Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe

A Sweet and Savory Delight

Sticky Honey Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. Coated in a luscious honey glaze with hints of garlic and soy sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables. The caramelized exterior and tender interior make every bite irresistible, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors – The combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates a delightful harmony of sweetness and umami.
• Crispy yet Tender – The chicken is lightly coated and pan-fried to golden perfection before being glazed.
• Versatile – Works well with chicken breast, thighs, or even wings.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup cornstarch (or all-purpose flour for a slightly different texture)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Honey Glaze:

• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon ketchup (for extra depth and slight tang)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)

Garnishes (Optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Coat the chicken pieces evenly with the cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Honey Glaze

5. In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens (about 1–2 minutes).

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

8. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss until evenly coated in the glaze. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

9. Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
10. Serve hot over steamed rice or alongside vegetables.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Baked Version – Instead of pan-frying, bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, then toss it in the sauce.
• Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the glaze.
• Air Fryer Option – Cook the coated chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
• Gluten-Free Alternative – Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensure the cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Twist – Swap chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower bites.

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Servings and Time

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat with fresh glaze.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken wings instead?

Yes! This recipe works well with wings. Bake or fry them before tossing them in the honey glaze.

What can I serve with Sticky Honey Chicken?

Steamed rice, quinoa, stir-fried vegetables, or even noodles pair wonderfully with this dish.

How do I prevent the sauce from burning?

Keep the heat at medium and stir continuously when thickening the glaze. Avoid high heat, as honey can caramelize too quickly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and marinate the chicken in advance, but for best texture, cook fresh.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! You can omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version that kids will love.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes! If you like extra sauce for drizzling, double the ingredients and adjust the thickness with additional cornstarch slurry if needed.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even frying.

How can I make it healthier?

Use skinless chicken breast, reduce oil, and opt for baking or air-frying instead of pan-frying.

Will this work with beef or shrimp?

Yes! Substitute thinly sliced beef or shrimp and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots can be sautéed and added for extra crunch and nutrition.

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Conclusion

Sticky Honey Chicken is a deliciously simple dish that balances crispy textures with a rich, flavorful glaze. Whether served over rice or paired with vegetables, this meal is sure to become a household favorite. Try different variations, spice levels, and cooking methods to make it your own. Enjoy!

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