This Sticky Honey Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. It’s quick to make and pairs effortlessly with rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables, making it a versatile choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.
The honey glaze offers a rich, sticky coating that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Customizable with simple ingredient swaps to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
A versatile dish that complements a variety of sides, from rice to veggies.
Perfect for meal prep, as it reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
500 g (1 lb) chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
1/3 cup honey
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
For Garnish:
Toasted sesame seeds
Sliced green onions
Directions
Prepare the Chicken:
Toss the chicken pieces in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the chicken pieces in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium in the same skillet.
Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil (if using), garlic, and ginger. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce. Let it heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the Sticky Honey Chicken to a serving plate.
Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy twist.
Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based version.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
Sweetener Substitution: Swap honey with maple syrup or agave for a slightly different sweetness profile.
Citrus Flavor: Add a splash of orange juice or zest to the sauce for a tangy citrus note.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water to refresh the sauce if needed.
Related Recipes:
FAQs
How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?
Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to confirm it’s fully cooked.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and work beautifully in this recipe.
What can I serve with Sticky Honey Chicken?
It’s delicious with steamed rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.
Is there a substitute for sesame oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, simply omit it or replace it with a neutral oil like canola.
Conclusion
This Sticky Honey Chicken recipe is a surefire hit for any meal. Its quick preparation and rich flavors make it a favorite in my kitchen. Whether paired with rice, veggies, or noodles, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Give it a try and enjoy the irresistible balance of sweetness and savoriness.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Sticky Honey Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sticky Honey Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a rich honey glaze with savory and tangy notes. Perfect for busy weeknights or special meals, it pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
500 g (1 lb) chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
1/3 cup honey
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
For Garnish:
Toasted sesame seeds
Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl until evenly coated. - Cook the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken pieces in a single layer for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium.
- In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil (if using), garlic, and ginger.
- Bring to a simmer and add the cornstarch slurry. Stir until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes).
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Let it heat through for 2-3 minutes. - Serve and Garnish:
Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Notes
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey to taste.
For a crispy texture, fry chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
