Dinner

Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Recipe

Byanna orden January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

Introduction

This Sticky Honey Soy Chicken recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. Tender chicken thighs are marinated and cooked in a glossy, flavorful sauce that’s sure to please the whole family.

A black pan holds seven pieces of cooked chicken thighs covered in a glossy, dark brown sauce that looks thick and sticky. Each piece of chicken is sprinkled with small white sesame seeds and thin, long green scallion strips scattered on top. The chicken pieces vary slightly in size and are arranged closely together in the pan. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, showing slight reflections of the shiny sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
1/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
Step 2: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Step 3: Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 4: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Once the chicken is cooked, add the reserved marinade to the skillet and bring it to a simmer.
Step 6: If a thicker sauce is desired, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add it to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 7: Serve the chicken drizzled with the sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if time allows.
Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but monitor cooking time to avoid drying out.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a hint of heat.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

The image shows six pieces of glazed chicken thighs cooked in a black pan. Each piece is covered with a shiny, dark brown sauce that looks sticky and thick. The chicken has a slightly crispy texture with some charred spots, and they are scattered with white sesame seeds. Bright green thin slices of scallions are spread over the chicken, adding a fresh contrast to the dark sauce. The pan’s inner surface is black and non-reflective, filled with the rich sauce pooling at the base, enhancing the glazed effect on the chicken. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?

Yes, skin-on chicken can be used for extra crispiness, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken cooks through without burning the skin.