There’s something truly magical about a dish that balances sweet, savory, and sticky all in one bite. This Sweet & Sticky Chicken is the perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, caramelized glaze. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell absolutely amazing—warm, garlicky, and a little bit smoky with hints of ginger.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet flavorful. Serve it over steamed rice or alongside crisp stir-fried vegetables, and you have a meal that feels restaurant-quality but is incredibly simple to make at home. Plus, it’s a real crowd-pleaser—kids love the sweet glaze, and adults appreciate the layers of flavor from the soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes.

If you’re looking for a go-to dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, this Sweet & Sticky Chicken is the one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in about 25 minutes with simple steps.
• Incredibly Flavorful – A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory.
• Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully.
• Pairs Well with Everything – Serve over rice, noodles, or with roasted veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sticky Sauce:

• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)

For Garnish:

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp green onions, chopped

How to Make Sweet & Sticky Chicken

Step 1: Coat & Cook the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly and ensures every piece is coated in that delicious sauce later.

In a bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. The cornstarch creates a light coating that helps thicken the sauce later while keeping the chicken juicy inside.

Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook for about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sticky Sauce

In the same pan, add honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, letting the flavors meld. As it simmers, you’ll start to smell the deep, rich aroma of garlic and soy sauce caramelizing together—this is where the magic happens!

After about 2–3 minutes, mix your cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and slowly stir it into the sauce. This thickens it up into a glossy, sticky glaze that will beautifully coat the chicken.

Step 3: Combine & Serve

Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Toss it in the sauce, making sure every piece gets coated in that delicious, sticky goodness. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes so the sauce can fully glaze the chicken.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for the perfect finishing touch. Serve immediately over rice or noodles, and enjoy every sweet and savory bite!

Helpful Tips

• For extra crispy chicken – Instead of pan-frying, try air-frying or deep-frying the chicken before tossing it in the sauce. This gives it an extra crunch!
• Swap the sweetener – If you don’t have honey, maple syrup works beautifully as a substitute.
• Add veggies – Stir in broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots for a veggie-packed meal. Simply sauté them before adding the sauce.
• Make it spicier – Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a fiery kick.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired
• Diet: Dairy-Free

Notes

• This dish tastes best fresh, but leftovers store well. The sauce thickens more as it sits, making it even more flavorful the next day!
• If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out faster than thighs.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~380 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg (varies based on soy sauce)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and combine them when ready to serve for the freshest texture.

What can I serve this with?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice, fried rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.

Can I use a different type of protein?

Absolutely! Try this recipe with shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef for a delicious variation.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

If your sauce isn’t thick enough, mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it in while simmering.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Sweet & Sticky Chicken, you’ll also enjoy these flavorful dishes:

• Korean Chicken Skewers
• Sticky Sesame Chicken (Easy 30-Minute Recipe)

Conclusion

This Sweet & Sticky Chicken is the ultimate comfort food—quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or meal-prepping for the week, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try, and let me know how you like it! Happy cooking!

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