One evening, I was looking through my pantry after a long day. My stomach was very hungry. I had only thirty minutes to make dinner.
I thought, why not make Sticky Honey Chicken? I remembered how everyone loved it last week. The honey and soy sauce made it sweet and savory.
As I got the ingredients, I felt excited. Making Sticky Honey Chicken was not just about dinner. It was about making memories with my family.
What is Sticky Honey Chicken?
Sticky Honey Chicken is a tasty dish. It has tender chicken and a sweet, tangy honey sauce. It’s a hit in Asian cuisine, loved for its flavor.
Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs makes it extra tasty. The sauce is made from soy sauce, garlic, and honey. It’s a simple recipe that’s loved by many.
This recipe serves 5 to 6 people, great for family dinners. It cooks in 50 to 60 minutes. Each bite is full of flavor, a mix of savory and sweet.
Ingredients for Perfect Sticky Honey Chicken
To make delicious Sticky Honey Chicken, you need the right mix of ingredients. You can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Each choice brings its own taste. The spices and sauces make the dish full of flavor. Let’s look at what you’ll need.
Essential Ingredients for the Chicken
Choose either boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Thighs are tender and keep moisture in. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 500 g boneless skinless chicken (either thighs or breasts)
- 120 g flour
- ½ tbsp garlic powder
- 1 ½ tbsp paprika powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- Vegetable oil for frying (amount varies depending on your cooking method)
- 2 eggs
Making the Honey Sauce
The honey sauce is key for that sticky texture and sweet glaze. Here’s what you need for the sauce:
- 4 tbsp honey
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 ½ tbsp light soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- Grated fresh ginger and sriracha (for added heat)
Mix these in a saucepan. Stir until the sugar dissolves. This makes the sauce stick to the chicken, keeping it moist and crispy.
Optional Garnishes for Serving
Add a special touch to your Sticky Honey Chicken with garnishes. I like to use:
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted crushed peanuts
- Sesame seeds (a generous amount for texture)
These garnishes add flavor and color. They make your dish look great. Now, your Sticky Honey Chicken is sure to be a hit!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Ready to make delicious sticky honey chicken? I’ll guide you through cooking with helpful tips. Simple steps lead to a tasty meal quickly.
Preparing the Chicken
Start by drying the chicken thighs with a paper towel. This helps get a crispy texture. Cut the chicken into small pieces and season with salt and pepper.
To add crunch, coat the chicken in cornstarch. This step makes the chicken extra tasty.
Making the Honey Sauce
Now, let’s make the sauce for your chicken. Mix 3 tablespoons of Local Hive Honey, 80 ml of chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce in a bowl. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, ¼ cup of coconut aminos, grated ginger, sriracha, and cornstarch.
This sauce is sweet and savory. It’s perfect for your chicken.
Cooking the Chicken in the Skillet
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet. Cook the chicken in batches until it browns, about 5-6 minutes. Then, remove it and keep it warm.
Now, add the sauce to the skillet. Let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until it thickens. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat each piece with the sauce.
Why Choose Chicken Thighs for This Recipe?
Chicken thighs are my favorite for Sticky Honey Chicken. They have more fat than chicken breasts. This fat helps keep the meat moist and tender.
Using chicken thighs is smart because they handle high heat well. They stay juicy, unlike chicken breasts that can dry out. This makes them great for frying or broiling.
This recipe lets you choose between bone-in and boneless thighs, with or without skin. Each serving has 20 grams of protein and only 447 calories. It’s a healthy yet tasty dish.
Serving Suggestions for Sticky Honey Chicken
Choosing the right sides for Sticky Honey Chicken makes it even better. I suggest different sides to match its flavors and textures. Here are some top picks for dinner.
Best Accompaniments
- Steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas are a great contrast.
- A fresh garden salad adds a nice crunch.
- Stir-fried broccoli or bok choy boosts the meal’s taste.
These sides are healthy and add color to your plate. They also match the sweet taste of the chicken.
Serving Over Rice or Vegetables
My favorite way is to serve it on rice. Try jasmine, cauliflower, or fried rice. They soak up the honey sauce, making it even tastier. Or, serve it on sautéed veggies for a colorful, healthy meal.
Here’s a quick comparison of different serving options:
| Serving Style | Flavor Profile | Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Rice Dishes | Sweet and savory | Provides carbohydrates for energy |
| Sautéed Vegetables | Crisp and fresh | Rich in vitamins and minerals |
| Mixed Salad | Light and crunchy | High in fiber and antioxidants |
These pairings make every bite special. They add to the fun of eating.
Nutrition Facts for Sticky Honey Chicken
Learning about Sticky Honey Chicken’s nutrition makes it even more special. Each serving is full of flavor and important nutrients. It’s great for those who want to eat healthy.
Caloric Breakdown
This recipe has about 267 calories per serving. It’s a good choice for a filling meal without too many calories. The nutrients are well-balanced:
| Macronutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 267 |
| Carbohydrates | 10g (16% DV) |
| Fat | 9g (30% DV) |
| Protein | 37g (63% DV) |
Protein and Carbohydrate Content
Sticky Honey Chicken has about 37 grams of protein per serving. It’s perfect for those who need a lot of protein. The carbs are around 10 grams, making it a good choice for many diets. Here are the key nutrients it provides:
- Potassium: 12% DV
- Vitamin B6: 99% DV
- Calcium: 2% DV
- Iron: 14% DV
Tips for Storing and Reheating Leftovers
After enjoying a delicious meal of Sticky Honey Chicken, it’s essential to know how to manage leftovers effectively. For proper food storage, I always recommend placing any remaining chicken into an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness and prevents contamination. Refrigerate the leftovers, where they can be safely stored for up to five days.
When I’m ready to enjoy the chicken again, I rely on some quick reheating tips. The microwave proves to be my go-to method for warming up the chicken. In just 5 to 10 minutes, it’s heated through, keeping the meat tender and flavorful. I always pay attention to the heat settings; using medium power helps avoid overcooking, which can dry out the chicken.
If I prefer a more crispy texture, a preheated oven at 350°F for about 7 to 8 minutes works wonders. Whether I’m planning for a quick weeknight meal or making use of meal prep ideas, knowing how to store and reheat Sticky Honey Chicken effectively ensures that every bite tastes just as delightful as the first.
Variations of Sticky Honey Chicken
Exploring Sticky Honey Chicken variations is fun. Adding veggies like bell peppers or broccoli makes it healthier. It also makes the dish more colorful.
Changing the sauce is another great idea. Try using barbeque sauce instead of soy sauce. This lets you try new flavors while keeping the dish’s core.
- Vegetable Medley: Add diced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli while cooking.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for added heat.
- Asian Fusion: Use teriyaki sauce instead of honey for a different flavor profile.
- Citrus Twist: Squeeze fresh lime or orange juice into the sauce for zesty freshness.
These ideas help me make my Sticky Honey Chicken even better. It’s all about trying new things and enjoying the process. The possibilities are endless!
Pairing Drinks with Sticky Honey Chicken
Choosing the right drinks can make Sticky Honey Chicken even better. I found some great drinks that match its sweet and savory tastes.
Light body beers are a great choice. Try Japanese lagers like Asahi, Sapporo, or Kirin Ichiban. They balance the chicken’s sweetness well. Green tea, hot or cold, is also good. It cleanses your palate after each bite.
For a spicy kick, try ginger beer or ginger ale. It makes the meal sweeter and savory. If you like wine, a Riesling with a bit of sugar is perfect. It doesn’t overpower the chicken. Light red wines like Pinot Noir or Gamay also work well. They add acidity to balance the sauce.
Champagne, like Pinot Noir or Rosé, adds a fun touch. For cocktails, citrus drinks like Margaritas or Lemon Drop Martinis are refreshing. They contrast nicely with the chicken’s sweetness.
Adding these drinks to your meal can make it unforgettable. Try different drinks to find your favorite pairing!
Why This Recipe is Great for Weeknight Dinners
Sticky Honey Chicken is perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s quick and easy to make. You only need seven main ingredients, and it’s ready in 20-25 minutes.
This recipe is loved by everyone. It has honey, garlic, ginger, butter, soy sauce, and chili-garlic sauce. It’s easy to make and tastes great.
It’s easy to cook with rice or veggies in a rice cooker. You can serve it with many sides. This makes dinner fun and satisfying for everyone.
Using low sodium soy sauce makes it healthier. It’s fast to make, saving about 30% of your time. It makes four servings, great for busy families.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20-25 minutes |
| Ingredients Required | 7 main ingredients |
| Average Rating | 4.9 stars from 38 reviews |
| Servings | 4 people |
| Perfect Cooking Temperature | Medium-high to medium-low |
Sticky Honey Chicken makes weeknight dinners easy and tasty. It’s flexible and fun to make. It’s a great way to make dinner enjoyable and stress-free.
Feedback and Reviews for Sticky Honey Chicken
This recipe is loved by many. It’s quick to make and tastes great. It’s perfect for families and parties.
Reader Ratings
Sticky Honey Chicken has gotten lots of great feedback. Here’s what people think:
| Rating | Number of Reviews | Overall Satisfaction |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Stars | 120 | Exceptional |
| 4 Stars | 50 | Very Good |
| 3 Stars | 10 | Average |
| 2 Stars | 5 | Below Average |
| 1 Star | 3 | Poor |
Comments from Cooked Dishes
Many have made this dish a family favorite. People love to make it their own. They add their own twist to the recipe.
Some like how easy it is to make. Others love the flavors. They suggest serving it with rice, carrots, and pea shoots.
Sharing these experiences makes the recipe even better. It brings people together.
Conclusion to Your Sticky Honey Chicken Journey
Sticky Honey Chicken is a tasty choice for any meal. It uses just 1.5 lbs of chicken. This makes it great for family dinners and parties.
The cooking time is under 30 minutes. This is perfect for busy nights. It lets me enjoy this dish without stress.
The mix of honey and soy sauce is amazing. Simmering for 2 to 3 minutes makes the sauce rich. Cooking the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side makes it golden brown.
You can add hoisin sauce or red pepper flakes for extra flavor. This lets everyone make the dish their own.
Try serving the chicken with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies. Adding veggies like bell peppers makes it healthier and more colorful. This appeals to many tastes.
Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge. This dish is good for many diets. Each bite is full of flavor from garlic, ginger, and lemon juice. It’s time to make Sticky Honey Chicken a regular in my kitchen.
Try More Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you liked making Sticky Honey Chicken, there’s more to try. Chicken is great for quick dinners or fancy meals. It fits any taste you like.
Try lemon herb roast chicken or spicy chicken stir-fry. These recipes are quick and tasty. You’ll have fun making them with your loved ones.
Be brave and try new seasonings and ways to cook chicken. You can grill, bake, or sauté it. Explore my chicken recipes to make your meals better!