Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dinner that’s become a staple in my kitchen – sticky honey chicken! It’s sweet, savory, and just downright irresistible. Whenever I make this dish, the whole house fills with this mouthwatering aroma that gets everyone excited for dinner. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy weeknight when I needed something quick yet delicious, and boy, did it deliver! The chicken becomes so tender and coated in this glossy honey sauce that practically begs to be devoured. Trust me, once you try this sticky honey chicken, it’ll be a go-to in your meal rotation. It’s not just a meal; it’s a hug on a plate! Keep reading for the ingredients you’ll need to whip this up easily.
Ingredients for Sticky Honey Chicken
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless: I love using chicken thighs for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender. Make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and to soak up that delicious sauce!
- 1/2 cup honey: This is where the magic happens! The honey adds that delightful sweetness that makes this dish truly sticky. You can adjust it if you like it sweeter or a bit less sweet!
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: This brings in the savory depth to balance the sweetness of the honey. I prefer low-sodium soy sauce so I can control the saltiness of the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives it that aromatic kick! Mince it finely so you get those lovely bursts of flavor in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Ginger adds a warm, spicy note. Just like the garlic, make sure it’s minced well to blend into the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: A little goes a long way! This oil adds a rich, nutty flavor that truly enhances the dish.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: This is for thickening the sauce later on. It helps to give that perfect glossy finish that clings to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons water: You’ll mix this with the cornstarch to create a slurry for thickening.
- Green onions, for garnish: I love to slice these up and sprinkle them on top for a pop of color and a fresh flavor.
- Sesame seeds, for garnish: These add a lovely crunch and a touch of elegance! Plus, they’re super pretty!
How to Prepare Sticky Honey Chicken
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to make this sticky honey chicken that’s sure to impress! I’ve broken it down into simple steps so you can follow along easily. Don’t worry, it’s all about enjoying the process and savoring that delicious outcome!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First things first, let’s cut that chicken! Take your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniformity here – this ensures that they cook evenly and soak up that amazing sauce. I usually go for chunks about 1 to 2 inches. Trust me, you want them just the right size for maximum flavor and tenderness!
Step 2: Create the Marinade
In a medium bowl, it’s time to mix up the marinade! Combine the 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil. I like to whisk it all together until it’s well combined and the honey is nicely blended in. This marinade is where all the sweet and savory magic happens, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Now, let’s add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Toss them in there, making sure they’re all coated in that delicious mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for 30 minutes. This step is super important because it allows the flavors to really seep into the chicken. You can even pop it in the fridge if you want to chill while it marinates!
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to cook! Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken (don’t forget to pour in any remaining marinade). Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The aroma filling your kitchen will be heavenly!
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Now for the fun part! In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. This will thicken your sauce beautifully. Add this slurry to the pan with the chicken, stirring well to combine. Keep cooking for another minute or two until the sauce is thick and glossy. It should cling to the chicken perfectly!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s time to make it pretty! Remove the pan from heat and garnish your sticky honey chicken with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. I love serving this over a bed of fluffy rice or with some sautéed vegetables on the side. Enjoy every sticky, sweet, and savory bite!
Nutritional Information for Sticky Honey Chicken
Understanding the nutritional values of what we eat is so important, and this sticky honey chicken strikes a delightful balance of flavors and nutrition. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for one serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 25g
This sticky honey chicken is not only a treat for your taste buds but also provides a satisfying amount of protein, making it a well-rounded main dish. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce! Enjoy it with some veggies or rice to make it a complete meal!
Tips for Success
To make sure your sticky honey chicken turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got some handy tips to share! Trust me, these little tricks will elevate your dish and make it even more delicious.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a bit more honey. Conversely, if you want to tone it down, just reduce the honey a tad or add a splash more soy sauce to balance it out.
- Cooking Techniques: Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps to achieve that beautiful browning and caramelization. And don’t overcrowd the pan; if you need to, cook in batches to ensure even cooking!
- Storage for Leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which isn’t always the case!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to three days, making for a quick lunch option!
- Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of water or a little more soy sauce to keep the chicken moist. You can use the microwave or heat it on the stovetop for a few minutes until warmed through.
- Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some veggies like bell peppers or snap peas while cooking the chicken for added color and nutrition. They’ll soak up all that sticky goodness!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of sticky honey chicken. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
FAQ About Sticky Honey Chicken
Got questions about this sticky honey chicken recipe? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear, along with my best answers to help you out.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While I love the juiciness of chicken thighs, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as breasts may cook a bit faster. Aim for that same internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re cooked through.
What can I substitute for honey?
If you’re looking for a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar can work well in place of honey. They’ll add sweetness, but keep in mind the flavor profile will be slightly different. You could also try brown sugar mixed with a little water for a similar effect!
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
Cooking the marinated chicken usually takes about 10 minutes over medium heat. Just remember to stir occasionally for even cooking, and look for that beautiful golden-brown color. You want to make sure it’s cooked through, reaching that safe internal temperature.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! If you want to prep ahead, marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember to cook it fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best flavor and texture!
What should I serve with sticky honey chicken?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving it over fluffy rice or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You could also pair it with noodles or even a fresh salad to balance the sweetness. Just make sure to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
- Quick Preparation Time: It takes just 30 minutes to whip this up, perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious fast!
- Easy Cooking Method: With simple steps and one pan, cleanup is a breeze, making it a great choice for any night.
- Delicious Flavor Profile: The sweet, savory, and irresistible combination of honey and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that clings to every bite!
- Versatile Pairing Options: Serve it over rice, toss it with noodles, or enjoy it alongside fresh veggies for a complete meal that suits any taste.
- Kid-Friendly: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a family favorite that everyone will love!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers are just as tasty, making it a great option for lunches throughout the week.
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this sweet and savory chicken dish or this creamy mushroom chicken recipe!
Z nadrukami
Sticky Honey Chicken: 5 Steps to Sweet, Savory Bliss
- Całkowity Czas: 40 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
Sticky honey chicken that is sweet, savory, and irresistible.
Składniki
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instrukcje
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Add chicken to the marinade and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add the marinated chicken.
- Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Add the slurry to the pan and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Uwagi
- Adjust the honey for desired sweetness.
- Serve with rice or vegetables.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 30 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 10 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: Asian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 20g
- Sód: 500mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 2g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 40g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Słowa kluczowe: sticky honey chicken, sweet savory chicken, easy chicken recipe
