If you are craving a dish that is irresistibly sweet, savory, and so satisfyingly sticky, then you are going to love this Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe. It combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious honey-soy glaze that clings beautifully to every bite, delivering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or wanting to impress guests, this recipe brings sparkle to any table and is surprisingly straightforward to make with pantry-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe comes together with ingredients that are both simple and essential, each one playing a key role in creating that signature sticky glaze and juicy chicken texture. From the savory soy sauce to the sweet honey, every item works in harmony to elevate the dish.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, perfect for absorbing all the lovely sauce.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps create a light crust on the chicken for extra texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers aromatic depth and savory notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a gentle sweetness and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for browning the chicken to a golden finish.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides umami richness and saltiness critical for the glaze.
- 1/4 cup honey: The sweet, sticky heart of the sauce that gives this recipe its name.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a delightful tang that brightens the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to that perfect syrupy consistency.
- 2 tablespoons water: Used to dissolve cornstarch to avoid lumps.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat that offers a lovely contrast.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional): Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional): Gives a fresh, mild onion flavor and bursts of color.
How to Make Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), then prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it to prevent sticking. Next, place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound them gently until they reach an even thickness of about half an inch. This ensures even cooking and keeps the chicken juicy inside.
Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken
Mix the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a shallow dish. This blend forms a delicate but flavorful crust around your chicken. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly, then shake off any excess flour. This helps the sauce cling better later.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the hot oil and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’ll want them golden and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Browning adds incredible flavor and texture that sets the stage for the sticky glaze.
Step 4: Create the Sticky Sauce
Remove the cooked chicken and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan. Pour in the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar, stirring and bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Meanwhile, dissolve cornstarch in water until smooth, then slowly add it to the simmering sauce. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thick syrup. If you enjoy a bit of heat, stir in the red pepper flakes now to give your chicken a subtle spicy kick.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken and Bake
Return the chicken to the skillet, turning to coat each piece in the sticky sauce. Let the chicken absorb these delicious flavors for an additional 2 to 3 minutes on the stove. Then transfer everything to your prepared baking dish and spoon extra sauce over the top. Bake in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking and the glaze to become irresistibly sticky.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chicken with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you like. These final touches add not just flavor but also a pop of color and texture that makes every bite exciting.
How to Serve Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your plate by adding sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top of the chicken before serving. These simple garnishes provide a delightful crunch and a fresh, mild flavor that balances the richness of the sticky sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe shines when paired with fluffy steamed rice or fragrant jasmine rice, which soak up all that delicious sauce. Stir-fried veggies or a crunchy Asian-style slaw also complement the dish perfectly, adding freshness and color to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice to keep things light. You can also use it as a protein-packed filling in lettuce wraps, garnished with fresh herbs for a vibrant appetizer or lunch option that’s packed with flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover sticky honey chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken as it chills, so a quick reheat will restore that perfect stickiness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken with the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing and leave some space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your sticky honey chicken gently in a pan or microwave. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Heat just until warmed through to avoid drying out the chicken and keep that delectable glaze silky and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and can add extra richness to your sticky honey chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and check for doneness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free all-purpose flour and tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute. This way you keep all the flavors without any gluten worries.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, adding the optional red pepper flakes gives just the right amount of heat. For more spice, you can increase the amount or add a drizzle of chili garlic sauce to your sauce mix.
What can I substitute for rice vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar make decent substitutes, though they will slightly change the flavor profile. Use a bit less to avoid overpowering the sweet sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
You can adapt the recipe by substituting chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets. Cook them until golden, then coat and simmer in the sticky honey sauce for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe is one of those keepers you’ll want to make again and again. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet special enough to serve for guests. The combination of a sticky, sweet sauce with tender chicken creates a taste that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Grab your ingredients, give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with every sticky, honey-glazed bite.
Print
Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Sticky Honey Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful honey-soy glaze, perfectly cooked by pan-searing and finished in the oven for a sticky, irresistible finish. Ideal for a weeknight dinner served over rice or alongside your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or oil to prepare for baking.
- Flatten Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are about 1/2 inch thick and even.
- Mix Flour Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a seasoned coating.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast evenly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess before setting aside.
- Pan-Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Cook in batches if needed.
- Remove Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a plate and leave the oil in the pan for the sauce.
- Prepare Sauce: Add soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken Sauce: Dissolve cornstarch in water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency.
- Add Spice: Stir in red pepper flakes if using, mixing them evenly into the sauce.
- Coat Chicken in Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, turning them to fully coat with the thickened sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Move the coated chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish, spooning extra sauce over each piece.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes to finish cooking and allow the sauce to become sticky and caramelized.
- Garnish: Remove from oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve: Serve hot with rice or your choice of side, drizzling any leftover sauce from the baking dish over the chicken for extra flavor.
Notes
- For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- The sauce thickens as it bakes, creating a sticky coating.
- Serve with steamed rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
