Description
This Sticky Honey Chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a glossy honey soy sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner and is garnished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for added crunch and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 500 g (1 lb) chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
Garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces in a single layer for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Once cooked, set the chicken aside on a plate.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add honey, soy sauce, rice or apple cider vinegar, sesame oil if using, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) to the simmering sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes, creating a sticky glaze.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, toss them thoroughly in the sticky sauce to coat evenly. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving hot.
Notes
- Chicken thighs provide more moisture and flavor, but breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- The sesame oil and fresh ginger add extra flavor but are optional if you prefer a simpler sauce.
- Use cornstarch slurry to achieve a glossy and thick sauce that clings nicely to the chicken.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste preference.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
