Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Sticky Honey Soy Chicken recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that come together in a simple marinade. Tender chicken thighs glazed with a rich, sticky sauce make a delicious weeknight dinner or impressive meal for guests.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Step 3: Heat a small amount of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for the sauce. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Step 5: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring it to a simmer.
6. Step 6: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then stir it into the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
7. Step 7: Serve the chicken drizzled with the sticky sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but adjust cooking time to prevent drying out.
• Marinate the chicken overnight for an even deeper flavor.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Serve with steamed rice or quinoa and steamed vegetables to complete the meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce saucy and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out faster than thighs.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the simmering sauce. Cook for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 88 reviews

This Sticky Honey Soy Chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with tender chicken thighs glazed in a rich honey-soy sauce. Marinated and pan-seared to golden perfection, it comes together quickly for a delicious weeknight meal that’s both comforting and flavorful, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh green onions.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

Marinade and Sauce

• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

For Thickening (optional)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Garnish

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until fully combined to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Heat the Skillet: Add a small amount of oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high until the oil is shimmering, ready for searing the chicken.
4. Sear the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
5. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the cooked chicken and bring it to a simmer to meld the flavors and start reducing the sauce.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If a thicker sauce is preferred, whisk cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this to the simmering sauce and stir continuously for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
7. Serve: Plate the sticky honey soy chicken, spoon the sauce over it, and garnish generously with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness but breasts can be used as a leaner alternative.
• Marinate longer for more intense flavor, but do not exceed 8 hours to prevent texture changes.
• Adjust honey quantity for desired sweetness.
• Make sure to cook chicken thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illness.

Keywords: sticky honey soy chicken, honey soy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, pan-seared chicken, Asian chicken dish, quick chicken recipe