Sticky Honey Chicken

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Tender chicken in sticky honey glaze. Cooks up in 25 minutes, feeds 4. Perfect with rice, noodles, or veggies. Easy and family-approved.
Barbara Chef
Updated on Thu, 24 Apr 2025 15:00:09 GMT
Sticky Honey Chicken Dish Highlight
Sticky Honey Chicken Dish | cookwithcarla.com

Sweet meets savory in this mouth-watering Sticky Honey Chicken. The juicy chicken chunks get wrapped in a shiny honey glaze with hints of ginger and garlic, making a dish that's both cozy and fancy. Every mouthful gives you just the right mix of tastes that'll turn this into a hit with the whole family.

I've spent many years making dishes with Asian flavors, and this honey chicken became my go-to specialty. The first batch where I got that sticky coating just right, I knew I'd nailed something special.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Chicken: Go for evenly cut fresh breast pieces
  • Honey: Use the real stuff for top-notch results
  • Ginger: Freshly grated brings zippy warmth
  • Garlic: Mince it fresh for the best aroma
  • Soy Sauce: Brings richness and savory goodness
  • Cornstarch: Makes the coating crisp and sauce thick

Making That Irresistible Stickiness

Get Your Chicken Ready:
Cut everything the same size so it cooks evenly.
Nail The Outer Layer:
Mix with cornstarch for that crispy bite.
Mix Your Sauce:
Put everything together for the perfect flavor mix.
Be Smart When Cooking:
Don't pack the pan too full or it won't brown right.
The Final Touch:
Make sure every piece gets covered in that shiny sauce.
Sticky Honey Chicken Highlight
Sticky Honey Chicken | cookwithcarla.com

The chef who taught me Asian cooking always told me, 'If the sauce sticks to a spoon, it's ready.' After making this dish tons of times, I can't agree more with this simple check.

Tasty Serving Ideas

Pair it with fluffy jasmine rice, some stir-fried veggies, or your favorite noodles. Sprinkle some green onions and sesame seeds on top for that real authentic look.

Mix It Up

Switch things up by throwing in some veggies, adjusting the spice level, or using chicken thighs instead. Don't eat meat? Firm tofu works great too.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Pop any extras in a sealed container and they'll stay good for three days. Warm it up slowly in a pan to bring back that glossy sauce texture.

After trying this recipe countless times in my kitchen, I've found it hits that perfect spot between sweet and savory. When you follow each step carefully, you'll end up with something that tastes just like takeout but made right in your own home.

Close-up view Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe Highlight
Close-up view Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe | cookwithcarla.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can chicken thighs be used here?
Totally! Thighs add flavor. Chop to similar sizes and cook the same way.
→ Is this a spicy dish?
It’s lightly spicy from the sriracha. Adjust or skip it if you want no spice.
→ Can I make the sauce earlier?
Yep! Mix it a day before and store it chilled. Just stir well before using.
→ What sides go well with this?
Rice, noodles, or veggies like broccoli are great choices. Jasmine rice is a favorite.
→ Why use cornstarch for the chicken?
It helps the meat get crispy and binds the sauce to the chicken.

Sticky Honey Chicken

Sticky-sweet honey chicken that's quick. Ready fast for your weeknight dinner in 25 minutes.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
25 min

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian-Style Twist

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 1½ lbs of chicken breasts (boneless and skinless), chopped into small 1-inch pieces
02 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
03 ½ teaspoon sea salt
04 3 tablespoons of cornstarch for coating

→ Sauce

05 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
06 ⅓ cup of honey
07 2 teaspoons of finely grated fresh ginger
08 2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth
09 2 teaspoons of cornstarch
10 1 teaspoon of sriracha
11 3 minced garlic cloves

Steps

Step 01

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Chop it into small cubes, about 1 inch big. Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the top before tossing the pieces in cornstarch to coat them evenly, using a medium-sized bowl.

Step 02

Mix honey, soy sauce, water or broth, ginger, cornstarch, sriracha, and garlic in a little bowl. Stir it well and leave it nearby, stirring again before adding to the pan.

Step 03

Heat up 1 tablespoon of oil in a big skillet on medium-high heat. Cook your chicken in a few small batches so it browns nicely, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes. Once cooked through, transfer to a covered plate to keep warm.

Step 04

Pour your pre-mixed sauce into the same skillet (don’t clean it out first). Stir while it gently simmers over medium heat until it thickens and looks all shiny—takes about a minute.

Step 05

Toss the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Give it a good stir so each piece gets coated in sauce. Let it heat for another minute, then serve hot with noodles or rice. Sprinkle green onions on top if you like.

Notes

  1. Tender, golden chicken bites with a sweet honey glaze come together fast—perfect for a weeknight meal.
  2. Goes great with stir-fried veggies, noodles, or steamed rice like jasmine or basmati.

Required Equipment

  • Paper towels
  • A medium bowl for mixing chicken
  • A small mixing bowl for the sauce
  • Large skillet
  • A whisk

Allergen Information

Double-check every ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains soy

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This data is for informational purposes only and doesn’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Carbs: 30 g
  • Protein: 42 g