Sticky Chicken
Ingredients
- ½ cup less-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup cold water
plus extra as needed to thin the sauce
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic)
about 3 large cloves
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger)
(or ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 ½ lbs. boneless
skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, trimmed of fat and cut into ¾-inch pieces
- to tasteKosher salt and ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
or more as needed
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Directions
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cold water, cornstarch, honey, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
- 2
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a medium bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cornstarch and toss to coat.
- 3
Reduce the heat to medium. Whisk the sauce again to make sure that all the ingredients are completely combined. Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat. If the sauce gets too thick, just add extra water about ¼ cup at a time, to thin to desired consistency.
- 4
Stir the chicken into the sauce. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if necessary. Garnish with green onions, red pepper flakes, and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Sticky Chicken
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About this Recipe
Craving a dinner that’s both incredibly flavorful and incredibly fast? This Sticky Chicken recipe delivers a delicious, family-friendly meal in less than 30 minutes, bringing irresistible sweet and savory notes right to your table.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines because it masterfully balances bold flavors with minimal effort. The combination of less-sodium soy sauce, sweet honey, aromatic garlic, and zesty ginger creates a deeply satisfying glaze that clings perfectly to every piece of chicken. It’s designed for busy weeknights, offering a gourmet taste without the time commitment.
What truly sets it apart is the clever use of cornstarch, ensuring a luscious, glossy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. This simple ingredient thickens the sauce to that coveted "sticky" consistency, making every bite incredibly satisfying. You'll love how the rich umami of soy sauce plays with the natural sweetness of honey, creating a harmonious and addictive flavor profile.
What to Expect
Prepare for a truly delightful experience with tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken enveloped in a glistening, deeply flavorful sauce. The aroma of ginger and garlic will fill your kitchen, promising a dish that's both comforting and exciting. Each piece of chicken offers a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a hint of warmth from the ginger and a robust garlic undertone. It’s a dish that appeals to all ages, making it an instant family favorite.
Customization & Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your pantry and preferences. While boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work equally well, feel free to use whichever you have on hand. For convenience, you can easily swap ¾ teaspoon garlic powder for fresh minced garlic, or ½ teaspoon ground ginger for fresh grated ginger. To add a touch of heat, sprinkle in extra crushed red pepper flakes, or omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
Serving & Context
This Sticky Chicken is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Serve it alongside steamed rice or noodles to soak up every last drop of the glorious sauce. A sprinkle of fresh sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely garnish and textural contrast.