Description
This Sticky Honey Chicken recipe features tender bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a luscious, sweet, and savory honey sauce. Perfectly pan-cooked and topped with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions, this quick and easy dish is ideal for a weeknight dinner that delivers big flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 500 g (1 lb) chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (cornstarch slurry)
Toppings
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), sesame oil if using, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger if using. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Once simmering, add the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Toss them thoroughly in the thickened honey sauce to ensure every piece is well coated and heated through.
- Serve: Transfer the sticky honey chicken to a serving dish. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation. Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
- Use chicken thigh for juicier meat; chicken breast will work but might be a bit drier.
- Adjust the amount of honey and soy sauce to your preferred sweetness and saltiness.
- Optional sesame oil and ginger add depth but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Ensure not to overcook chicken to keep it tender and moist.
