If you’re all about bold flavors and easy meals, this Sticky Honey Chicken is about to steal the show.
Juicy, golden-browned chicken tossed in a thick, caramelized honey-soy glaze with just the right balance of sweet, savory, and a little heat from sriracha. It’s the kind of dish that feels like takeout but is ridiculously simple to make at home.
Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something seriously satisfying, this recipe delivers every time.
Serve it over fluffy rice, mix it with noodles, or pile it onto roasted veggies—whatever you choose, you’re in for one mouthwatering meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy days.
- Flavor Explosion: Sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and a hint of spice from sriracha.
- Versatile: Serve with rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults!
Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible sticky honey chicken. All ingredients are simple and easy to find:
For the Chicken
- Chicken: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Seasoning: ½ tsp salt + ½ tsp black pepper.
- Coating: 3 tbsp cornstarch.
For the Sauce
- Honey: ½ cup for natural sweetness.
- Chicken broth: 3 tbsp to balance the flavors.
- Cornstarch: 2 tsp to thicken the sauce.
- Fresh ginger: 2 tsp grated for a zesty kick.
- Soy sauce: 3 tbsp for umami richness.
- Sriracha: 1 tsp for a touch of heat (adjust to taste).
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced for aromatic depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect sticky honey chicken:
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture (this helps them crisp up better).
- Place the chicken in a bowl and season with salt and black pepper, tossing to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of cornstarch over the chicken and toss again until all pieces are lightly coated. The cornstarch helps create a crispy outer layer when cooked.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil (vegetable or sesame oil works well for flavor).
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer (cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding).
- Cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the following sauce ingredients:
- ½ cup honey
- 3 tbsp chicken broth
- 2 tsp cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha (adjust for more or less spice)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Stir until well combined, making sure the cornstarch dissolves completely to avoid lumps.
4. Combine and Simmer
- Return the same skillet to medium heat (no need to wash it—those flavorful bits add extra taste).
- Pour in the honey sauce mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
- Once the sauce is thick, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to fully coat each piece in the sticky glaze.
- Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the sticky honey chicken immediately over steamed rice, noodles, a bed of fresh veggies (such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas)
For an extra burst of flavor and texture, garnish with sesame seeds (for a nutty crunch) a sliced green onions (for a fresh, slightly sharp contrast)
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is incredibly flexible. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
Protein Options
- Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Tofu: Swap chicken for firm tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp for a seafood twist.
Sauce Variations
- Less Spice: Omit the sriracha or reduce to ½ tsp.
- More Heat: Add 1-2 tsp chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Citrus Twist: Add 1 tbsp orange juice or zest for a citrusy flavor.
Serving Ideas
- Rice Bowls: Serve over jasmine or brown rice with steamed broccoli.
- Noodles: Toss with cooked lo mein or rice noodles.
- Salad: Serve over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option.
Nutritional Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the nutritional profile per serving:
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 35g |
Fat | 8g |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugar | 20g |
This recipe is a great source of protein and can be adjusted to fit your dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
This sticky honey chicken is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even better:
- Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans.
- Pair with fried rice or garlic noodles for a complete meal.
- Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
Storing & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work wonderfully in this recipe.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat just before serving.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
Why This Sticky Honey Chicken is a Must-Try
And just like that, you’ve got a plate full of sweet, savory, and perfectly sticky honey chicken that tastes like takeout—but way better! Whether you’re serving it over fluffy rice, tossing it with noodles, or adding it to a fresh salad, this dish is guaranteed to hit the spot.
Plus, with easy ingredient swaps and customizable spice levels, you can tweak it exactly to your liking.
Got leftovers? No problem—this dish reheats beautifully, making it just as delicious the next day. Give it a try, make it your own, and don’t forget to share your kitchen creations with us! Enjoy your new favorite homemade dinner!