Sticky Honey Chicken – Sweet & Savory Lunch Classic in Under 30 Minutes
This Sticky Honey Chicken meal is perfect for lunch—simple to prepare yet bursting with glossy, sweet-savory flavor. Tender bite-sized chicken pieces are coated in a corn flour crust for texture, then pan-glazed in a rich honey-soy-ginger sauce that achieves irresistible stickiness. Ready in about 30 minutes. Lightly spiced, customizable, and ideal with rice, greens, or steamed veggies. It’s a satisfying weekday or weekend lunch that looks elegant and tastes indulgent without unnecessary complexity.
Overview of Sticky Honey Chicken
This Sticky Honey Chicken combines crisp chicken bites with an indulgently sweet and glossy honey sauce accented with garlic, ginger, and soy. Chicken pieces are tossed in cornstarch, pan-seared to golden perfection, then bathed in a simple honey-garlic-ginger sauce until ultra-glossy and caramelized. Garnished with scallions and sesame seeds, the dish offers perfect bite-size texture and flavor. Quick to prepare and easy to serve as bowls, wraps, or salads, it’s ideal for weekday lunches or meal prep. Balanced in flavor and customizable with spice or greens, this dish exemplifies fast, flavorful cooking that satisfies.
Ingredients of Sticky Honey Chicken (serves 4)
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into 1″ pieces
- ½ tsp salt & black pepper
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or avocado oil)
Honey Glaze:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 2 tbsp chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Preparation & Cooking Times
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep | 10–12 minutes |
| Cook | 12–15 minutes |
| Plating & Garnish | 2–3 minutes |
| Total Time | ~25–30 minutes |
Step-by-Step Instructions of Sticky Honey Chicken
1. Prep the Chicken
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Toss in cornstarch until evenly coated. Shake off excess.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat oil over medium-high in a wide skillet. Add chicken in a single layer, cook undisturbed until golden and crisp (4–5 minutes), then flip and finish cooking (3–4 minutes more). Transfer to a clean plate.
3. Make the Glaze
Wipe skillet if needed. Add honey, soy sauce, broth, garlic, ginger, and optional sriracha. Whisk and simmer gently until sauce thickens slightly, 1–2 minutes.
4. Glaze and Finish
Return chicken to the pan, stir to coat deeply. Simmer briefly to allow sauce to cling and caramelize. Stir continuously for glossy finish.
5. Serve and Garnish
Transfer chicken to serving bowl. Top with sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information (approx. per serving)
- Calories: ~380 kcal
- Protein: ~28g
- Carbs: ~32g (mostly sugars from honey)
- Fat: ~14g
- Sodium: ~550mg
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Adaptable for lower sugar (use less honey or sugar-free substitutes)
Serving of Sticky Honey Chicken
- Served over steamed rice or cauliflower rice with stir-fried vegetables
- Used as protein in salad bowls, wraps, or grain bowls
- Great paired with broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy
Storage & Leftovers
Store cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm in skillet; add a splash of water or broth if sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving to preserve sauce texture.
Variants & Pro Tips
- Mix honey with maple syrup to reduce refined sugar
- Use air fryer instead of skillet: toss coated chicken lightly with oil spray, air-fry at 375 °F for 12–15 minutes
- For gluten-free: replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos; use pure honey
- Adjust spice level with cayenne or more sriracha
