Sticky Honey Chicken

The honey glaze on this chicken is pure magic. As it cooks, the sweetness of the honey melds with the tang of soy sauce and the warmth of garlic, creating a rich, sticky coating that caramelizes beautifully in the pan. Every bite is an exciting contrast of textures—crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. The slight crunch from the chicken’s edges makes it feel like you’re getting a little extra treat in each mouthful.

And let’s talk about the aroma—when you’re cooking this dish, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible scent of sweet and savory goodness. You know it’s almost ready when that smell starts to waft through the house, drawing everyone in like bees to honey.

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. Whether served over rice, with a side of sautéed veggies, or tucked into a warm tortilla for a quick wrap, the sticky honey chicken just hits the spot. It’s one of those dishes that has the power to transform an ordinary evening into something a little more special. Plus, it’s so easy to make that I find myself cooking it again and again, always adding my own little twist. A splash of lime juice for an extra zing, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a bit of crunch—it’s all about making it your own.

Key Ingredients for Sticky Honey Chicken

When it comes to making Sticky Honey Chicken, each ingredient plays an important role in creating that perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and a little heat. Let’s dive into these key players, which work together to bring the dish to life.

• Chicken Thighs, Bone-In, Skin-On: These thighs are the star of the show, offering juicy, tender meat with a crispy skin that holds the glaze beautifully. The bone helps keep the chicken moist while cooking, making each bite extra flavorful.
• Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken to golden perfection, olive oil adds richness and helps achieve that crispy exterior we all love.
• Soy Sauce: The umami flavor of soy sauce is essential to balance the sweetness of the honey. It gives the glaze depth and that savory punch that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• Honey: The star of the glaze! Honey brings that delightful sweetness that caramelizes as the chicken cooks, forming a gorgeous sticky coating on the chicken.
• Rice Vinegar: A little splash of rice vinegar provides a hint of acidity to cut through the sweetness of the honey and balance the dish. It also enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the glaze with its aromatic, savory flavor, adding warmth and richness to the sauce.
• Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger adds a touch of heat and earthiness that elevates the dish, bringing a subtle spiciness that’s not overpowering.
• Chili Flakes: A pinch of chili flakes gives the dish a mild heat, adding just enough spice to keep things interesting without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil lends a nutty richness to the glaze and deepens the savory notes, giving the dish that unmistakable Asian-inspired flavor.
• Cornstarch: This little helper is essential for thickening the sauce, ensuring it clings to the chicken in a beautiful, sticky coating.
• Water: Water is used to dissolve the cornstarch and help create the sauce base. It ensures everything comes together smoothly, with just the right consistency.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions are a fresh and vibrant garnish that add a touch of crunch and a mild onion flavor, balancing the richness of the chicken.
• Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a satisfying crunch and a nutty finish, making each bite even more enjoyable.

These ingredients come together to create a perfectly balanced, mouthwatering glaze that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

How to Make Sticky Honey Chicken

Serving Suggestions for Sticky Honey Chicken

• Over Steamed Jasmine Rice: There’s just something magical about pairing this sticky honey chicken with a bowl of fluffy jasmine rice. The rice soaks up all that sweet, savory glaze, making each bite even more indulgent. You’ll want to savor every spoonful!
• With Sautéed Veggies: If you’re looking to add a little color and freshness, sauté up some vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots. The light crunch of the veggies complements the richness of the chicken, creating a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
• Tucked in a Warm Tortilla: For a fun, handheld version of this dish, slice the chicken and wrap it in a soft tortilla with some crisp lettuce, maybe a sprinkle of cheese, and a drizzle of the extra sauce. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy sticky honey chicken on the go!

How to Store Sticky Honey Chicken

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), storing your sticky honey chicken properly will ensure it stays just as tasty the next day. First, let the chicken cool to room temperature before packing it away. This helps prevent any condensation in the container, which could make the crispy skin soggy. For the best results, store the chicken in an airtight container, making sure to keep the glaze separate if you can. This will help the chicken maintain its texture, and the sauce won’t lose its sticky magic.

If you want to store the chicken for a few days, the fridge is your friend. Just pop the container in the fridge, and it should stay good for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheating it in the oven or on the stovetop is the best way to bring back that crispy skin while warming up the glaze. A quick blast in a hot oven (around 375°F) for 10-15 minutes should do the trick!

For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken. If you’re freezing it, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven. The glaze might need a little touch-up, but it’ll still taste just as delicious as the first time you made it.

Conclusion

And there you have it—Sticky Honey Chicken that’s sure to impress! From that golden, crispy skin to the sticky, flavorful glaze, this dish has everything you could ask for: sweetness, savory richness, a little heat, and a whole lot of love in every bite. Whether you’re cooking it for a cozy dinner or serving it up for friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again—it’s that good!

If you try it out, I’d absolutely love to hear how it turns out for you. Any tweaks or little twists you’ve added? Or maybe you’ve got a question about the recipe? Don’t hesitate to drop a comment or share your thoughts. I’m always here for a chat and to help you get that perfect dish on your table.

Happy cooking, my friend! Enjoy every bite of your sticky, sweet masterpiece!

Print Recipe

Sticky Honey Chicken

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 45 mins

Calories: 350

Description

Sticky Honey Chicken is a mouthwatering blend of tender, crispy chicken coated in a luscious, golden honey glaze. The sweetness of honey perfectly balances the savory, slightly tangy flavors, creating a sticky, satisfying bite with every crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce

• ¹⁄₄ cup honey

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon chili flakes

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• ¹⁄₄ cup water

• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden.
4. Flip the chicken thighs over and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
6. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.
7. Stir the sauce continuously for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer and the ingredients to combine.
8. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water until smooth to create a slurry.
9. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet while stirring the sauce.
10. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 1-2 minutes until it thickens.
11. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.
12. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
13. Halfway through baking, spoon the sauce over the chicken again to keep it coated.
14. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
15. Sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the chicken before serving.
16. Serve the sticky honey chicken with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

Note

• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and crispiness.
• Ensure the skin is golden and crispy before flipping to prevent sticking.
• Stir the sauce frequently to avoid burning the honey and garlic.
• Add more chili flakes if you prefer a spicier dish.
• Let the chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy.

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