Crispy Honey-Glazed Sticky Chicken Recipe: Sweet Meets Savory

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this sticky honey chicken recipe delivers pure magic.

The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates an irresistible meal that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish.

Tender chicken pieces glisten with a glossy, caramelized honey sauce that clings perfectly to each bite.

Golden-brown edges and a rich amber coating make this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

Home cooks adore how quickly this meal comes together with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

You’ll find yourself making this dish on repeat, as it satisfies every craving for something deliciously comforting.

One forkful and you’ll understand why this sticky honey chicken has become a family favorite.

What Makes Sticky Honey Chicken Shine

• Adjust the spice level by playing with sriracha amount or swap ingredients to match your taste preferences, creating a versatile recipe that adapts to your palate.
• Using the same skillet for cooking chicken and sauce means fewer dishes to wash, saving you precious time and reducing kitchen mess.
• Achieve a professional-tasting meal with simple ingredients, transforming ordinary chicken into a sticky, glossy masterpiece that rivals takeout restaurants.

What You’ll Need for Sticky Honey Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender pieces of meat that form the base of this delicious sticky dish.

• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create the signature sticky glaze.
• Chicken Broth, Water: Adds liquid base to the sauce and helps blend ingredients.
• Soy Sauce: Brings depth of flavor and saltiness to the dish.
• Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick to balance the sweetness.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.
• Cornstarch: Creates a light crust on the chicken and helps thicken the sauce.
• Ginger, Garlic: Provides aromatic and zesty flavor to the dish.

• Green Onions: Adds fresh color, mild onion flavor, and a crunchy texture to the finished dish.

• Cooking Oil: Helps sear the chicken and prevent sticking to the pan.

Easy Steps to Make Sticky Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Pieces

Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.

Cut into bite-sized chunks.

Season with salt and black pepper.

Sprinkle cornstarch over chicken and toss until evenly coated.

The cornstarch creates a light protective layer that helps sauce cling perfectly.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Honey
• Chicken broth
• Soy sauce
• Grated ginger
• Minced garlic
• Cornstarch
• Sriracha

Whisk thoroughly to prevent cornstarch from clumping.

This sauce will deliver an explosion of delicious flavors.

Step 3: Sear Chicken Perfectly

Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken in small batches to avoid overcrowding.

Cook each batch until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes.

Rotate pieces occasionally for even coloring.

Transfer cooked chicken to a warm plate.

Step 4: Create Glossy Sauce Coating

Whisk sauce one more time.

Pour into same skillet.

Simmer over medium heat while continuously whisking.

Allow sauce to thicken and become shiny, about one minute.

Return chicken to skillet and stir, ensuring each piece gets completely covered in sticky sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions on top.

These add a fresh visual appeal and slight crunch.

Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and glossy.

Helpful Tips for Sticky Chicken

• Pat chicken breasts completely dry to help cornstarch adhere perfectly and create a crispy exterior that locks in juiciness.
• Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly, breaking down cornstarch completely to ensure a smooth, glossy coating without lumps.
• Cook chicken in small batches to maintain high skillet temperature, guaranteeing a golden-brown sear and preventing steaming.
• Use fresh ginger and garlic for vibrant, authentic taste that elevates the entire sticky honey chicken experience.
• Watch sauce carefully while simmering, letting it thicken just enough to coat chicken without becoming too sticky or runny.

How to Store Sticky Honey Chicken

• Store leftover sticky honey chicken in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring chicken remains fresh and maintains its delicious flavor.
• Carefully place cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze up to 2 months for convenient future meals.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm chicken in skillet over medium-low heat with splash of chicken broth. Gently stir to prevent burning and restore sauce's original sticky texture. Cook 3-4 minutes until thoroughly heated, maintaining chicken's juiciness.

Sides for Sticky Honey Chicken

• Perfectly Pair Sticky Honey Chicken with Flavor Companions
• Complement Rice Bed: Serve the sticky honey chicken over jasmine or basmati rice, which absorbs the glossy sauce and provides a soft, neutral backdrop for the bold flavors.
• Match Crisp White Wine: Select a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer that balances the dish's spicy-sweet profile, cutting through the richness with its bright, fruity notes.
• Enhance with Fresh Sides: Add a cucumber-sesame salad or quick pickled vegetables to introduce a cool, tangy contrast that refreshes the palate between savory chicken bites.
• Brew Complementary Beverage: Choose a light Asian-style lager like Tsingtao or Sapporo, whose crisp and clean taste will cleanse the palate and match the dish's Asian-inspired seasoning.

New Ways to Flavor Sticky Chicken

• Gluten-Free Honey Chicken: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free. Use cornstarch carefully, ensuring it's certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Version: Substitute chicken broth with water and use low-sodium soy sauce. Reduce salt in the seasoning to cut down on sodium content while maintaining flavor.
• Spicy Lovers' Adaptation: Increase sriracha amount or add red pepper flakes for extra heat. Include diced jalapeños during cooking to boost the spice level.
• Protein Alternative: Swap chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option. Press and cube firm tofu, then follow the same coating and cooking method for a plant-based protein alternative.

FAQs

• Is cornstarch necessary for this recipe?

Cornstarch creates a light protective coating on the chicken, helping it stay crispy and allowing the sauce to cling better. It also helps thicken the sauce and gives the chicken a golden, slightly crunchy exterior.

• Can I use different types of honey?

Yes, you can use various honey types like clover, wildflower, or orange blossom honey. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile, but they will all work well in this recipe. Just ensure the honey is pure and good quality.

• How spicy is this dish with sriracha?

The sriracha adds a mild heat that isn’t overwhelming. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with half the recommended amount and adjust to taste. You can also completely omit it if you prefer a milder sauce.

• What if I don't have fresh ginger?

Fresh ginger provides the best flavor, but if unavailable, you can substitute with ground ginger. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger for every tablespoon of fresh grated ginger. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent Sticky Honey Chicken delights palates with its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Glazed tender chicken pieces promise a mouthwatering meal that brings restaurant-quality taste directly to home kitchens, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons chicken broth or water

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sriracha

Coating and Cooking Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by blotting excess moisture with paper towels. Slice into uniform bite-sized chunks, then season with salt and pepper. Dust evenly with cornstarch, ensuring a light, even coating that will create a crispy exterior.

1. Create the sauce by combining honey, chicken broth, soy sauce, minced ginger, crushed garlic, additional cornstarch, and sriracha in a mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly to eliminate potential cornstarch lumps and blend flavors seamlessly.

1. Warm oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Cook chicken in small batches to prevent overcrowding, rotating pieces for consistent golden-brown coloration. Aim for 5-6 minutes per batch, ensuring no pink remains in the meat. Transfer cooked pieces to a separate plate.

1. Return skillet to heat and pour in prepared sauce. Simmer while continuously stirring, allowing the mixture to thicken and develop a glossy consistency for approximately one minute. Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, gently stirring to completely coat each piece with the rich, sticky sauce.

1. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions, which add visual appeal and a fresh, crisp element to the finished dish. Serve immediately while the chicken remains hot and sauce is at its most luxurious texture.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts with uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken completely dry before adding cornstarch to achieve maximum crispiness and better sauce adherence.
• Adjust sriracha quantity based on personal spice tolerance for customized heat levels.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content and prevent overwhelming saltiness in the final dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg