Irresistible Crispy Honey Chicken Recipe: Sweet & Crunchy Delight

Weeknight dinners just got a delightful upgrade with this irresistible crispy honey chicken recipe that turns ordinary poultry into a mouthwatering sensation.

Golden-brown pieces crackle with a sweet and tangy glaze that dances between crisp and succulent textures.

The secret lies in a perfect balance of crunchy exterior and tender meat, coated in a luscious honey sauce.

Each bite promises a symphony of flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant-quality dish with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

This crowd-pleasing meal comes together faster than ordering takeout and delivers ten times the satisfaction.

Prepare to fall in love with a chicken recipe that will become your new dinnertime superstar.

Tools That Make Sticky Honey Chicken Shine

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning chicken and creating the sticky sauce, providing even heat distribution.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for tossing chicken with cornstarch and seasonings, ensuring even coating.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately portioning ingredients like honey, soy sauce, and spices.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and coating chicken without scratching the pan.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping green onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Helps in precisely cutting chicken and garnishes.

Steps for Sautéing Sticky Honey Chicken to Perfection

• Prep Chicken Coating

Dunk chicken pieces in a mix of cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until every bit is covered.

• Sizzle and Brown

Warm vegetable oil in a big skillet on medium-high heat. Toss in chicken and cook until gorgeous golden edges appear and meat is fully done. Scoop out chicken and keep nearby.

• Whip Up Magic Sauce

In the same pan, quickly dance some garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes around for half a minute until their aroma fills the kitchen. Pour in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Stir everything together and let it bubble gently.

• Create Sticky Perfection

Mix cornstarch with a splash of water to create a quick thickener. Pour into sauce and watch it transform. Drop the chicken back into the pan and roll it around until every piece glistens with that incredible sticky coating.

• Finish and Feast

Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds on top for a pop of color and crunch. Slide everything over steamed rice or crispy vegetables and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Variations to Play With Spice and Sweet Levels

• Ensure chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking, preventing some bits from becoming dry while others remain undercooked.
• Prep the chicken and sauce separately up to a day in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for quick weeknight meals.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference – reduce for mild flavor or increase for a fiery kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and use certified gluten-free hoisin sauce to make the entire dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for a versatile dish that works with different protein preferences while maintaining the delicious sticky sauce profile.

Ways to Serve Sticky Chicken With Rice or Greens

• Flavor Explosion Plate: Pair this sticky honey chicken with jasmine rice for a luxurious base that soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
• Asian-Inspired Feast: Create a complete meal by adding sides like cucumber salad, steamed bok choy, or quick pickled vegetables to balance the sweet and savory flavors.
• Spice Level Upgrade: Sprinkle extra red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha sauce for those who love a spicy kick, giving the dish an extra layer of heat and excitement.
• Meal Prep Magic: This recipe works wonderfully as a make-ahead dish, storing beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and tasting even more flavorful the next day.

Store Sticky Honey Chicken for Later Meals

• Double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Chicken stays delicious for 3-4 days when refrigerated.
• Separate sauce and chicken before freezing to maintain optimal texture. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months for best quality.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent sauce from burning. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Prepare chicken and sauce components separately during weekend cooking sessions. Store in labeled containers, allowing quick assembly of fresh meals during busy weekdays.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 4

Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Choose fresh, boneless cuts for tender, quick-cooking protein with maximum flavor absorption.
• Cornstarch: Creates crispy exterior and helps sauce cling beautifully to chicken pieces.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances natural chicken flavors and provides foundational seasoning.

• Honey: Brings natural sweetness and creates irresistible sticky glaze with deep caramelization.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers umami depth and salty undertone to balance honey's sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds bright, tangy note that cuts through richness and tenderizes meat.
• Hoisin Sauce: Contributes complex, slightly sweet and savory Chinese-inspired flavor profile.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty, aromatic essence that elevates entire dish's complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides subtle heat and warm background spiciness.

• Garlic, Ginger: Fresh ingredients that create robust, authentic Asian-inspired flavor foundation.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Adds fresh crunch, visual appeal, and nutty finishing touch.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking fat for perfect chicken browning and sauce preparation.

Crispy Honey Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent sticky honey chicken blends sweet and savory flavors for an irresistible dinner experience. Caramelized glazed goodness promises a quick, delectable meal that delights palates with each tender, juicy bite you’ll savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs chicken, boneless, skinless thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• 2 tbsps rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for depth)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsps water for slurry)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 2 green onions (sliced)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Chicken Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with cornstarch, seasoning with salt and black pepper to ensure uniform coverage.
2. Searing Process: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet at medium-high temperature, cooking chicken until golden and fully cooked, creating a crisp exterior while maintaining tender meat. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. Flavor Development: Quickly sauté aromatic garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in the same pan to release intense flavors. Incorporate honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil, creating a rich, glossy sauce base. Introduce cornstarch slurry to achieve desired sauce consistency, allowing it to thicken and develop deep, complex notes.
4. Final Assembly: Reintroduce seared chicken into the vibrant sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the sticky glaze. Elevate the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete, restaurant-quality meal.

Notes

• Ensure even cornstarch coverage for a crispy exterior that helps the sauce stick perfectly.
• Maintain medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown chicken without burning, watching pan temperature closely.
• Adjust cornstarch slurry carefully to prevent sauce from becoming too thick or too runny, aiming for a glossy, clingy texture.
• Modify red pepper flakes quantity to suit personal heat preference, allowing flexible adaptation for different spice tolerances.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg