Description
Sticky Honey Chicken is a quick and delicious stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a luscious, sweet, and savory honey-soy sauce. Perfectly balanced with a touch of garlic and ginger, this easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and is garnished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (cornstarch slurry)
Garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl until they are evenly coated. This step helps create a crispy texture on the outside when fried.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Using the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil (if using), minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces back to the skillet. Toss them well to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the sticky sauce. Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the sticky honey chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a delightful crunch and fresh finish. Serve immediately with rice or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness or chicken breast for a leaner option.
- Adjust the honey or soy sauce amounts according to your desired sweetness or saltiness.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the chicken to get a nice sear.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
