If you love dishes that bring a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just a hint of spice, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those magical meals that feels both indulgent and comforting, with tender, crispy chicken pieces enveloped in a glossy, flavorful honey sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this recipe is an absolute showstopper that never fails to delight the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the joy of cooking, and this Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe calls for simple, wholesome staples that each play a crucial role in delivering that perfect blend of texture and taste. From the crispy chicken coating to the rich, glossy sauce, every component adds to the magic.
- Chicken breasts or thighs (1 ½ lbs): Choose boneless and skinless pieces for tender bites that cook evenly and soak up the sauce effortlessly.
- Cornstarch (½ cup + 1 teaspoon): Essential for creating a crispy coating on the chicken and thickening the sauce to that signature sticky texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): A small but vital addition that enhances every other flavor in the dish.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just a hint of warmth to counterbalance the sweetness.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for frying the chicken to golden crispiness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Honey (â…“ cup): The heart of the sticky sauce, giving it that irresistible sweet sheen.
- Soy sauce (¼ cup): Brings savory depth and saltiness; low sodium is ideal to keep the flavor balanced.
- Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle tang that brightens the sauce beautifully.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon, optional): Introduces an extra layer of umami that’s simply heavenly if you choose to include it.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): A drizzle adds a nutty aroma that elevates the whole dish.
- Garlic (2 teaspoons, minced): Fresh and fragrant, it adds a savory punch.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, minced): Gives a crisp, warm zestiness that complements the honey so well.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For those who like a little kick, this adds just the right hint of heat.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions: For garnishing, lending a lovely crunch and a pop of color.
How to Make Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating
Start by combining cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a bowl—this dry mix will create that amazing crispy shell. Toss your bite-sized chicken pieces in this mixture until they are fully coated, ensuring every piece will have that perfect crunch once cooked.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, and cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You want them crisp and golden brown, sealing in all the juicy flavor. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to make room for the sauce.
Step 3: Whip Up the Sticky Honey Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Pour in the soy sauce, honey, vinegar, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then pour this into the skillet while stirring continuously. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes; the sauce will thicken and become glossy, clinging beautifully to the chicken.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the crispy chicken to the skillet, gently tossing it to coat all pieces evenly in the sticky honey sauce. Let it cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to marry perfectly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle the dish with toasted sesame seeds and fresh sliced green onions for that irresistible finishing touch. Now it’s ready to wow your taste buds!
How to Serve Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling sesame seeds adds a delightful nutty crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the silky sauce, while sliced green onions bring a fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color that make the dish as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Side Dishes
To make a complete meal, serve this chicken over fluffy steamed rice or alongside noodles to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. Steamed or stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy, add freshness and balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe in lettuce cups for a light, hand-held option, or pile it over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb delight. Garnishing with toasted nuts or fresh herbs like cilantro can also add different layers of texture and flavor to excite your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Sticky Honey Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken absorbs even more flavor overnight, making for an excellent next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing the chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to bring back the crispiness of the chicken and keep the sauce luscious. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it may make the coating soggy, but if pressed for time, a quick zap will do.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are actually great for this recipe, as they tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
Is the oyster sauce necessary?
Oyster sauce adds wonderful umami depth, but you can leave it out if you prefer a simpler version or need a vegetarian alternative.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha sauce to the sticky honey sauce for a fiery kick that balances the sweetness nicely.
Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free or omit it to keep the dish suitable for gluten sensitivities.
What can I do with the leftover sauce?
This sticky honey sauce is a superstar—try drizzling it over roasted vegetables, grilled tofu, or even using it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe enough if you want a crowd-pleaser that’s straightforward yet packed with flavor. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles, smells incredible, and is sure to become one of your go-to favorites. So grab those simple ingredients and get cooking—you’ll be amazed at how quickly this sweet and savory classic disappears off your plate!
Print
Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Sticky Honey Chicken recipe features crispy bite-sized chicken pieces tossed in a rich, sweet, and tangy honey sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and a hint of spice. It’s an easy and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners, served best over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sticky Honey Sauce:
- â…“ cup honey
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
For Garnishing:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the coating mixture: In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper thoroughly to create a seasoned coating for the chicken.
- Coat the chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in the seasoned cornstarch mixture until each piece is fully and evenly coated.
- Heat oil: Preheat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
- Fry chicken: Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer to the skillet. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Remove chicken: Once cooked, take the chicken out of the skillet and set aside on a plate to rest.
- Make the sauce base: Lower the heat to medium, then add soy sauce, honey, vinegar, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes to the same skillet.
- Simmer sauce: Stir the sauce mixture and let it simmer gently for 2 minutes to blend flavors.
- Prepare thickener: Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl to create a slurry for thickening the sauce.
- Thicken sauce: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while constantly stirring. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce becomes thick and glossy.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss them thoroughly in the sticky honey sauce to coat evenly.
- Final cook: Cook the chicken and sauce together for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a more tender and juicy texture.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Oyster sauce is optional but adds a deeper umami flavor to the sauce.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain crispiness.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be reheated but may lose some crispiness.
