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
- 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)
Instructions
- Chicken Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with cornstarch, seasoning with salt and black pepper to ensure uniform coverage.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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