Description
Sticky Honey Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that combines juicy chicken with a rich, sticky honey sauce. The chicken is seared to golden perfection and coated in a flavorful sauce made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a few simple ingredients. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep. The sticky, glazed chicken will have you craving more with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sticky Honey Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water (if needed to thin the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Honey: Honey provides the sweetness and stickiness that makes this sauce so irresistible, helping to create a glossy glaze that coats the chicken.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds umami and depth to the sauce, balancing the sweetness of the honey with its salty flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic contributes savory notes and richness to the sauce.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this recipe because they cook quickly and absorb the sauce flavors well.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to help achieve a crispy sear. Season the pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper on all sides.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Sticky Honey Sauce:
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the honey, soy sauce, garlic, grated ginger (if using), and rice vinegar to the pan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for 3-4 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. If you want a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to form a slurry and stir it into the sauce, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Toss the Chicken in the Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sticky honey sauce until well coated. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the sticky honey chicken to a serving plate. If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 30g