If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet heat and finger-licking stickiness, this Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a glaze that’s rich with honey sweetness, a tangy kick from rice vinegar, and a fiery boost from sriracha. Every bite offers that irresistible sticky texture that clings to your chopsticks or fork, making meal times an absolute delight. It’s incredibly straightforward to make yet packed with bold flavors that will wow your family or guests!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating harmony of flavor, texture, and color. These pantry staples come together effortlessly, making your cooking experience both fun and rewarding.
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: The star protein, tender and perfect for absorbing sauces.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch: Key for coating the chicken to give it a lovely crisp and help the sauce stick.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: Ideal for achieving that golden sear without overpowering other flavors.
- 1/4 cup honey: Provides natural sweetness and beautiful glossy shine.
- 3 tbsp soy sauce: Adds deep umami and saltiness.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar: Brings a mild tang balancing the sweetness and heat.
- 2 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce: Introduces that beloved spicy kick, adjustable to your liking.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: For aromatic depth and savory warmth.
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger: Adds a zesty, slightly peppery note that brightens the dish.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional): For an extra layer of caramel richness.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions: Perfect garnishes that bring texture and freshness.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces in cornstarch until they’re evenly coated. This little step might seem small, but it’s the secret to creating that fantastic crispy exterior that soaks up the sticky sauce like a dream. Make sure every piece is nicely dusted for maximum flavor absorption.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer—not crowded—and let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. This step locks in juices and provides the perfect base for the sauce.
Step 3: Whisk the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, minced garlic, fresh grated ginger, and brown sugar if you want extra sweetness. This sauce mixture is where the magic happens, blending sweet, tangy, and spicy notes that make this Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Once the chicken is beautifully seared, lower the heat to medium and pour your prepared sauce over the chicken. Stir well to coat every piece, then let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This will thicken the sauce and give it that signature sticky texture that clings beautifully to each tender bite.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. These garnishes not only add a pop of color but also provide a delightful crunch and fresh bite to contrast the luscious sauce.
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sesame seeds and green onions are classic pairings that add the perfect textural and visual contrast to this dish. For an extra treat, try adding chopped fresh cilantro or a few crushed peanuts to bring in new layers of flavor and crunch.
Side Dishes
This sticky chicken is phenomenal served over fluffy white rice, jasmine rice, or steamed noodles that soak up every bit of the luscious sauce. For a healthier spin, pair it with cauliflower rice or a side of steamed bok choy or snap peas to add vibrant greens and a crunchy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re planning to impress guests or just want to add some flair, serve the chicken skewered on bamboo sticks or layer it over a bed of crispy lettuce wraps. You can also use it as a filling for bao buns or tacos for a fun fusion twist that will absolutely wow everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors stay beautifully intact, making it a perfect quick meal for busy days.
Freezing
This dish freezes well too. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep its taste and texture for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the chicken tender and prevent the sauce from becoming gummy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work wonderfully in this Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Recipe. Thighs are more forgiving and juicier, but breasts will still yield delicious results if cooked carefully.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the sriracha or chili garlic sauce. You’ll still have plenty of flavor from the honey, soy sauce, and ginger, but with a milder heat level that’s perfect for sensitive palates.
Can I use this sauce for other proteins?
Definitely! This sticky sauce shines with shrimp, tofu, or even vegetables. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and enjoy the same sweet and spicy flair with different ingredients.
What can I substitute for rice vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Just use a little less to avoid overpowering the dish as these vinegars tend to be more acidic.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish accessible to many dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a dish that brings together sweet, spicy, and sticky elements in one bowl, and this Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Recipe hits every mark. It’s quick to prepare, comforting, and endlessly versatile, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekends alike. I promise once you try it, it’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe collection – so go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy every succulent bite!
Print
Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken is a flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce made with honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and garlic. This easy skillet recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect served over rice or noodles for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in cornstarch until they are evenly coated, ensuring a crispy texture when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, flipping as needed until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, and brown sugar (if using) in a small bowl until well combined.
- Combine and Simmer: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the skillet heat to medium. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and stir well to coat all pieces. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. Serve the sticky chicken hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- To make the dish milder, reduce or omit the sriracha sauce.
- This recipe works well substituting shrimp or tofu for the chicken.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop to retain the sauce’s texture.
