Craving something sweet, savory, and satisfying? This Sticky Honey Chicken is a quick and flavor-packed recipe made with crispy, juicy chicken coated in a glossy, garlicky honey glaze. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or whenever you need a fast and delicious homemade alternative to takeout.
This dish is made with simple pantry staples and comes together in under 30 minutes—making it one of the easiest and most rewarding recipes you’ll ever cook.
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Honey Chicken
✅ Crispy, tender chicken in a sticky, flavorful sauce
✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
✅ Great with rice, noodles, or veggies
✅ Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients
✅ Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup cornstarch (for light crispiness)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, for pan-frying
For the Sticky Honey Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
- 1 tbsp water + 1 tsp cornstarch, mixed into a slurry (for thickening)
How to Make Sticky Honey Chicken
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss lightly with cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken in batches, turning until golden and cooked through (6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Honey Sauce
- In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Add cornstarch slurry and stir until sauce thickens and becomes glossy (1–2 minutes).
4. Coat the Chicken
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Toss until fully coated in the sticky sauce.
- Simmer for 1–2 minutes more to let flavors meld.
5. Serve
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or with stir-fried veggies.
Tips for the Best Sticky Honey Chicken
- Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness and juiciness
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches for even browning
- Add red chili flakes for heat, or ginger for extra depth
- Double the sauce if serving with rice or for extra coating
Variations & Add-ins
- Add broccoli or bell peppers to the pan for a stir-fry twist
- Make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos
- Use air-fried or baked chicken nuggets and toss in the sauce
- Turn it into a wrap or rice bowl for lunch prep
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave
- The sauce may thicken when cold—add a splash of water when reheating
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Honey Chicken recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen with minimal effort. It’s sticky, sweet, savory, and has just the right amount of garlic kick. Whether you serve it over rice, tuck it in lettuce wraps, or pair it with noodles, it’s a go-to recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
Crispy, saucy, and totally addictive. 🍯