I love this recipe because it comes together in about 40 minutes and tastes like a takeout-style dinner made at home. The chicken turns tender inside with a lightly crisp coating outside, and the honey glaze becomes rich, shiny, and full of garlic and ginger flavor.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
I start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. I toss the chicken with cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated, which helps create that sticky texture once the sauce thickens.
In a small bowl, I whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the glaze is smooth and well combined.
I heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I add the chicken pieces and cook them for 5 to 7 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Then I pour the honey glaze over the chicken and stir everything together. I keep cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens, turns glossy, and coats the chicken beautifully.
I remove the skillet from the heat, then I garnish the chicken with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. I serve it right away while it is hot and sticky.
I sometimes add red pepper flakes or a little chili garlic sauce when I want a spicy version. I also like adding steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to make it more filling. For a slightly brighter flavor, I add a small squeeze of lime juice before serving.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a small splash of water to loosen the sauce. I can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each one, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, I can use chicken breast, but I prefer chicken thighs because they stay juicier and more tender.
Why do I coat the chicken with cornstarch?
I use cornstarch because it helps the chicken brown nicely and gives the sauce a sticky coating.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, I add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce when I want more heat.
What can I serve with Sticky Honey Chicken?
I like serving it with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or simple vegetables.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, I can whisk the sauce together ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator until I am ready to cook.
Conclusion
Sticky Honey Chicken is one of those easy dinners I like making when I want bold flavor without a complicated process. The sweet honey glaze, savory soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and tender chicken make every bite rich, sticky, and satisfying.
Sweet, savory, and glossy chicken thighs coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce. This quick skillet chicken recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Author:Emma
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Skillet
Cuisine:Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Pour the honey glaze over the chicken and stir to coat.
Cook for 3–5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables. For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the glaze.
