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
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
Instructions
- Prepare chicken by thoroughly coating each piece with salt, black pepper, and cornstarch, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet at medium-high temperature, creating a hot cooking surface for golden browning.
- 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.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside while maintaining its temperature and crispiness.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and quickly sauté minced garlic and ginger for approximately 30 seconds, releasing their aromatic flavors.
- Pour honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes into the skillet, creating a vibrant, glossy sauce base.
- Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water, then gently incorporate into the sauce while stirring continuously.
- Allow sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, watching it transform into a thick, luxurious glaze with a glossy appearance.
- Return crispy chicken to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the sticky sauce.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and adhere to the chicken.
- Finish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions over the dish for added texture and visual appeal.
- 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