Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe

A Sweet and Savory Delight

Sticky Honey Chicken is a flavorful dish that balances sweetness, savoriness, and a hint of tanginess. The crispy, golden-brown chicken is coated in a glossy honey glaze, making it a perfect meal for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Whether served over rice, noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables, this dish is sure to impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly sticky and sweet glaze that coats the crispy chicken perfectly.
• Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Uses simple pantry ingredients, so you don’t need to buy anything fancy.
• Versatile serving options, from rice to noodles or even as a lettuce wrap filling.

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Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons water
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the sticky honey sauce:

• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, but adds depth)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

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Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
3. Coat the chicken pieces first in the egg mixture, then dredge them in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring an even coating.
4. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 5-6 minutes per batch). Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

2. Make the Sticky Honey Sauce

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well.
2. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes). Remove from heat.

3. Coat the Chicken

1. Toss the crispy chicken in the honey sauce, making sure every piece is well coated.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

4. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve hot over rice or noodles with a side of steamed vegetables.

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Variations

• Make it spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
• Air-fryer option: Instead of frying in oil, air-fry the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free flour blend.
• Healthier version: Sauté the chicken in a non-stick pan with less oil instead of deep frying.

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Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, add a bit more cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook until it thickens.

Can I use chicken wings instead?

Yes! This recipe works great with wings—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What can I serve with Sticky Honey Chicken?

It pairs well with jasmine rice, fried rice, lo mein, stir-fried veggies, or even in a lettuce wrap.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken is best cooked fresh to maintain crispiness.

What oil is best for frying the chicken?

Use neutral oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for the best results.

How do I prevent the chicken from getting soggy?

Fry in small batches and avoid overcrowding the pan. Toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

You can, but cooking time will be longer, especially if frying. Boneless cuts work best for quick cooking.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! If making it for kids, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the chicken?

Reheating in a skillet with a splash of water or sauce works best. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent drying.

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Conclusion

Sticky Honey Chicken is a perfect combination of crispy, juicy chicken and a rich, flavorful glaze. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. Try it with your favorite sides and enjoy a homemade takeout-style meal!

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