This Sticky Honey Chicken is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and sticky, with a delicious honey glaze that coats tender, juicy chicken breasts. The balance of honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates a rich sauce that caramelizes as it simmers, giving the chicken an irresistible sticky finish. This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it the ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a special meal that will impress your family or guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The sticky honey glaze is what really makes this dish stand out. It’s a simple combination of honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, but it creates a deep, savory-sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken. The dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic weeknight option, and the sesame seed garnish adds a touch of elegance and extra crunch. Whether you’re craving something savory or a little sweet, this dish will satisfy both!
Ingredients
4 boneless chicken breasts
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sesame seeds for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Pour the honey sauce over the chicken and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken.
- Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Variations
- Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the skillet while cooking the chicken for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Honey Chicken: For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
- Honey Garlic Chicken: Skip the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor, allowing the garlic and honey to shine.
- Sweet and Sour Version: Add a splash of pineapple juice or orange juice to the sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work wonderfully for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, just reheat the sauce and cook the chicken.
3. What can I serve with sticky honey chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with noodles for a complete meal.
4. Can I make the sauce spicier?
Yes, you can add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of chili paste or sriracha for an extra kick of spice.
5. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for an extra 1-2 minutes to reduce it or mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water) to thicken it quickly.
6. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, low-sodium soy sauce can be substituted if you want to reduce the salt content in this dish.
7. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken with the sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
8. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to make sure the juices run clear.
9. Can I add more honey for extra sweetness?
Yes, you can add more honey to taste if you prefer a sweeter sauce. Just be mindful not to overpower the savory elements of the soy sauce and garlic.
10. Can I use another type of vinegar instead of rice vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.
Conclusion
Sticky Honey Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a rich glaze that makes each bite irresistible. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or any occasion. The juicy chicken paired with the creamy, garlicky sauce is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy this flavorful, comforting dish tonight!
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Sticky Honey Chicken
This Sticky Honey Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey glaze. Made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, this 25-minute recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve it with rice, noodles, or stir-fried veggies for a delicious meal that everyone will love!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the honey sauce over the chicken and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve hot with rice or veggies.
Notes
- Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition.
- Make it Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Sweet & Tangy: Add a splash of pineapple or orange juice for a fruity twist.
- Thicker Sauce: Simmer longer or mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
