sticky sauce by plating the glazed chicken over fluffy, fragrant jasmine rice that soaks up every delicious drop.
  • Complement with Cucumber Salad: Add a cool, refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar and fresh herbs to provide a crisp contrast to the warm, sticky chicken.
  • Match with Ginger Beer: Enhance the ginger notes in the dish with a spicy, effervescent ginger beer that provides a zesty, complementary flavor profile.

Storage Guide For Sweet And Savory Sticky Honey Glazed Chicken

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled chicken to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Microwave Reheat: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
  • Skillet Reheat: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.

FAQs About Sweet And Savory Sticky Honey Glazed Chicken

  • Why use cornstarch to coat the chicken?

Cornstarch creates a crispy exterior and helps seal in moisture, ensuring the chicken stays juicy while developing a golden-brown crust during cooking.

  • Can I use different types of vinegar?

White rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar work best, providing a tangy balance to the sweet honey glaze. Avoid strong vinegars like balsamic that might overpower the sauce.

  • Is sesame oil necessary for the recipe?

Sesame oil is optional but adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. If you don’t have it, the recipe will still be delicious without it.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

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Sweet & Savory Sticky Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

Sweet & Savory Sticky Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 29 reviews

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

Description

Honey glazed chicken brings together golden-brown chicken pieces dancing with caramelized sweetness and aromatic spices. Delightful balance of Asian-inspired flavors creates a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (500 grams) chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasoning and Coating:

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Sauce Components:

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water

Garnish:

  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Create a fragrant coating for the chicken by thoroughly mixing cornstarch, salt, and pepper with chicken pieces to ensure uniform coverage.
  2. Warm vegetable oil in a spacious skillet at medium-high temperature, positioning chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding.
  3. Sear chicken for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, developing a rich golden-brown exterior while ensuring complete internal cooking.
  4. Transfer perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its crispy texture.
  5. Reduce skillet heat to medium and utilize the existing pan drippings for enhanced flavor development.
  6. Craft a luxurious glaze by whisking together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until harmoniously blended.
  7. Allow sauce to gently simmer for 60 seconds, releasing aromatic components and concentrating flavors.
  8. Incorporate cornstarch slurry into the simmering mixture, stirring consistently for 1-2 minutes until sauce reaches a glossy, thickened consistency.
  9. Reintroduce chicken pieces into the skillet, meticulously coating each morsel with the sticky, glistening sauce.
  10. Warm chicken in sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld completely.
  11. Plate the glazed chicken, elegantly garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and delicately sliced green onions for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

  • Coating Technique: Dust chicken with cornstarch for an extra crispy exterior that locks in moisture and helps sauce cling perfectly.
  • Oil Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown chicken without burning, ensuring even cooking and crisp texture.
  • Sauce Consistency Magic: Create a smooth cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce instantly, preventing lumps and creating a glossy, restaurant-quality glaze.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular soy sauce for low-sodium or tamari for gluten-free version, and use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup for refined sugar-free option.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 405
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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