Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe

If you’re searching for a dinner that wows with both sweet and savory flair, look no further than Sticky Honey Chicken. This vibrant dish features tender chicken glazed in a glossy, garlicky honey-soy sauce, balancing just the right touch of tang and heat. In under 30 minutes, you’ve got a restaurant-style favorite right at your own table—a meal so crave-worthy and simple that it’s bound to become part of your regular rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s beauty in the simplicity of Sticky Honey Chicken, and every ingredient pulls its weight to create big, bold flavors. Each one is chosen for its ability to bring out richness, color, or crunch, and together, they transform basic chicken into something utterly spectacular.

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless pieces for fast cooking and tender results.
• Cornstarch (for coating): Gives your chicken that lovely light crust and helps the sauce cling beautifully.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral in flavor and perfect for getting that gorgeously golden sear.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses incredible aroma and savory depth into the sauce.
• Honey: The star of the show—pure, lovely sweetness for that classic sticky glaze.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds salty, umami punch without overpowering the dish or making it too salty.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a refreshing tang that keeps the sauce from being cloying, balancing the sweetness.
• Ketchup: A sneaky secret for color, body, and a touch of acidity—it rounds out the sauce perfectly.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a hint of heat and an extra kick—add to your spice level preference!
• Sesame Oil: A small drizzle adds incredible toasty, nutty fragrance right at the end.
• Water & Cornstarch (slurry): Thickens the sauce just enough to coat every bite of chicken in that irresistible glaze.
• Sesame Seeds & Sliced Green Onions (for garnish): These finish the dish with crunch and freshness for the perfect final touch.

How to Make Sticky Honey Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken pieces in cornstarch until they’re evenly coated. This simple step gives each chunk a light, crispy edge and helps the sticky sauce adhere to every nook and cranny. Don’t be shy—use your hands or a spoon to really work that cornstarch in.

Step 2: Sear It Perfectly

Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, gently add the chicken, spacing the pieces out. Let them sizzle for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping as needed, until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if you need more space in the pan—this keeps everything crisp!

Step 3: Build the Sticky Honey Chicken Sauce

Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pan, lower the heat slightly and toss in your minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, red pepper flakes (if you like a little fire), and sesame oil. Stir everything together and let the mixture start to simmer. The aroma at this stage is absolutely incredible.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of water and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to make a quick slurry. Add this to your simmering sauce and watch as it magically thickens into that classic, shiny, sticky coating in just a minute or two.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish

Return your chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat each piece in that luscious, sticky honey glaze. Let it cook for another minute or so—just long enough to ensure every morsel is beautifully caramelized and dripping with flavor. Remove from heat and get ready to serve!

How to Serve Sticky Honey Chicken

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you can really make Sticky Honey Chicken shine! Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for a delightful little crunch and scatter sliced green onions over the top for brightness and a pop of color. Don’t forget—these small touches transform the dish from simple to spectacular.

Side Dishes

This chicken is practically begging to be served over a fluffy bed of steamed rice, but it’s also incredible alongside noodles, stir-fried veggies, or even a crisp Asian-inspired slaw. The sauce soaks into every grain or noodle, making each bite even better than the last.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Try serving Sticky Honey Chicken in lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer. You could skewer the chicken pieces for party-friendly bites or pile them onto a rice bowl with pickled veggies and extra sauce for an Instagram-worthy presentation that will wow your family or guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Sticky Honey Chicken keeps beautifully in the refrigerator! Simply place any cooled leftovers in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken a bit, but it remains deliciously flavorful.

Freezing

This dish is a freezer-friendly wonder. To freeze, pack the cooled Sticky Honey Chicken into a freezer-safe bag or container and label it with the date. It’ll be at its best within 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Sticky Honey Chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally—just be sure not to overcook so the chicken stays juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Sticky Honey Chicken?

Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work wonderfully in this recipe—breasts cook up a bit leaner and lighter, while thighs stay extra juicy. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free variety, like tamari or coconut aminos. Make sure all your other condiments are gluten-free as well, and you’re good to go.

How do I make the sauce spicier?

To kick up the heat, simply increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or add a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil at the end. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust until it’s just right for your palate.

What’s the best way to get crispy chicken?

For that restaurant-level crispness, fry the chicken pieces in batches so they’re not crowded in the pan. This allows each piece to brown beautifully. If you want even more crunch, you can use a bit more cornstarch or even double-coat the chicken.

Can I double this Sticky Honey Chicken recipe?

Of course! This recipe easily doubles for a crowd—just be sure to cook the chicken in batches and use a large enough pan so everything glazes evenly. It makes the perfect party dish or meal prep staple.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with Sticky Honey Chicken. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a Tuesday night treat, this dish is sure to deliver comfort, excitement, and a burst of sweet and savory flavor in every bite. Give it a try and let your kitchen be filled with smiles (and a little sticky sauce)!

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