Sweet and Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe That Wows Every Time

Sticky honey chicken is a flavorful dish that brings a balance of sweet and savory right to the dinner table.

Tender chicken is coated in a glossy honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks.

The sauce blends sweetness with a touch of saltiness, creating a profile that’s both comforting and bold.

Simple ingredients come together with ease, proving that great flavor doesn’t have to be complicated.

This recipe turns an ordinary weeknight meal into something worth savoring and sharing.

The aroma of honey and spices fills the kitchen, building anticipation for the first bite.

Sticky Honey Chicken to Savor

• Savor Quick Flavor Burst: This sticky honey chicken delivers an explosion of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy taste in every bite, making it a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies multiple flavor cravings.
• Master Simple Cooking Technique: Novice cooks can easily achieve the best results with basic pan-frying and sauce-coating methods, requiring minimal culinary skills and kitchen equipment.
• Create Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts beautifully to different side dishes like rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables, offering flexibility for various dietary preferences.
• Enjoy Healthy Protein Solution: Chicken provides lean protein while the homemade sauce contains natural ingredients, making it a healthier alternative to takeout and allowing control over sodium and sugar levels.

Ingredients for Sticky Honey Chicken

• Chicken: A lean protein that becomes crispy and golden when cooked in this sticky honey sauce.

• Honey, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Ketchup: A sweet and tangy combination that creates a glossy, flavorful coating for the chicken.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic, Ginger: Provide depth and aromatic warmth to the overall dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and spiciness.

• Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy exterior on the chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the chicken to achieve a golden brown finish.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Add texture, color, and a fresh finish to the dish.

How to Cook Sticky Honey Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up a Tantalizing Sauce

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Ketchup
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Red pepper flakes

Stir everything together until well blended and set aside.

Step 2: Dust Chicken with Cornstarch

Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch, ensuring each piece gets a complete, even coating that will create a crispy exterior.

Step 3: Sizzle and Crisp the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot pan, cooking until they transform into golden-brown, crunchy delights.

Flip occasionally to ensure even browning.

Step 4: Bathe Chicken in Sticky Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the crispy chicken.

Gently stir to coat every piece, allowing the sauce to caramelize and thicken. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes gloriously sticky and glossy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve with Flair

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the chicken. Plate alongside steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Helpful Advice on Sticky Honey Chicken

• Coat chicken thoroughly in cornstarch for extra crispiness, ensuring each piece is evenly covered for a perfect golden-brown exterior.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels, making the dish healthier without compromising rich flavor.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on spice tolerance, adding more for heat lovers or reducing for mild preferences.
• Let chicken rest briefly after cooking to lock in juices, creating tender and succulent meat that melts in your mouth.
• Swap chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version, maintaining the delicious sticky sauce and protein-packed meal.

Flavor Enhancements for Sticky Honey Chicken

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add extra red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for a more intense heat level in the sauce.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap cornstarch with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for coating chicken, and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using the same marinade and cooking method for a plant-based protein alternative.

Side Dishes to Pair with Sticky Honey Chicken

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this sticky honey chicken over fluffy white rice, creating a comforting meal that brings everyone together at the table.
• Asian-Inspired Plate Presentation: Arrange the chicken on a bed of steamed jasmine rice, sprinkle extra green onions, and add a small side of quick-pickled cucumbers for a fresh crunch.
• Quick Meal Prep Solution: Pack the chicken in meal prep containers with separated sections for rice and roasted vegetables, making an easy lunch option for busy work or school days.
• Appetizer Party Twist: Cut chicken into smaller bite-sized pieces, serve on toothpicks with extra sauce for dipping, perfect for game night or casual gatherings with friends.

Storing Sticky Honey Chicken

• Refrigerate leftover sticky honey chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Keep the chicken separate from rice or vegetables to maintain its crispy texture.
• Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf.

FAQs

• What ingredients can I substitute if I don’t have some on hand?

You can replace rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar, use maple syrup instead of honey, and swap sesame oil with olive oil if needed. Just keep the liquid measurements consistent.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes make it mildly spicy. If you want less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For more spice, add extra flakes or some sriracha sauce.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Ensure all other ingredients like ketchup are also gluten-free. The cornstarch coating is naturally gluten-free.

Easy Honey Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sticky honey chicken hits the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with tender thighs caramelized in a glossy glaze. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it makes a weeknight dinner feel special.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Thickening and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl to create a aromatic marinade.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in cornstarch, ensuring an even, light dusting that will create a crispy exterior when cooked.
3. Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (around 375°F) until shimmering and hot.
4. Carefully add chicken to the pan, allowing each piece to sear and develop a golden-brown crust, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking (approximately 5-7 minutes).
5. Pour the prepared sauce over the crispy chicken, gently stirring to distribute the glaze evenly and allow it to caramelize and thicken for 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove from heat when the sauce clings beautifully to the chicken and has a glossy, sticky consistency.
7. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, aromatic finish.
8. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or roasted vegetables to complement the sweet and savory flavors.

Notes

• Cornstarch coating creates a crispy exterior that helps seal in chicken’s moisture and provides a delightful crunch.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and make the dish more diet-friendly for those watching sodium intake.
• Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the same delicious sticky sauce texture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice tolerance to customize heat level without compromising the recipe’s core flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 268 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg