If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and a touch of zing, this Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine tender, golden chicken pieces enveloped in a glossy, luscious honey-soy sauce that clings beautifully, delivering bursts of flavor in every bite. Simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to impress guests, this recipe brings together accessible ingredients that transform into a truly crave-worthy meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe so special is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet how each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. Get ready to gather these kitchen staples that you probably already have on hand.
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces: Choose your favorite cut for juicy, tender chunks that soak up the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps create that irresistible crispy coating on the chicken before cooking.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying): Provides the perfect medium for achieving a golden-brown sear.
- ½ cup honey: The star sweetener that makes this dish delightfully sticky and luscious.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Adds salty, umami depth to balance the honey’s sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar): Brings brightness and a slight tang to cut through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional): Adds a fragrant, nutty layer to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses savory warmth and aroma.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Delivers a fresh zing that lifts the dish.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (cornstarch slurry): Essential for thickening the sauce to the perfect glossy consistency.
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish: Adds crunch and a nutty touch.
- Sliced green onions, for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This simple step is key because the cornstarch creates a light crust that locks in moisture while helping the sauce cling beautifully to the chicken later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden color and are cooked through. This searing stage is where your chicken gains both flavor and texture, so resist the urge to constantly stir.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Once the chicken is done, reduce the heat to medium and use the same skillet for the sauce—no need to clean up all that deliciousness! Combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil (if using), minced garlic, and grated ginger. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry. Stir constantly as the sauce thickens within a couple of minutes, turning silky and sticky — exactly what makes this Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe so wonderful.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return your cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing each piece with the sauce so every bite is bursting with flavor. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and fully soak in the delicious glaze.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer your sticky, honey-glazed chicken to a beautiful serving plate. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and vibrant sliced green onions for a fresh, nutty finish that adds visual appeal as well as texture.
How to Serve Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, stick to garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. They add just the right crunch and pop of color, making the dish not only taste fantastic but look irresistible on the table.
Side Dishes
Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice, which soaks up the sauce deliciously. For a veggie boost, steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a crunchy Asian slaw add freshness and balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve the chicken atop warm rice noodles or in lettuce wraps for a fun twist. You can also turn this into a hearty bowl with rice, veggies, and a drizzle of extra sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the chicken completely before sealing to maintain its texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option! Place the cooled chicken with sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This keeps the sauce glossy without drying out the chicken. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to maintain that perfect saucy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and a richer flavor, making the dish even more succulent. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces like you would with breasts.
Is it okay to substitute honey with another sweetener?
Honey gives this recipe its signature stickiness and floral sweetness, but you can try maple syrup or agave nectar in a pinch. Keep in mind the taste profile may shift slightly and the sauce texture might change.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets. Double-check other ingredients for any hidden gluten to keep the dish true to gluten-free standards.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or gloopy?
Be careful with the cornstarch slurry—add it gradually and stir constantly while it thickens. If it gets too thick, thin it out with a splash of water, soy sauce, or vinegar to keep that glossy, perfect coating.
What other proteins work well with this Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe?
Try swapping chicken for tofu, shrimp, or even pork tenderloin slices for a different but equally delicious take. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
You’ve now got a fantastic recipe at your fingertips that is equal parts comforting and exciting. The Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe hits all the right notes with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and fall in love with this dish that’s sure to brighten up your dinner table anytime you make it!
Print
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
This Sticky Honey Chicken recipe features tender bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a glossy, flavorful honey-soy glaze enriched with garlic and ginger. It’s a quick and easy stovetop dish perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors with a sticky, luscious sauce. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for added texture and freshness.
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, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl until each piece is evenly coated with the mixture, which will help create a light crust during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, turning once, until the chicken is 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, add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, optional sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss well to coat each piece evenly with the sticky honey sauce. Allow it to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the sticky honey chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top for a nutty crunch and fresh bite. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use skinless, boneless chicken thigh for juicier results or chicken breast for a leaner option.
- The cornstarch coating helps create a crispy texture on the chicken when frying.
- Adjust honey and soy sauce amounts to taste for more sweetness or saltiness.
- Sesame oil adds a nice nutty aroma but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
