Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken
If you’re a fan of crispy fried chicken that’s smothered in a luscious, sticky sauce bursting with sweet and savory flavors, then you’re in for a treat! Today, I’m excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes: Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken.
This dish strikes the perfect balance between crispy fried goodness and a delectably sticky glaze that’s impossible to resist. Plus, it’s incredibly fun to make—even if you’re not a seasoned chef—and the results are always a crowd-pleaser!
In this recipe, tender bite-sized chicken pieces are coated in a seasoned, double-dip of cornstarch, egg, and flour before being fried to golden perfection.
Then, they’re tossed in a sumptuous sauce made from honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. The final touch? A sprinkle of chopped green onions and a side of steaming white rice to soak up every last bit of that incredible sauce.
Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer
I first discovered this recipe on a lazy Sunday afternoon when I was craving something that felt both comforting and exciting.
I love the interplay of textures—the crunch of the fried chicken paired with the velvety, sticky sauce—and the flavor profile is truly addictive. Every bite is a delightful mix of sweet honey, tangy soy, and a hint of spice from the garlic and ginger.
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Oil for frying
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Directions
Prep the Chicken:
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This size works best because it ensures that each piece gets evenly coated and cooks quickly. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture—this helps the coating adhere better.
Cornstarch Coating:
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and sprinkle in the ½ cup of cornstarch. Toss until every piece is evenly coated. The cornstarch not only helps with the crispiness but also acts as a base for the subsequent layers.
Prepare the Flour Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of paprika. This blend of spices adds a subtle yet delicious flavor to the coating.
Egg Wash:
In another bowl, beat 2 eggs. Dip each cornstarch-coated chicken piece into the beaten eggs, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the flour sticks well.
Frying the Chicken:
Heat enough oil in a deep pan or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), carefully add the chicken pieces in batches. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per batch, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan; this ensures even cooking. Once fried, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Making the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine ¼ cup honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for a minute or two so the flavors meld together perfectly.
Thickening the Sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) into the simmering sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and turns glossy, which should take about 2 minutes. The sauce should now be thick enough to coat the chicken without sliding off.
Toss and Serve:
Once your chicken is perfectly fried and your sauce is ready, it’s time to combine them! Add the fried chicken pieces directly to the saucepan and toss until every piece is evenly coated with that irresistible sticky honey garlic glaze. Serve immediately over warm, steamed white rice, and garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and a fresh, zesty finish.
Timing & Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Kcal: Approximately 450 per serving
- Servings: 4
Tips for Perfecting Your Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken
1. Double Check Your Oil Temperature
Getting the oil temperature right is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior without overcooking the chicken inside. If you have a kitchen thermometer, aim for around 350°F (175°C). If not, drop a small bit of batter into the oil; if it sizzles immediately and starts to brown, the oil is ready.
2. Avoid Crowding the Pan
Frying in batches is key. Overcrowding the pan can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, resulting in soggy, greasy chicken rather than that coveted crispiness.
3. Customize the Flavor
Feel free to experiment with the seasoning in the flour mixture. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked paprika can introduce a lovely depth of flavor and a subtle hint of heat that pairs wonderfully with the sweet sauce.
4. Make It Ahead
While the chicken is best enjoyed immediately after tossing it in the sauce, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Chop the chicken, set out your coatings, and even mix your sauce ingredients. This makes the cooking process on the day-of much more streamlined, especially if you’re entertaining guests.
5. Pairing Suggestions
While the classic pairing is with steamed white rice, you can also serve this dish over jasmine rice or even a bed of stir-fried vegetables for a lighter twist. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the rich flavors of the dish perfectly.
6. Serving Ideas
For a fun twist, consider serving the chicken as part of a larger spread. Set up a “build-your-own” bowl station with different types of rice, vegetables, and extra sauces. This not only makes for a visually appealing meal but also caters to different taste preferences.
A Few Variations to Try
One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe your own. Here are a few variations and ideas to customize your Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken:
1. Spicy Kick
If you love heat, consider adding a finely chopped red chili or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. This will give your dish a delightful kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the honey.
2. Gluten-Free Option
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your cornstarch is also gluten-free (most are, but it never hurts to double-check).
3. Extra Crunch
For an extra layer of texture, try adding a handful of toasted sesame seeds to the sauce as you toss the chicken. Not only will this add a nice crunch, but it also brings a subtle nutty flavor that complements the dish.
4. Vegetable Additions
If you’d like to include some veggies, consider stir-frying some broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. You can toss them in the sauce along with the chicken or serve them on the side for a colorful, nutritious addition.
Bringing It All Together
As you plate your Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken, take a moment to admire the vibrant colors and enticing aromas. The glossy, thick sauce clinging to each piece of crispy chicken, the sprinkle of fresh green onions, and the perfectly steamed white rice all come together to create a meal that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
This dish is a testament to how simple ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary with a little love and attention to detail. It’s a recipe that encourages you to embrace the process—each step, from the meticulous coating of the chicken to the careful simmering of the sauce, contributes to the overall magic of the dish.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen newbie, Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken is a recipe that invites you to experiment, tweak, and ultimately enjoy a meal that’s both comforting and adventurous. It’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and the sheer joy of cooking.