Sticky Honey Chicken

Featured in Evening Meal Excellence.

Sweet and sticky honey chicken done in 25 mins. Pairs with rice, gluten-free, serves 4.
Ranah
Updated on Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:08:37 GMT
Sweet Honey Chicken Pin it
Sweet Honey Chicken | chefemmakitchen.com

This mouthwatering Sweet Honey Chicken features juicy chunks of chicken wrapped in a shiny honey-garlic coating that hits the perfect spot between sweetness and savory goodness. Every mouthful gives you succulent chicken covered in a rich glaze that sticks to each piece, making a dish that's both soul-warming and fancy. What makes this so great is how straightforward it is - just a handful of good ingredients mix together to create something you won't forget.

I've cooked this so many times, and it's always my go-to when I want to serve something impressive without being stuck cooking forever. My kids especially love how the sauce means they can have extra rice to soak up all those tasty drippings.

Know Your Key Components

  • Chicken: Go for thighs if you want richer taste or breasts if you're watching calories.
  • Honey: Use real honey for the best sticky results.
  • Soy Sauce: Brings richness and cuts through sweetness.
  • Fresh Garlic: Sets up the flavor foundation.
  • Ginger: Gives a gentle heat and flavor twist.
  • Cornstarch: Helps coat the chicken and thickens your sauce just right.

Whipping Up Your Tasty Creation

Getting Chicken Ready:
Start by slicing your chicken into similar-sized bits and mixing them with seasoned cornstarch until fully covered.
First Browning:
Get a nice golden outside on your chicken pieces, cooking in small batches if your pan isn't big enough.
Building Flavors:
Mix your honey with the tasty add-ins, letting them bubble away and blend together.
Getting It Thick:
Stir in your cornstarch mix bit by bit, mixing until you get that perfect clingy texture.
Bringing It All Together:
Toss the chicken back in, making sure each piece gets totally covered in that glossy sauce.
Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe Pin it
Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe | chefemmakitchen.com

The best thing about making this is watching that sauce turn into a beautiful, sticky coating. It's become our end-of-week treat, and the smell always pulls everyone into the kitchen!

Fantastic Side Options

Put it on top of fluffy jasmine rice or some noodles to catch all that yummy sauce. Add some steamed broccoli or snap peas for color and crunch.

Tweak It Your Way

Throw in some chili flakes if you want heat or grate in some orange peel for a citrus kick. Want more crunch? Scatter some toasted cashews on top before you serve.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Store what's left in a sealed container for up to three days. When you warm it up, add a little water to thin out the sauce.

Through all my years cooking Asian-inspired meals, this Sweet Honey Chicken still tops my list because it balances flavors and textures so well. It shows that basic ingredients, handled with a bit of care, can turn into something amazing. Whenever I cook this dish, I'm reminded that the tastiest food often comes from just a few quality items.

Easy Sticky Honey Chicken Pin it
Easy Sticky Honey Chicken | chefemmakitchen.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap thighs for breast meat?
Sure! Chicken breasts cook faster, so keep an eye to avoid overcooking.
→ Is the dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
→ How do I make it less sweet?
Dial back the honey or splash in a bit more soy sauce.
→ What dishes go great on the side?
You can’t go wrong with rice, noodles, or stir-fried veggies.
→ Can this be made beforehand?
Yes, pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm it back up gently so the sauce stays smooth.

Sticky Honey Chicken

Juicy chicken coated in a honey glaze that’s sweet and salty, ready in 25 minutes for a quick meal fix.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: emma

Category: Dinner

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Asian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken Base

01 2 tbsp cornstarch for coating
02 1/2 tsp fine salt
03 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
04 500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, diced
05 2 tbsp cooking oil, like vegetable oil

→ Sweet Sauce

06 3 tbsp soy sauce for flavor
07 1/3 cup runny honey
08 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
09 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger, optional
10 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
11 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water for thickening
12 1 tsp sesame oil, optional

→ Toppings

13 Chopped green onions
14 Toasted sesame seeds for sprinkling

Instructions

Step 01

In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with cornstarch, pepper, and salt so they're evenly covered.

Step 02

Pour vegetable oil into a large pan, then heat it on medium-high. Cook the chicken in a single layer for about 4-5 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through.

Step 03

Turn the heat to medium. Stir together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in the pan. Let simmer and mix in the cornstarch slurry until it thickens.

Step 04

Add the chicken back into the pan and stir it into the sauce. Warm it up for a couple more minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve hot.

Notes

  1. You can add or reduce honey to make it less or more sweet
  2. Cooking in smaller portions can make the chicken crisp up better

Tools You'll Need

  • A roomy skillet
  • A bowl for mixing
  • Measuring tools like cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains soy