Looking for a dinner that’s both savory and sweet? This Sticky Honey Chicken is the perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, caramelized honey sauce. With a hint of garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of spice, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Savory – A sticky, glossy honey sauce that’s perfectly balanced with savory and sweet flavors.
- Tender Chicken – Juicy, flavorful chicken that’s seared to golden perfection.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Honey Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Honey Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and ginger (if using). Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry, then add it to the sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken so it’s well coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce and become sticky.
Step 4: Serve
Once the chicken is fully coated and sticky, remove it from the skillet and place it on a serving platter. Pour the remaining sauce from the pan over the chicken for an extra flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Sticky Honey Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or cooked quinoa to soak up the sweet sauce.
- Pair with sautéed vegetables, like broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers, for a well-rounded meal.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra crunch and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Spicy Honey Chicken – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the sauce a spicy kick.
- Glazed Chicken Wings – Use the same honey sauce recipe to make sticky, glazed chicken wings. Just bake or fry the wings and toss them in the sauce!
- Vegetarian Option – Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish.
- Storage – Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to keep the sauce sticky.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Honey Chicken is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. Perfect for a quick dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the sweetness and stickiness in every bite!
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Delicious Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe for a Sweet Dinner
Description
Looking for a dinner that’s both savory and sweet? This Sticky Honey Chicken is the perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, caramelized honey sauce. With a hint of garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of spice, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Honey Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
Instructions
Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and ginger (if using). Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry, then add it to the sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken so it’s well coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce and become sticky.
Notes
- Spicy Honey Chicken – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the sauce a spicy kick.
- Glazed Chicken Wings – Use the same honey sauce recipe to make sticky, glazed chicken wings. Just bake or fry the wings and toss them in the sauce!
- Vegetarian Option – Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish.
- Storage – Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to keep the sauce sticky.