If you are searching for a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and a hint of tang, look no further than this Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe. It is a delightful celebration of tender chicken coated in a luscious, glossy honey sauce that clings with every bite. Whether you are cooking a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly, making it one of my absolute favorites to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients, each playing an essential role in crafting that irresistible sticky glaze and tender chicken that everyone loves. From the crispy chicken coated in cornstarch to the rich honey and savory soy sauce blend, every element enhances the final dish’s flavor and texture.
- Chicken breast or thighs: Use your preferred cut, but thighs add extra juiciness and flavor.
- Cornstarch: Creates a crispy coating that allows the sauce to cling beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the chicken’s natural flavors.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying the chicken to a golden brown.
- Honey: The star sweetener that gives this dish its irresistible stickiness.
- Soy sauce: Adds a savory depth and umami to balance the honey’s sweetness.
- Vinegar: A splash of rice or apple cider vinegar introduces a subtle tanginess.
- Sesame oil: Optional but highly recommended for a fragrant, nutty touch.
- Garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics that elevate the sauce’s complexity.
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce to a glossy, sticky perfection.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Adds crunch and visual appeal.
- Sliced green onions: Provide a fresh and mild onion flavor as garnish.
How to Make Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by tossing the bite-sized chicken pieces in cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This step is crucial as the cornstarch coating will help create a crispy shell that transforms wonderfully once coated with the sticky honey sauce. Ensuring the chicken is fully coated makes all the difference in texture.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the chicken pieces down in a single layer to allow even browning. Fry them until each piece is crispy and golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. This step delivers that satisfying crunch beneath the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and, in the same skillet (no need to clean it), combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil if using, garlic, and ginger. Bring it to a gentle simmer as these flavors meld beautifully together. Then, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce until it becomes glossy and clingy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it thoroughly in the bubbling sauce. Let the pieces soak up that luscious glaze, heating everything through for another couple of minutes. This step ensures every bite bursts with flavor and the perfect sticky texture.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer your sticky honey chicken to a beautiful serving plate and sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions. These garnishes add a contrasting crunch and a fresh pop of color that make the dish even more inviting.
How to Serve Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe, garnishes play a small but significant role. Toasted sesame seeds offer a nutty crunch that complements the sticky sweetness, while sliced green onions introduce a mild, fresh bite. For an extra burst of color and flavor, feel free to add a sprinkle of finely chopped red chili or fresh coriander.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs exceptionally well with steamed white rice or fragrant jasmine rice, which soaks up all the sticky sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, try serving alongside sautéed or steamed vegetables like bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli, balancing the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve this Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe over a bed of crispy fried rice or even noodles tossed with a light sesame dressing. You can also present the chicken in lettuce wraps for a fun, hands-on experience that feels fresh and vibrant. Adding a wedge of lime on the side offers a zingy contrast that some guests will enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe freezes nicely. Just cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the sauce’s sticky texture and prevent drying out. Adding a splash of water or chicken broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much in storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually recommended for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender even after frying, but chicken breast works just as well if you prefer a leaner option.
Is there a substitute for cornstarch?
Yes, arrowroot powder or potato starch can be used as a substitute for cornstarch. They will give a similar crispiness and thickening effect in the sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap out soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your vinegar and other ingredients are gluten-free. The recipe is easy to adapt without sacrificing flavor.
How sticky should the sauce be?
The sauce should be thick and glossy enough to coat each piece of chicken evenly without being runny. If it’s too thin, continue simmering for a bit to reduce it further before tossing with the chicken.
What’s the best way to get a crispy coating on the chicken?
Pat the chicken dry before coating with cornstarch, and avoid overcrowding the pan during frying. This ensures maximum crispness which is essential for the perfect bite in this sticky honey chicken recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe has quickly become a beloved favorite, and once you try it, it might just steal a spot in your regular rotation too. It offers that perfect combination of sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy that comforts the soul and pleases the palate every time. So gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and enjoy creating this delicious, sticky masterpiece with those you love.
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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 quick and delicious dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy, sweet, and savory honey-soy sauce with a hint of garlic and ginger. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (cornstarch slurry)
Garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl until they are evenly coated. This helps create a crispy texture when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil (if using), minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, which takes about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it well to coat all pieces with the sticky sauce. Let it heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the sticky honey chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving for an added crunch and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use chicken thighs rather than breast as they tend to stay more tender and juicy.
- Adjust the amount of honey or soy sauce according to your preferred sweetness or saltiness.
- Serve over steamed rice or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with sesame oil for a nuttier flavor but reduce the quantity as it’s stronger.
- Make sure to stir the sauce continuously after adding the cornstarch slurry to avoid lumps.
