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Ultimate Sticky Chicken

Ultimate Sticky Chicken

The Ultimate Sticky Chicken is a quick and easy dish featuring tender, juicy chicken pieces perfectly glazed in a sweet, tangy, and savory sticky sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, using simple pantry staples to deliver irresistible layers of flavor with minimal effort.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Marinade & Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (maple syrup or agave nectar as substitute)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)

Thickener

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (to make cornstarch slurry)

Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil)

Optional Garnishes

  • Chopped green onions or fresh cilantro
  • Toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels to help the glaze stick better and season lightly with salt and pepper or your favorite spices.
  2. Marinate Quickly: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and optional chili flakes or sriracha. Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade and let sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and sear until golden brown on all sides, locking in juices and creating a caramelized base for the sauce.
  4. Make the Sticky Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and pour the remaining marinade into the pan. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce to thicken until it clings beautifully to the chicken.
  5. Glaze and Finish: Continue cooking while tossing the chicken frequently to coat each piece evenly with the thickened glaze. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce turns glossy and sticky. Remove from heat and prepare to serve.

Notes

  • Use dark meat (chicken thighs) for juicier results and better flavor absorption.
  • Even a brief marinade of 10 minutes significantly enhances the taste.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming and retain crispness by searing in batches if necessary.
  • Prepare the cornstarch slurry ahead of time to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
  • Taste and adjust sweetness or heat during cooking by balancing honey and chili according to your preference.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-frying
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: sticky chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick chicken, sweet and savory chicken, gluten-free chicken, weeknight dinner