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Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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