Sticky Honey Chicken: Sweet & Zesty Homemade Recipe

My kitchen always lights up when I prepare this sticky honey chicken that combines tangy and sweet flavors in one incredible dish.

Asian-inspired recipes sometimes feel complicated, but this approach simplifies everything.

Tender chicken pieces get coated in a luscious glaze that makes mouths water instantly.

Rich honey creates a beautiful caramelized exterior while keeping meat incredibly juicy.

Quick marinating techniques ensure maximum flavor absorption without extensive prep time.

Home cooks appreciate simple techniques that deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

You’ll want to serve this alongside steamed rice and watch everyone clean their plates in minutes.

Why You’ll Love Sticky Honey Chicken’s Bold Flavor

• Combine sweet honey, tangy soy sauce, and spicy red pepper flakes for a mouthwatering meal that takes just minutes to prepare.
• Adapt this recipe for family dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings, satisfying everyone from kids to food enthusiasts with its irresistible taste.
• Minimize cleanup with a single skillet meal that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish bursting with bold, sticky goodness.

Ingredients That Bring the Sweet and the Heat

• Chicken: Tender protein base for the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances chicken's natural flavor.
• Cornstarch: Creates crispy exterior and thickens sauce.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides base for frying chicken.

• Honey: Adds sweetness and caramelization.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami and depth to the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides tangy balance.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty, rich flavor.

• Garlic, Ginger: Provides warm, spicy undertones.

• Water, Cornstarch: Creates smooth, glossy sauce texture.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds gentle heat and complexity.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Adds texture and fresh finish.

How to Make Sticky Honey Chicken at Home

Step 1: Coat Chicken with Flavor

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cornstarch

Massage these ingredients into the chicken until every piece is perfectly covered.

Step 2: Create Golden Crispy Goodness

Fire up a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken pieces in a single layer.

Let them sizzle and dance for 5-6 minutes, flipping occasionally until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Craft Magical Sauce

Using the same skillet, lower the heat to medium.

Toss in minced garlic and ginger, letting them release their aromatic magic for about 30 seconds.

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes

Stir these ingredients together to create a tantalizing sauce.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce Perfectly

Mix cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry.

Pour this into your sauce and keep stirring.

Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes until it reaches a glossy, clingy consistency.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Gently return the crispy chicken to the skillet.

Toss and turn until each piece is luxuriously coated with the sticky, sweet sauce.

Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to lock in those flavors.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle a generous handful of sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top.

Serve piping hot alongside fluffy rice or tender noodles.

Get ready to wow your taste buds!

Pro Tips for the Best Sticky Glaze

• Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels before coating with cornstarch to ensure maximum crunchiness.
• Keep heat at medium and stir sauce frequently to avoid scorching honey, which can quickly turn bitter.
• Reduce or eliminate red pepper flakes for a milder version, or add extra for those who love heat.
• Use a mixture of cornstarch and a little flour for an extra crispy chicken exterior that holds sauce beautifully.
• Marinate chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor depth and tenderness.

How to Store and Reheat Honey Chicken Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains fresh and safe to eat.
• Carefully transfer cooled chicken to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm a skillet over medium-low heat. Add chicken with a splash of water or extra sauce to maintain moisture. Stir gently for 3-4 minutes until heated through, restoring the original crispy texture and preventing overcooking.

What to Serve with Sticky Honey Chicken

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Perfect Pairings for Sticky Honey Chicken
• Crisp White Wine Companion: Riesling or Pinot Grigio cuts through the chicken's richness, balancing sweet and savory notes with its light, refreshing character.
• Complementary Grain Base: Jasmine rice or garlic-infused brown rice absorbs the sticky sauce, creating a delightful textural experience that enhances each bite.
• Bright Vegetable Sidekick: Roasted sesame broccoli or ginger-glazed carrots add a crisp contrast and nutritional boost, matching the dish's vibrant flavor profile.
• Cooling Cucumber Salad: Quick-pickled cucumber slices with rice vinegar and fresh herbs provide a tangy, refreshing counterpoint to the sticky chicken's intense sweetness.

Easy Variations to Try with This Chicken Dish

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals. Use cornstarch as a coating and thickener.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap rice or noodles with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce honey amount and use a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener to maintain flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce for extra heat. Include diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to elevate the spice level for heat enthusiasts.
• Protein Alternative: Substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or tempeh for different dietary preferences. Adjust cooking time based on the protein chosen to ensure proper texture and doneness.

FAQs

• Is cornstarch necessary for this recipe?

Yes, cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior on the chicken and thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy, restaurant-quality finish.

• Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Rice vinegar works best, but you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a similar tangy flavor profile.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The crispy exterior and golden color indicate it’s properly cooked.

• What if I want less spice?

Simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to make the dish milder. The honey and soy sauce will still provide plenty of delicious flavor.

Sweet and Savory Honey Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 40 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sticky honey chicken brings together golden-brown caramelized chicken pieces glazed with a delectable Asian-inspired sauce. Succulent meat coated in rich honey and soy creates an explosion of flavors you won’t be able to resist.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Oil:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by thoroughly coating each piece with salt, black pepper, and cornstarch, ensuring complete and even coverage.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet at medium-high temperature, creating a hot cooking surface for golden browning.
3. Carefully place chicken pieces in a single layer, allowing each piece to cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve a crispy exterior.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside while maintaining its temperature and crispiness.
5. Reduce skillet heat to medium and quickly sauté minced garlic and ginger for approximately 30 seconds, releasing their aromatic flavors.
6. Pour honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes into the skillet, creating a vibrant, glossy sauce base.
7. Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water, then gently incorporate into the sauce while stirring continuously.
8. Allow sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, watching it transform into a thick, luxurious glaze with a glossy appearance.
9. Return crispy chicken to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the sticky sauce.
10. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and adhere to the chicken.
11. Finish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions over the dish for added texture and visual appeal.
12. Serve immediately over steamed rice or warm noodles, enjoying the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Notes

• Use a light, even dusting of cornstarch to create an extra crispy exterior that locks in moisture and helps the sauce cling perfectly to the chicken.
• Adjust honey and soy sauce ratios to control sweetness and saltiness, ensuring a harmonious flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
• Maintain medium-high heat while cooking chicken to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning, creating a delightful crispy texture.
• Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, or use gluten-free soy sauce to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg