Description
Sticky Honey Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory honey soy glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a delightful balance of sticky sauce, aromatic garlic, and fresh ginger, 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 evenly coated, ensuring each piece is well covered to create a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per 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. In the same skillet, add the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil (if using), minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it well to coat each piece in the sticky sauce. Allow it to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the sticky honey chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions to add a nutty crunch and fresh bite. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or chicken breast for a leaner option.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your preference.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles to complete the meal.
- The sesame oil is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
