Description
Succulent sticky honey chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors from Asian cuisine. Marinated chicken thighs caramelize with rich honey glaze, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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 vibrant, aromatic marinade.
- Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in cornstarch, ensuring an even, light dusting that will create a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (around 375°F) until shimmering and hot.
- 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).
- 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.
- Remove from heat when the sauce clings beautifully to the chicken and has a glossy, sticky consistency.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, aromatic finish.
- 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: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- 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