Description
Sticky Honey Chicken brings together sweet and savory flavors that dance right onto your dinner plate. Tender chicken pieces glazed with golden honey and rich spices create a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for weeknight cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Sauce Ingredients:
- 0.5 cup honey
- 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 0.25 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Supporting/Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Slice 1 ½ lbs boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, ensuring each chunk measures approximately 1-inch for consistent cooking.
- Combine ½ cup honey, ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl. Whisk until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
- Coat chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, gently tossing to create a thin, even layer that will help achieve a crispy exterior.
- Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat to 375°F. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon sesame oil, spreading evenly across the pan’s surface.
- Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, allowing each chunk to sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken and set aside. Pour sauce mixture into the same pan, bringing to a gentle simmer at 200°F.
- Whisk remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a smooth slurry. Gradually incorporate into simmering sauce to thicken for 1-2 minutes.
- Return chicken to pan, tossing to coat each piece completely with the glossy sauce. Cook an additional 60-90 seconds.
- Transfer to serving dish. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds just before presenting.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to help the flavors penetrate deeply and ensure tender meat.
- If the sauce becomes too thick while cooking, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out and maintain the perfect glaze.
- Pat the chicken dry before cooking to help achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in the delicious honey marinade.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce for tamari and use cornstarch instead of flour when coating the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 344 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg