Advertisement
Have you ever craved a dish that’s sweet, savory, sticky, and utterly delicious? Look no further than Sticky Honey Chicken—a mouthwatering recipe that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or impressing guests, this dish will become an instant favorite. With crispy, tender chicken coated in a glossy honey glaze, every bite delivers a balance of sweetness and umami that makes you want more. The best part? It’s simple to prepare with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making the perfect Sticky Honey Chicken at home.
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
✔ Perfectly Balanced Flavors – A blend of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates an irresistible taste.
✔ Crispy Yet Juicy Chicken – The chicken is lightly coated and pan-fried to golden perfection.
✔ Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
✔ Kid-Friendly – A family favorite with a sweet and savory sauce.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Store leftovers for an easy, flavorful meal later.
Ingredients for Sticky Honey Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavor-packed dish:
Advertisement
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Honey Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 teaspoons water)
Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
How to Make Sticky Honey Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat dry.
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each chicken piece in beaten egg, then coat in the cornstarch mixture.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the coated chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Honey Sauce
- In the same pan, add honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Stir and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with water and add to the sauce to thicken it.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it in the sticky honey sauce.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the chicken is fully coated.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles.
Best Side Dishes for Sticky Honey Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – Absorbs the delicious sauce perfectly.
- Garlic Butter Noodles – A simple, flavorful side.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables – Adds freshness and crunch.
- Cauliflower Rice – A healthy, low-carb option.
Tips for the Best Sticky Honey Chicken
✅ Pat the Chicken Dry – Ensures crispy texture when frying.
✅ Use Cornstarch – Gives the chicken an airy, crispy coating.
✅ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook in batches to keep the chicken crispy.
✅ Simmer the Sauce Gently – Helps it thicken without burning.
✅ Toss Quickly in the Sauce – Too much time in the sauce can make the chicken soggy.
Baking & Air Frying Options
Want a healthier version? You can bake or air-fry the chicken instead of frying.
Method | Temperature | Time | Instructions |
---|---|---|---|
Baking | 400°F (200°C) | 20-25 min | Bake coated chicken until crispy, flipping halfway. |
Air Frying | 375°F (190°C) | 12-15 min | Spray with cooking spray and air-fry until golden brown. |
How to Store & Reheat Sticky Honey Chicken
Refrigeration
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw and reheat in the sauce.
Reheating
Method | Instructions |
---|---|
Stovetop | Heat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. |
Oven | Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until warmed through. |
Microwave | Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts.
2. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.
3. Can I make the sauce spicier?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chopped chili peppers for a spicy kick.
4. Why is my chicken not crispy?
Make sure to:
- Pat the chicken dry before coating.
- Use enough oil when frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan.
5. Can I prepare Sticky Honey Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce separately, then toss together when ready to serve.
6. What other proteins can I use?
This recipe works great with shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower for a vegetarian option.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Now that you know how to make Sticky Honey Chicken, it’s time to give it a try! Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or veggies, this dish is guaranteed to be a new favorite in your home.
Try this recipe today and let me know how it turns out! Share your experience in the comments below. Happy cooking! 🍯🍗🔥
PrintOne-Pan Sticky Honey Chicken – Ready in 30 Minutes!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Sticky Honey Chicken is crispy, sweet, and packed with flavor! Tender chicken bites are coated in a golden, sticky honey glaze that’s both savory and slightly tangy. It’s an easy, restaurant-quality dish you can make in just 30 minutes! Serve it with rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete meal.
Advertisement
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Honey Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 teaspoons water)
For Garnish:
-
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry.
- Mix cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Dip each chicken piece into beaten egg, then coat in the cornstarch mixture.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Honey Sauce:
- In the same pan, add honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Stir and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Return the fried chicken to the pan and toss it in the sticky honey sauce.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until fully coated.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve hot with rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
Notes
For Extra Crispiness – Double coat the chicken with cornstarch.
Make It Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce.
Healthier Option – Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
Best Served Fresh – The sauce can soften the crispy coating over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying, Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired