Name: Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); ¼ cup cornstarch; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; ⅓ cup honey; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry); Sesame seeds; Sliced green onions

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If there’s ever a dish I reach for when I want something quick, crowd-pleasing, and deeply satisfying, it’s Sticky Honey Chicken. Imagine juicy morsels of chicken enveloped in a glossy, caramelized glaze that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and just a touch of tang. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you’re looking to impress your friends with minimal effort, this recipe delivers on all fronts—delivering bold flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture all in just thirty minutes.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully straightforward, yet every one plays a crucial role in building the rich flavor and beautiful color you expect from Sticky Honey Chicken. Gather your basics; the secret really is in the balance of sweet honey, umami soy, aromatic garlic, and zingy ginger!

Chicken thighs or breasts: Bite-sized pieces give you juicy texture and soak up all the delicious sauce. Choose thighs for maximum tenderness, or breasts for a leaner option.
Cornstarch: This creates a delicate, crispy coating that helps the sticky sauce cling to each piece of chicken beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken before you even put it anywhere near the pan.
Vegetable oil: Offers a neutral foundation for browning the chicken, keeping the flavor focus on the sauce.
Honey: The star of the show! Honey lends its luscious sweetness and helps create that irresistible, sticky finish.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides deep, savory notes without overpowering the dish with salt.
Rice vinegar: Just a splash balances the sweetness and keeps things bright and lively.
Ketchup: Adds a tangy, funky backbone and a hint of rich red color.
Brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and assists in caramelizing for a gorgeous glaze.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses an extra layer of savory aroma you just can’t skip.
Fresh ginger: The sharp, clean taste of ginger cuts through the sweetness for a more nuanced flavor.
Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water): This little trick thickens your sauce to a perfect, clingy consistency.
Optional toppings: Sesame seeds and sliced green onions add a crisp, fresh finish and a pop of color.

How to Make Sticky Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken pieces dry with a paper towel—this step helps brown the chicken rather than steam it. Toss the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until each piece is evenly dusted and ready for a quick sear. This simple coating makes sure every morsel ends up golden and ready to cling to all that saucy goodness.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the coated chicken in a single layer, letting it sizzle without crowding the pan. Sear for 5 to 7 minutes, turning so all sides pick up a bit of color and crispiness. Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully golden, scoop it out and set aside—don’t worry, it will get plenty more flavor in a minute.

Step 3: Make the Irresistible Sticky Honey Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in your honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar. Sprinkle in the minced garlic and grated ginger for that layered, mouthwatering aroma you’ll smell right away. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer; this is where the magic begins and the sauce thickens to delicious, sticky perfection.

Step 4: Thicken and Glaze

Add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce. Watch as it transforms into a thicker, glossy glaze in about 1 to 2 minutes—there’s nothing more satisfying than watching the transformation! Return your chicken to the skillet and toss each piece in the luscious, shiny sauce until every nook and cranny is coated.

Step 5: Simmer and Serve

Let the chicken and sauce bubble together for a final 2 to 3 minutes on the stove, ensuring everything is thoroughly heated and beautifully glazed. Serve your Sticky Honey Chicken hot, draped over a mound of steamed rice, and don’t forget the fun finishing touches—those sesame seeds and green onions!

How to Serve Sticky Honey Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your Sticky Honey Chicken with a flourish! A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds nutty crunch, while ribbons of freshly sliced green onions give a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. Both are optional but highly recommended for a restaurant-worthy plate.

Side Dishes

This juicy, sweet-and-savory dish pairs like a dream with fluffy white rice—perfect for soaking up any extra sticky sauce. For a colorful plate, add steamed broccoli, snap peas, or even a simple cucumber salad. The contrast in texture and freshness lightens every bite and rounds out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the usual and spoon your Sticky Honey Chicken into lettuce cups for a lively appetizer, or toss it atop a fresh slaw for a sweet-savory salad bowl. Skewer the chicken and serve as party-friendly bites, or pile it high on bao buns for an Asian-inspired twist your guests will rave about!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Sticky Honey Chicken holds up beautifully in the fridge. Transfer to an airtight container and chill for up to three days. The sauce tends to get even richer and more flavorful overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch will be just as tempting as tonight’s dinner.

Freezing

Planning ahead? Sticky Honey Chicken can absolutely be frozen. Cool the chicken completely, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It’ll keep for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems too thick. The microwave works in a pinch, but the stove helps retain that lovely glaze. Whatever you do, just avoid reheating too aggressively to keep the chicken juicy and the sauce silky.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Sticky Honey Chicken works well with either thighs or breasts. Thighs yield a juicier, more tender bite, but breast meat will be leaner and a bit firmer. Simply adjust your cooking time by a minute or two to avoid overcooking breast meat.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—all you need to do is swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative, such as tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check your ketchup and other condiments for hidden gluten, and you’re set to enjoy a totally gluten-free Sticky Honey Chicken dinner!

What vegetables can I add to the skillet?

Feel free to stir-fry bite-sized broccoli florets, red bell pepper strips, or snow peas in the pan either before or after the chicken cooks. Just make sure to keep the veggies crisp-tender so they don’t lose their vibrant color and snap.

Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

You bet! For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a squeeze of sriracha, or a small diced chili to the sauce as it cooks. This will balance the sweetness with just enough heat to tingle your tastebuds.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe scales beautifully. Just be sure to brown the chicken in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan and lose that crispiness. Double the sauce ingredients as well, and keep everything warm until ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Trust me—once you try Sticky Honey Chicken, it’ll quickly become a go-to for busy nights and special occasions alike. There’s something magical about that sweet, shiny glaze and impossibly juicy chicken that makes everyone around the table smile. Give it a try, share it with someone you love, and don’t be surprised when it gets requested again and again!

Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and sticky honey chicken recipe that’s perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory honey sauce, served over rice and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.