Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Magic

Crafting a mouthwatering honey sriracha chicken promises an explosive flavor adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Sweet meets spicy in this incredible culinary creation that breaks through boring dinner routines.

Each tender bite combines robust heat with golden sweetness, creating a perfect balance.

Weeknight cooking becomes exciting when you experiment with bold ingredients and simple techniques.

Home chefs can easily master this dish without complicated steps or expensive equipment.

Unexpected flavor combinations turn an ordinary meal into something spectacular.

FAQs

  • What gives this Honey Sriracha Chicken its unique flavor profile?

The combination of sweet honey, spicy Sriracha, tangy rice vinegar, and savory soy sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors that make this dish both complex and delicious.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level can be easily adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of Sriracha sauce. For those who prefer mild heat, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.

  • Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken breasts, thighs, or even chicken tenders. Just ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Sweet Heat: Why Honey Sriracha Chicken Works

  • Spice Up Your Dinner: Transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal with a perfect balance of sweet honey and fiery Sriracha that'll wake up your taste buds.
  • Quick and Easy Cooking: Prepare a restaurant-quality dish in just one skillet, minimizing cleanup and making weeknight cooking a breeze for busy home chefs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combine classic ingredients like soy sauce and sesame oil to create a versatile sauce that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Customize Your Heat: Adjust the Sriracha quantity to control spice levels, allowing everyone from mild-flavor lovers to heat seekers to enjoy this delicious chicken recipe.

Ingredients for Honey Sriracha Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that serves as the primary component of the dish and absorbs the honey sriracha sauce.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Honey, Sriracha, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Sesame Oil: Create a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce that coats and flavors the chicken.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Provide depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
Garnish:
  • Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Add visual appeal and provide a fresh, crunchy texture to the finished dish.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Used to cook the chicken and prevent sticking to the skillet.

How to Prepare Honey Sriracha Chicken

Step 1: Fire Up the Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a perfect cooking surface for your chicken.

Step 2: Season and Sear Chicken

Generously season chicken with salt and pepper.

Cook each side for 5-6 minutes until a beautiful golden color develops and chicken is fully cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and saute for 1 minute, releasing its aromatic magic and infusing the pan with incredible flavor.

Step 4: Craft the Spicy-Sweet Sauce

Combine the following ingredients in the skillet:
  • Honey
  • Sriracha
  • Soy sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame oil

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, carefully coating each piece in the vibrant sauce.

Let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken.

Plate immediately and enjoy your mouthwatering creation.

Tips for Perfect Honey Sriracha Chicken

  • Keep heat on medium-low when simmering to avoid scorching the honey-Sriracha mixture, which can quickly turn bitter.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
  • Adjust Sriracha quantity based on personal heat preference, adding gradually to control the sauce's kick.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for consistent cooking and better sauce absorption.
  • Marinate chicken in sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor depth and tenderness.

Fun Variations on Honey Sriracha Chicken

  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu, pressing and cutting into cubes before following the same cooking method for a plant-based alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Spice Level Adjustment: Reduce Sriracha amount for a milder sauce or add additional hot sauce for those craving extra heat.
  • Grilling Option: Instead of skillet cooking, marinate chicken in the sauce and grill over medium-high heat for a smoky flavor profile.

Serving Honey Sriracha Chicken Ideas

  • Spicy Sweet Side Kick: Serve alongside fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious honey Sriracha sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
  • Zesty Freshness Boost: Pair with a crisp cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar to cool down the spicy chicken and add a refreshing crunch.
  • Colorful Plate Companion: Add roasted broccoli or stir-fried vegetables to create a vibrant, nutritious meal that complements the chicken's bold taste.
  • Quick Meal Transformation: Shred leftover chicken and stuff into warm tortillas for a quick and exciting lunch wrap with an Asian-inspired twist.

Storing Honey Sriracha Chicken Properly

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the meat remains fresh and flavorful.
  • Transfer chicken to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
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Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe

Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 17 reviews

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

Description

Spicy-sweet honey sriracha chicken brings sizzling Asian-inspired flavors to your dinner table. Succulent chicken coated in a perfect balance of heat and sweetness promises an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) honey
  • 23 tablespoons (3045 milliliters) Sriracha sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sesame oil

Aromatics and Garnish:

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Cooking Base:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet at medium temperature, creating an ideal cooking surface for the chicken.
  2. Generously season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then carefully sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until a rich golden color develops and meat is thoroughly cooked through.
  3. Transfer chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and preserving its juicy texture.
  4. Using the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and quickly toast for approximately 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
  5. Pour honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil into the skillet, whisking together to create a vibrant, glossy sauce.
  6. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, watching it gradually thicken and concentrate its flavors.
  7. Carefully return chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is lavishly coated with the spicy-sweet sauce.
  8. Let the chicken bathe in the sauce for an additional 2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the complex flavor profile.
  9. Finish the dish by elegantly sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions across the top for a fresh, textural garnish.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting Sriracha quantity, making the dish mild or extra spicy for different taste preferences.
  • Swap chicken breasts with thighs or tofu for alternative protein options that work perfectly with this versatile sauce.
  • Marinate chicken beforehand in the sauce for deeper flavor penetration and more intense taste profile.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content, creating a healthier version of this delicious recipe without compromising flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 275 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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