Sticky Honey Chicken is a culinary delight that combines sweet and savory flavors in a quick, easy-to-make dish. This recipe ensures that you can prepare an exquisite meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. The luscious honey glaze adds a delightful umami richness, making this dish a favorite in many households. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, let’s dive into how to create this mouthwatering meal.
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Honey Chicken
This Sticky Honey Chicken recipe is not only quick but also offers numerous benefits. First, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a sweet and savory dinner that pleases everyone at the table. Second, using chicken thighs or breasts ensures a juicy and tender outcome. Third, the dish is versatile; you can easily switch to a vegetarian option with tofu or cauliflower. Fourth, it requires minimal ingredients that you likely have on hand, making it an Easy Honey Chicken Dish. Fifth, the cooking method is stovetop, allowing for a quick cleanup. Lastly, this Honey Soy Chicken dish is gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs.
Ingredients for Sticky Honey Chicken
Gather these items:
- 500 g Chicken Thighs or Breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1/3 cup Honey
- 3 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 0.5 tsp Fresh Ginger, grated
- 1 tsp Cornstarch mixed with water
How to Make Sticky Honey Chicken Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs or breasts, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: Make the Sauce: Lower the heat and add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir in garlic and ginger, allow to simmer while stirring for 1-2 minutes.
- Step 4: Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce, stirring continuously until it thickens (1-2 minutes).
- Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until well coated and heated through.
- Step 6: Serve and Garnish: Transfer the dish to a serving plate, drizzle excess sauce over it, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Sticky Honey Chicken
Keep these in mind:
- Can substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian option.
- Use flour instead of cornstarch if needed.
- Can replace vegetable oil with canola or olive oil.
- Maple syrup or agave can replace honey for a vegan option.
- Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
- White vinegar can be used instead of rice vinegar.
- Sesame oil is optional.
- Omit ginger if unavailable.
Best Ways to Serve Sticky Honey Chicken
When it comes to serving, consider pairing your Sweet Honey Chicken with steamed rice or quinoa to absorb the delicious glaze. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal. For a twist, try it in a Honey Chicken Stir Fry with vegetables for added crunch.
How to Store and Reheat Sticky Honey Chicken
To store your Sticky Honey Chicken, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to maintain moisture. This is also a great option for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sticky Honey Chicken
What’s the secret to perfect Sticky Honey Chicken?
The secret lies in the balance of flavors; using quality honey and soy sauce creates a rich glaze that enhances the chicken. Cooking it just right ensures that it remains tender and juicy, making it a Sticky Chicken Recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.
Can I make Sticky Honey Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time; just combine them closer to serving. This makes it perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner! You can also try a Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken version for even easier preparation.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Sticky Honey Chicken?
To avoid mistakes, ensure the chicken is well-coated before cooking to lock in moisture. Also, avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it tender. Finally, let the sauce thicken properly for that perfect Caramelized Honey Chicken finish!
Variations of Sticky Honey Chicken You Can Try
Here are some delicious variations to consider: For a spicy kick, add some chili flakes to the sauce for Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken. For a healthier twist, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts and serve over a bed of greens. Lastly, try using different proteins, like shrimp or tofu, to suit your dietary preferences.
For more delicious recipes, check out Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil or Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. If you’re interested in meal prep ideas, you might find Easy Avocado Toast Recipe useful. For a sweet treat, consider making Pistachio Pavlova Meringue Cakes. Lastly, learn more about the benefits of onions as a nutritious ingredient.
PrintSticky Honey Chicken: 5 Simple Steps to Sweet Perfection
Enjoy a delightful Sticky Honey Chicken that comes together in just 30 minutes, featuring a sweet and umami-rich glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken Thighs or Breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1/3 cup Honey
- 3 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 0.5 tsp Fresh Ginger, grated
- 1 tsp Cornstarch mixed with water
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs or breasts, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat and add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir in garlic and ginger, allow to simmer while stirring for 1-2 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce, stirring continuously until it thickens (1-2 minutes).
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until well coated and heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the dish to a serving plate, drizzle excess sauce over it, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Notes
- Can substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian option.
- Use flour instead of cornstarch if needed.
- Can replace vegetable oil with canola or olive oil.
- Maple syrup or agave can replace honey for a vegan option.
- Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
- White vinegar can be used instead of rice vinegar.
- Sesame oil is optional.
- Omit ginger if unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
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