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
Scale
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.
