Name: Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ⅓ cup honey; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, for heat); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; sliced green onions and sesame seeds

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Sticky Honey Chicken is the kind of meal that instantly puts a smile on your face and brings everyone to the table without needing to ring the dinner bell. Each tender piece of chicken is wrapped in the kind of glossy, sweet-and-savory sauce that clings perfectly to every bite, offering a balance of rich honey, tangy vinegar, savory soy, and a gentle hum of spice. Whether you’re a weeknight dinner warrior or looking for a sure-fire crowd-pleaser, this Asian-inspired dish is as approachable as it is delicious. Trust me, Sticky Honey Chicken is about to become your new obsession.

Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be surprised by how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients work together to create big, bold flavors in this Sticky Honey Chicken. Each one plays a starring role in capturing that signature sticky, saucy goodness that makes this recipe so irresistible.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1½ pounds): Thighs offer extra juiciness and stay tender; you can swap for breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Coating the chicken helps create a beautiful golden crust and thickens the sauce to just the right consistency.
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Neutral in flavor, this oil ensures even cooking and crispy edges on the chicken.
Low-sodium soy sauce (¼ cup): Brings salty, umami depth to the sauce without overpowering it.
Honey (⅓ cup): The sticky heart of the dish, honey adds natural sweetness and that signature glossy sheen.
Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Offers a subtle tang to balance the richness of the sauce.
Sriracha (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a customizable kick of heat—go as bold or as mild as you’d like.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with savory, aromatic depth.
Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Brings warmth and zesty brightness to every bite.
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Just a touch for a nutty, toasty finish that ties all the flavors together.
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish): These fresh, crunchy toppers add visual pop and texture right at the end.

How to Make Sticky Honey Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken pieces with cornstarch in a large bowl. Make sure each bite-sized piece gets a light, even dusting—this is your ticket to crispy edges and a sauce that’s lusciously thick, not runny. Use your hands or a spoon to do a thorough job; it’s worth the extra minute.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken in a single layer—don’t crowd the pan! Let them cook undisturbed for a couple minutes so they develop that irresistible golden crust. Toss and turn them occasionally for about 5–7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and deeply golden on all sides.

Step 3: Whisk the Sauce

While your chicken sizzles away, mix up the magic sauce in a small bowl: soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha if you’re craving a little heat, plus the fresh garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk until smooth and silky—the scent alone will have you counting down to dinner.

Step 4: Add the Sauce & Simmer

Drop the heat to medium and pour the sauce over your golden chicken. Things will get bubbly and fragrant fast! Stir often over the next 3–5 minutes, so every piece gets coated and the sauce thickens into a sticky, shiny masterpiece. The transformation is quick—watch closely so nothing burns or sticks.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Time for the fun part! Take the skillet off the heat and shower the chicken with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The fresh, crunchy toppings give that restaurant-style look and a burst of color and texture in every bite. Serve hot, and get ready for compliments.

How to Serve Sticky Honey Chicken

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds is more than just a pretty touch—it adds layers of flavor and texture that make Sticky Honey Chicken pop. You could even add a little extra chopped cilantro or thinly sliced red chili if you’re looking to add color or a punch of freshness right before serving.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with fluffy steamed jasmine rice; it’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that glossy sauce. Stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy bring crunch and keep things balanced, while a crisp Asian slaw is a bright counterpoint. If you’re craving a heartier meal, try serving your Sticky Honey Chicken over noodles instead.

Creative Ways to Present

Sticky Honey Chicken makes a knockout party platter when skewered onto toothpicks or small bamboo sticks for a fun, buffet-style snack. For easy lunches, pile leftovers into lettuce wraps or tuck them into bao buns with crunchy veggies. Want something extra cozy? Try layering it over a bowl of rice, finishing with a runny fried egg on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer your Sticky Honey Chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch just as delicious as tonight’s dinner. Just be sure to let the chicken cool completely before refrigerating to keep it fresh.

Freezing

Sticky Honey Chicken actually freezes pretty well for a quick future meal! Cool the chicken and sauce down completely, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the best taste and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, the stovetop is your friend: add a splash of water or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce, and warm gently over medium heat until hot. For even faster lunches, you can use the microwave—just cover the container with a damp paper towel to keep the chicken moist and saucy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs offer a juicier texture, chicken breast will work beautifully if that’s your preference. Just be careful not to overcook, as breast meat dries out more quickly than thighs.

Is Sticky Honey Chicken very spicy?

The base recipe has only a gentle heat from the optional sriracha. If you like things mild, simply skip or reduce the sriracha; if you love spicy food, feel free to add more or toss in a pinch of chili flakes.

What can I use instead of rice vinegar?

If you’re out of rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or even a mild white wine vinegar will do the trick. They’ll offer a similar acidity, so your Sticky Honey Chicken still tastes perfectly balanced.

Can I make Sticky Honey Chicken ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! Make it a few hours ahead, then gently reheat on the stovetop before serving. The sauce keeps the chicken juicy, so it’s just as delicious after a quick warm up.

Can I double the sauce for extra stickiness?

Go for it! If you love a saucy dish (or want extra for drizzling over rice), just double all the sauce ingredients. The cornstarch from the chicken will still thicken it beautifully, so you’ll have even more sticky goodness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a recipe that combines ease and showstopping flavor, give Sticky Honey Chicken a spot on your menu—just once, and I promise you’ll be hooked. Nothing tops the combination of tender chicken and that golden, sticky sauce. Get in the kitchen and watch how fast it disappears!

Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Sticky Honey Chicken recipe is a delicious Asian-inspired dish that balances sweet and savory flavors. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a sticky honey glaze with a hint of spice, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Coating:

2 tablespoons cornstarch

Sauce:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Garnish:

sliced green onions and sesame seeds

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Instructions

Coat Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
Cook Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, cook chicken until golden.
Make Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
Combine: Pour sauce over chicken, cook until thickened.
Garnish: Top with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.