Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe: Sweet & Irresistible Homemade Joy

My grandma’s secret sticky honey chicken recipe always steals the show at family gatherings.

Relatives crowd around the serving platter, eager to snag the first bite.

Fragrant aromas of sweet and savory notes drift through the kitchen, making mouths water instantly.

Tender chicken pieces glistening with golden-brown glaze promise an unforgettable meal experience.

Simple ingredients come together in a dance of flavor that surprises even seasoned home cooks.

Marinades infused with rich honey create a mouthwatering sensation that lingers long after the last morsel disappears.

You won’t be able to resist this delectable dish that turns an ordinary dinner into a celebration of taste.

Cravings Begin with Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe

• Simple 20-minute recipe perfect for busy weeknight dinners, allowing home cooks to create restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.
• Sweet and savory sauce creates irresistible coating that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering dish everyone will crave, balancing honey's sweetness with soy sauce's umami depth.
• Kid-approved meal that appeals to both adults and children, offering customizable spice levels and easy-to-find ingredients that make cooking stress-free and enjoyable.
• Adaptable recipe that works great for casual family dinners, potlucks, or quick meal prep, serving multiple purposes without complex cooking techniques.

Sticky Honey Chicken Ingredients Breakdown

• Chicken: Tender protein base for the sticky honey dish, boneless and skinless for easy cooking, white meat works best.

• Cornstarch, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential dry ingredients for coating chicken, creating crispy exterior and seasoning.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for high-heat cooking, helps achieve golden brown chicken color.

• Garlic, Ginger, Red Pepper Flakes: Fresh ingredients adding depth, heat, and authentic Asian flavor profile, finely minced for even distribution.

• Honey, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Hoisin Sauce, Sesame Oil: Complex sauce ingredients creating sweet, tangy, and umami flavors, balance between traditional and modern Asian cuisine.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh, crunchy toppings that add color, texture, and nutty accent to the final dish.

Instructions to Prepare Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

• Chicken pieces
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss chicken with dry ingredients until every piece is evenly and thoroughly covered.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

• Vegetable oil

Heat skillet over medium-high flame. Drop chicken pieces into hot oil and cook until exterior turns golden and crispy. Ensure chicken is completely cooked through by checking internal temperature. Transfer chicken to clean plate.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Red pepper flakes
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Hoisin sauce
• Sesame oil
• Cornstarch
• Water

Quickly saute aromatics in same skillet until fragrant. Pour liquid ingredients and create smooth mixture. Add cornstarch water to thicken sauce. Stir continuously to prevent burning.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish

Return chicken to skillet. Coat each piece generously with sticky sauce. Ensure complete coverage for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 5: Garnish and Plate

• Chopped green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

Sprinkle fresh garnishes over glazed chicken. Serve immediately with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Top Tips for Sticky Honey Chicken Success

• Master Chicken Coating: Ensure even cornstarch coverage by using tongs to toss chicken pieces, creating a crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust cornstarch slurry thickness by adding small amounts of water or stock if the sauce becomes too thick during cooking.
• Prevent Burning Aromatics: Quickly saute garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes to release flavors without scorching, which can create bitter undertones.
• Balance Sweet and Savory: Taste the sauce before adding chicken and adjust honey or soy sauce levels to achieve perfect flavor harmony.
• Quick Cooking Technique: Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure chicken develops a golden-brown crust and remains tender.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Sticky Honey Chicken

• Store leftover sticky honey chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying and restore sauce consistency.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Tasty Pairings for Sticky Honey Chicken

• Select a slightly sweet German Riesling to balance the sticky honey chicken's rich, spicy flavors and cut through its sweetness with bright acidity.
• Prepare fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delectable honey sauce, providing a neutral base that enhances the chicken's complex taste profile.
• Create a colorful medley of crisp vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas to add texture and nutritional balance to the dish, while helping to absorb the sauce's intense flavors.
• Prepare a tangy, crunchy Asian-style coleslaw with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and julienned vegetables to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, sweet chicken.

Sweet and Savory Twists for Sticky Honey Chicken

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free cornstarch. Ensure all other sauces are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap chicken pieces for cauliflower or zucchini chunks. Use monk fruit sweetener instead of honey and reduce total carbohydrate content while maintaining flavor profile.
• Spicy Caribbean Version: Add rum and allspice to the sauce. Incorporate scotch bonnet peppers for intense heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro for authentic Caribbean flair.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with extra-firm tofu or seitan. Press tofu thoroughly before coating and cooking to ensure crispy exterior and maximum sauce absorption.

FAQs for Sticky Honey Chicken Fans

• How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan?

Use a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan, and ensure the oil is hot before adding chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan, which helps achieve a crispy golden exterior.

• Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts work perfectly. Just ensure the chicken is cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

• What if I don't have hoisin sauce?

Substitute with equal parts soy sauce and brown sugar, or use barbecue sauce as an alternative. This will help maintain the sweet and savory flavor profile of the dish.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can reduce or omit them for a milder version, or increase the amount if you prefer more spiciness.

Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible sticky honey chicken delivers sweet and savory Asian-inspired flavors that dance across your palate. Crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces glazed with a luscious honey sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce and Seasoning:

• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for depth)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

Cooking and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Create a delectable coating for the chicken by thoroughly mixing cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring each chicken piece is uniformly enveloped.
2. Activate a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high temperature, allowing the surface to become hot and shimmering.
3. Carefully introduce the seasoned chicken pieces into the heated skillet, allowing them to transform into a golden-brown exterior while maintaining a juicy interior, stirring intermittently for approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Extract the perfectly cooked chicken from the pan and temporarily reserve on a clean plate.
5. Utilize the same skillet to sauté minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes, releasing their aromatic essence for roughly 30 seconds.
6. Craft a luxurious sauce by introducing honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil, stirring the ingredients to create a harmonious blend.
7. Encourage the sauce to reach a gentle simmer, then incorporate a cornstarch slurry to enhance its viscosity, allowing it to thicken for 1-2 minutes.
8. Reunite the golden chicken with the glistening sauce, gently tossing to ensure each piece is lavishly coated.
9. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
10. Present the sticky honey chicken alongside steamed rice or vibrant stir-fried vegetables for a complete, mouth-watering meal.

Notes

• Maximize chicken crispiness by patting the pieces dry with paper towels before coating with cornstarch, ensuring a golden and crunchy exterior.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting soy sauce with tamari and using cornstarch from a dedicated gluten-free facility.
• Dial down the heat for sensitive palates by reducing or eliminating red pepper flakes, maintaining the sauce’s rich flavor profile without overwhelming spiciness.
• Boost protein intake by serving the chicken over quinoa or cauliflower rice, offering a nutritious alternative to traditional white rice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg