Name: Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 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)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving an unforgettable dinner that’s both quick and incredibly satisfying, look no further than Sticky Honey Chicken. This dish delivers tender chunks of chicken enveloped in a luscious, glossy sauce that perfectly balances salty, sweet, and savory. Imagine golden-brown chicken bites shimmering in a glazy honey sauce, finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions. Whether you need a weeknight hero meal or want to impress friends at your next potluck, Sticky Honey Chicken is always a crowd-pleaser with bold flavors and irresistible stickiness.

Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Sticky Honey Chicken shine is how a handful of accessible ingredients transform into something magic. Each component plays a starring role, building layers of flavor, perfect texture, and crave-worthy color you’ll immediately notice on the plate.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are your best options—they cook quickly and soak up all the saucey goodness.
Olive oil: A touch of olive oil gives the chicken a crisp, golden sear without adding heaviness.
Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings punch up the chicken’s flavor right from the start.
Honey: The key to that signature sticky glaze! Honey brings sweetness and sheen, making every bite irresistibly glossy and rich.
Soy sauce: Adds salty depth and savory umami, balancing beautifully with the honey.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic laces the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.
Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar: Just a splash lifts the sauce, providing a subtle tang that keeps the sweetness in check.
Cornstarch (optional): Want your sauce extra thick and sticky? A bit of cornstarch works wonders.
Fresh ginger (optional): A teaspoon of grated ginger adds a gentle zing and complexity.
Sesame oil (optional): Just a drizzle gives a nutty aroma and silkier finish to the sauce.
Water (if needed): A tablespoon can thin the sauce if you prefer it a touch looser.
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Sprinkle these on at the end for toasty crunch and a pretty finish.
Green onions (optional, for garnish): These add a pop of freshness and color, making your Sticky Honey Chicken extra inviting.

How to Make Sticky Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces—think about making each chunk perfect for scooping up with a fork or chopsticks. With a quick pat dry using paper towels, you set yourself up for a golden, crispy sear. Sprinkle the pieces generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This quick step seasons the meat all the way through so the flavor shines in every bite.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering hot (just about a minute), add in the chicken in a single layer. Let each side get a touch of golden brown, cooking for about 6 to 7 minutes total. Flip the pieces occasionally to make sure nothing sticks or overcooks. When the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a plate and set aside for a moment—the star of Sticky Honey Chicken is about to shine!

Step 3: Make the Sticky Honey Sauce

Without cleaning the skillet (we want to keep all those delicious browned bits), drop the heat to medium. Add in your honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger if you’re using it, and the vinegar. Stir well to blend everything together and bring it to a steady simmer. Let the sauce bubble for 3 or 4 minutes, thickening slightly and smelling absolutely incredible. If you love your sauce extra sticky, whisk the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a quick slurry, then stir that in. Watch the sauce transform, thickening even more after another minute or two.

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken

Now for the fun part! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it gently so every piece gets thoroughly coated in the sticky honey sauce. Let it all sizzle together for another 2 to 3 minutes. This is when the flavors soak in, and the sauce turns into that iconic, sticky, lacquered glaze that makes Sticky Honey Chicken so special.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer your masterpiece to a plate or serving dish. For a final touch, sprinkle on sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you have them—these garnishes bring freshness and crunch to every luscious bite. Serve right away, while everything is piping hot and gleaming!

How to Serve Sticky Honey Chicken

Garnishes

Nothing finishes Sticky Honey Chicken like a flourish of sesame seeds or a scattering of crisp green onions. Not only do these garnishes add bright color and extra texture, but they also boost aroma and bring a restaurant-worthy feel to your table. If you’re feeling bold, a dash of red pepper flakes lends a little heat without overpowering the dish’s sweet notes.

Side Dishes

Sticky Honey Chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed rice, letting the glossy sauce soak into every grain. For something light and fresh, serve it alongside a crunchy Asian slaw or steamed broccoli. Jasmine or basmati rice is my go-to, but even noodles or cauliflower rice work like a charm for soaking up that addictive sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try threading Sticky Honey Chicken onto skewers for a party-friendly appetizer, or pile it onto lettuce cups for a low-carb, finger-food twist. Mini rice bowls tucked with sticky chicken, veggies, and a spoonful of extra sauce make for stunning lunchbox meals or potluck contributions. However you serve it, don’t forget a drizzle of extra sauce on top for good measure!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra Sticky Honey Chicken is a treat for lunch the next day! Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as they sit, making each bite somehow even better when reheated.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Let the chicken cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep for up to a month—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat Sticky Honey Chicken without drying it out, warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of water on low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Microwaving works too—cover the dish to trap moisture and stop the sauce from splattering. Don’t forget to garnish fresh for a pretty finish even with leftovers!

FAQs

Can I make Sticky Honey Chicken with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for Sticky Honey Chicken. They tend to stay a little juicier and more flavorful, so feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

Is this recipe very sweet?

The beauty of Sticky Honey Chicken is how the natural sweetness of honey gets balanced with savory soy sauce and tangy vinegar. If you prefer it less sweet, simply use a touch less honey or add a little more soy sauce to taste.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. All other ingredients are already gluten-free, so it’s a super simple adjustment to enjoy Sticky Honey Chicken no matter your dietary needs.

Can I add vegetables to Sticky Honey Chicken?

Definitely! Throw in broccoli florets, bell peppers, or snap peas right after you return the chicken to the sauce. They’ll pick up the glaze and add color, crunch, and extra nutrition to your meal.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

For a thicker, ultra-sticky sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of water and stir into the simmering sauce. Let it cook for another minute or two until you reach that perfect, glossy consistency.

Final Thoughts

Sticky Honey Chicken is a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Its sweet, salty, and savory flavors come together with so little effort, but the taste and comfort it delivers are truly unforgettable. If you’re searching for a no-fuss dinner that never disappoints, give Sticky Honey Chicken a try—you might just discover your new favorite!

Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: admin2
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Sticky Honey Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a sweet and savory honey sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Make the Sticky Honey Sauce: In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, and ginger. Simmer to thicken the sauce. Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce until well coated.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!