Sticky Honey Chicken Quick Recipe for Easy Dinner

Looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea? I’ve got you covered with my Sticky Honey Chicken recipe! This dish bursts with flavor and comes together in no time. You’ll only need simple ingredients like boneless chicken thighs, honey, and soy sauce. Whether you’re a busy parent or just short on time, this recipe is perfect for you. Let’s dive into the details and make your weeknight dinner a breeze!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients Needed

– Boneless, skinless chicken thighs

– Honey and soy sauce

– Garlic and ginger

To whip up sticky honey chicken, you need just a few main ingredients. Start with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. I love these because they stay juicy and tender. Next, grab some honey and soy sauce. These two will give your dish that sweet and savory flavor we all crave. Don’t forget garlic and ginger! They add a nice kick to the sauce.

Optional Garnishes

– Green onions

– Toasted sesame seeds

For a little added flair, consider using some optional garnishes. Green onions add a fresh taste and a pop of color. Toasted sesame seeds give a nice crunch and a nutty flavor. These simple touches make your dish look and taste better.

Substitutions and Additions

– Alternatives to honey

– Soy sauce substitutes (e.g., tamari)

If you want to switch things up, there are easy substitutions. For a different sweetness, try maple syrup instead of honey. If you need a soy sauce alternative, tamari works well. Both keep the dish flavorful while making sure everyone can enjoy it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

First, we need to make the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

– 1/4 cup honey

– 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

– 2 minced garlic cloves

– 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

– A pinch of salt and pepper

Whisk these together until well mixed. Then, add 1 pound of bite-sized chicken thighs. Toss the chicken pieces gently to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This step helps the chicken soak up all that yummy flavor.

Cooking the Chicken

While the chicken marinates, get your skillet ready. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the marinated chicken pieces. Spread them out in a single layer. This helps them brown nicely. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want the chicken to be golden brown and cooked all the way through.

Making the Sauce

Now it’s time to make the sauce! Lower the heat to medium. Carefully pour the honey mixture from the bowl into the skillet with the chicken. Stir gently to mix everything together and let it cook for about 2 minutes. Next, grab a small bowl and mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir until smooth. Gradually add this slurry to the skillet while stirring continuously. This will thicken the sauce, giving it that sticky glaze. Once thickened, your chicken will be ready to serve!

For the full recipe, check the details above!

Tips & Tricks

Key Cooking Tips

To make sure your chicken is cooked right, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This way, it stays juicy and safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut a piece to check if it’s pink inside.

To avoid a sticky sauce, keep the heat steady when cooking. If it gets too hot, the sauce can burn. Stir it gently as it cooks. This helps mix the flavors without sticking.

Flavor Enhancements

Want to spice things up? Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a kick. Just a pinch can make a big difference. You can also mix in a bit of paprika for a smoky taste.

Fresh herbs make a great garnish. Try using chopped cilantro or basil on top. These herbs add color and bright flavors that pop!

Kitchen Tools Needed

A good non-stick skillet works best for this dish. It helps the chicken brown nicely and makes cleanup easier.

For easy cleanup, keep a spatula and a bowl handy. The spatula lets you flip the chicken with ease, while the bowl holds the marinade. This keeps your work area neat as you cook.

Don’t forget to check out the Full Recipe for all the steps!

Variations

Different Protein Options

You can swap chicken for tofu or shrimp. Tofu gives a great texture. Use firm tofu and press it to remove excess water. Shrimp cooks fast, so watch the time.

– For tofu, cook it for 8-10 minutes until golden.

– For shrimp, cook for only 3-4 minutes until pink.

Flavor Profile Tweaks

Want to change the taste? Add spicy elements like chili flakes for heat. You can also try adding sriracha or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.

Mix in different sauces like teriyaki or hoisin for unique flavors. Each sauce brings a new twist, making it fun to experiment.

Serving Suggestions

Pair sticky honey chicken with great side dishes. Steamed rice is a classic choice. You could also serve it with stir-fried veggies or a fresh salad.

For plating, use a colorful bowl and layer the rice first. Place the chicken on top and drizzle some sauce around. Add green onions and sesame seeds for a pop. This makes your meal look as good as it tastes.

Try the full recipe for Sticky Honey Chicken Delight and enjoy!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

You can keep leftover sticky honey chicken in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This way, you avoid moisture build-up that can make the chicken soggy. When ready to eat, simply reheat it in a skillet or microwave.

Freezing Recommendations

If you want to save sticky honey chicken for later, freezing is a great option. Place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through. This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Meal Prepping Suggestions

Batch cooking sticky honey chicken is a smart way to save time. You can prepare a large amount and store it for quick meals. Cook extra rice or veggies to pair with it. Store the chicken and sides separately to keep everything fresh. This way, you can mix and match for different meals throughout the week.

FAQs

What can I substitute for honey in this recipe?

If you need a honey substitute, maple syrup works well. You can also use agave nectar. Both options will keep the sweet taste and stickiness. Adjust the amount to your liking. Start with the same amount as honey, then taste and tweak.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinating the chicken for 15-20 minutes is perfect. This time lets the flavors soak in. If you have more time, you can marinate it longer, even up to an hour. Just remember to keep it in the fridge while it soaks.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast. It will cook faster, so check for doneness sooner. Thighs are juicier and more tender, but breasts will still taste great. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

What’s the best way to serve sticky honey chicken?

Serve sticky honey chicken over steamed rice or a bed of stir-fried veggies. This adds color and flavor. You can drizzle extra sauce on top for a nice finish. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of taste and texture. For the full recipe, check out the Sticky Honey Chicken Delight.

This article covered a delicious sticky honey chicken recipe. We focused on main ingredients like chicken thighs, honey, and soy sauce. I provided step-by-step instructions for marinating and cooking the chicken. You learned tips to enhance flavor and ensure perfect doneness. We also explored variations with different proteins and how to store leftovers.

I hope you feel inspired to try this dish. Simple ingredients and clear steps make cooking fun and tasty. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Sticky Honey Chicken: Quick Recipe

Savor the flavor of this Sticky Honey Chicken Delight, a deliciously simple recipe that will have your taste buds dancing! Made with tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory honey glaze, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. In just 30 minutes, you can serve a mouthwatering meal garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Click to explore the full recipe and delight your family tonight!

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Ingredients

  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

2 green onions, sliced thinly (for garnish)

Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

 

In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until well blended.

Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing them gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to enhance the flavor.

While the chicken marinates, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Stir well until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth; set this aside.

Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated chicken pieces, spreading them out in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned and no longer pink in the center.

Lower the heat to medium, and carefully pour the honey mixture from the bowl into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir gently to combine and allow the flavors to meld for approximately 2 minutes.

Gradually add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet, stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and turns glossy, completely coating the chicken in a delicious sticky glaze.

Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the sticky honey chicken hot, and garnish generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the chicken over a bed of steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top, and arrange the garnishes artfully.