Description
This Sticky Honey Soy Chicken recipe features tender, boneless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Pan-seared to golden perfection and coated in a luscious, sticky sauce, it’s a quick and delicious dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
Marinade/Sauce
- 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)
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated thoroughly. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to absorb the flavors.
- Heat the skillet: Add a small amount of oil to a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering and hot, ready for searing.
- Sear the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until each side is golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the cooked chicken and bring it to a gentle simmer. This will infuse the meat with extra flavor and begin to reduce the sauce.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it into the skillet. Continue to cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the chicken, spoon the sticky sauce over the top, and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and freshness.
Notes
- For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as they stay juicier than breasts.
- If you want a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey slightly.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt level.
- The marinade time can be extended up to 2 hours for deeper flavor; avoid longer marinating to prevent meat texture issues.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional but recommended if you prefer a thick, sticky glaze.
- Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: Sticky Honey Soy Chicken, Honey Chicken, Soy Sauce Chicken, Asian Chicken Recipe, Quick Chicken Dinner, Sweet and Savory Chicken
