Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe

As I whisked together honey, soy sauce, and a pop of ginger into a sweet and savory marinade, I couldn’t help but get excited about the promise of sticky, caramelized chicken thighs that transform an ordinary meal into a deliciously unforgettable experience. Seriously, who knew chicken could be this exciting?

My Sticky Honey Chicken recipe is a lovely thing. It is sweet and savory like few dishes can be.

It combines honey and soy sauce in a way that makes a glaze so good you could eat it with a spoon. It uses fresh ginger and garlic so you get a nice hit of flavor that cuts through the sweetness and makes you think a little (in a good way) about the dish.

Chicken thighs are the lean source of protein in this dish that just might make it one of the healthiest meals you can eat. And I haven’t even mentioned the sesame seeds, which not only garnish the dish nicely but also provide some much-needed texture.

You could eat this dish every day, and your taste buds wouldn’t object one bit.

Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: High in protein, tender and juicy, versatile meat.
• Honey: Natural sweetener, provides sweetness and glaze, rich in antioxidants.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness, is low-sodium variation preferred, contains amino acids.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tanginess, contains probiotics, can support digestion.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavoring, has antibacterial properties, supports heart health.
• Ginger: Adds warmth and spice, aids in digestion, contains anti-inflammatory compounds.

Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

How to Make this Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe

1. In a medium bowl, combine the marinade’s ingredients: honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk them together well.

2. Ensure the chicken thighs are entirely covered in the marinade before placing them in the bowl. The time spent in the fridge can vary from a minimum of 30 minutes to a maximum of 2 hours, with the result being a more intensely flavored piece of chicken.

3. To preheat your oven, set it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

4. Preheat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Take the chicken from the marinade (set aside for later use), and season the protein with ample salt and freshly ground black pepper.

5. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side to achieve a golden brown appearance.

6. Transfer the marinade that was held back to the skillet with the chicken.

7. Move the skillet to the oven that has been preheated to the required temperature. Bake the skillet for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the skillet from the oven when the chicken is fully cooked, and the sauce has become sticky and caramelized.

8. Take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

9. Scatter the minced green onions and sesame seeds on the chicken as a garnish.

10. The sticky honey chicken can be served with a plethora of side dishes that make as much sense as any good pairing in life: steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, sweet potato mash. But I usually just serve it with plain old white rice and a smattering of whatever frozen veggies I can find in my freezer.

Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Medium bowl
2. Whisk
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Large oven-safe skillet
8. Tongs or spatula
9. Oven
10. Stove

Optional (for serving):
11. Rice cooker or pot
12. Serving platter or plates

FAQ

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?Indeed, chicken breasts can be used instead. Just keep a close watch on the clock, as breasts, when substituted, may result in a dish that cooks more quickly.

  That said, thighs are our preferred choice for this recipe because they provide:

  • More flavor.
  • More moisture.
  • Fewer chances of drying out.

• How can I make the dish spicier?To raise the temperature, add additional red pepper flakes or include in the marinade a dash of sriracha or hot sauce.
• Is there a substitute for apple cider vinegar?Rice vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used in place of apple cider vinegar.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance?Definitely. You may marinate the chicken a full day beforehand to boost the taste.
• What is a good side dish for Sticky Honey Chicken?Great accompaniments are steamed jasmine rice or roasted vegetables.
• How do I store leftovers?Put leftovers in a container that seals and can be relied on to keep what is in it safe from the air. Then place the container in the refrigerator, where it will be relatively cool—at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit—for a maximum of 3 days. There you have it. Your leftovers are preserved.
• Can I freeze the cooked chicken?Indeed, let it cool entirely; then, place it in a container that can withstand the cold of a freezer and store it for as long as 2 months. When you want to reheat it, first give it a spell in the fridge.

Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For honey: Substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar.
To replace soy sauce:

Use tamari or coconut aminos as alternatives.
To substitute apple cider vinegar, use rice vinegar or white wine vinegar.
When it comes to olive oil, try substituting it with vegetable oil or canola oil.
For garlic: If fresh garlic is not available, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.

Pro Tips

1. Marination Tip For deeper flavor penetration, poke the chicken thighs a few times with a fork before marinating. This will allow the marinade to seep in better, especially if you marinate closer to the lower time limit.

2. Browning Enhancement Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear. This not only locks in juices but also develops a rich, caramelized exterior.

3. Sauce Thickness Optimization If the sauce hasn’t reached your desired thickness after baking, transfer the chicken to a plate and place the skillet back on the stove. Simmer the sauce over medium heat until it thickens, stirring continuously.

4. Even Cooking Adjustments Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the skillet to ensure they cook evenly. Avoid overcrowding to maintain the skillet’s heat and prevent steaming.

5. Flavor Enhancement For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of toasted sesame oil to the marinade or finish the dish with a drizzle before serving. This will impart a rich, nutty aroma that pairs well with the honey and ginger.