If you crave a dish that masterfully blends bold flavors with irresistible stickiness, Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken will instantly find a spot in your weeknight rotation. This recipe delivers juicy chicken bathed in a glossy sauce, striking that perfect balance between sweet heat and savory depth. Both effortless and deeply satisfying, it’s proof you can whip up excitement in your own kitchen with just a few pantry staples. Once you taste that signature sticky glaze clinging to tender, golden bites, you’ll understand why this recipe’s become a favorite to share with family and friends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken is how everyday ingredients transform into something utterly irresistible. Each component plays its role—bringing color, crunch, or that signature sweet-spicy flavor—so don’t skip a thing! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken thighs or breasts (1½ pounds): Go with thighs for maximum juiciness, or breasts for a lighter option—both soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): This gives the chicken its ultra-crisp exterior and helps the sauce cling.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): The key to browning the chicken without sticking; neutral flavor keeps the sauce front and center.
- Honey (¼ cup): Brings all-natural sweetness and a glossy finish to the sticky sauce.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Adds that must-have savory depth and saltiness to balance the honey.
- Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Just enough tang to brighten the sauce and cut through the richness.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): It’s the unsung hero! This adds umami and that signature red hue.
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives the dish its fiery kick—use more or less to suit your spice level.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Deepens the sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic bite.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Brightens the sauce and pairs so well with honey and soy.
- Cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water): Thickens the sauce into that perfect, glossy coat.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional garnish): Adds color, crunch, and a touch of freshness for the perfect finish.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by tossing the bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch—this simple step gives your chicken those delicious crisp edges and helps the sauce cling to every surface. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot of coating, that’s what makes each piece extra satisfying.
Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection
Heat up your skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Give your chicken enough room (work in batches if you need to), and let it get that crave-worthy golden crust. Each piece should be cooked through and lightly browned—about 6 to 8 minutes does the trick. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and get ready for the mesmerizing sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sticky Sauce
In the same skillet (no need to wash—it just adds flavor!), pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, sriracha, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Stir everything together and let it bubble gently for 2 to 3 minutes. The kitchen will smell amazing, and the sauce will start to thicken as the flavors marry. Then, add the cornstarch slurry and let it simmer for another minute or two until the sauce becomes wonderfully shiny and sticky.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the crispy chicken pieces to the skillet, and toss everything to coat. Watch as each piece gets covered in that luscious, sweet and spicy glaze. Let it all cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes, so the chicken absorbs every last bit of flavor—this is when Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken truly comes alive!
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Dish up your creation while it’s still piping hot. Serve over rice or noodles, and don’t forget a shower of sesame seeds and green onions for crunch and color. Just wait for the “wow, that’s good” moment at the table!
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken
Garnishes
Sprinkle a generous handful of toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions across the chicken just before serving. The seeds add subtle crunch, while the green onion brightens each bite with a gentle bite and pop of color—making your Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken irresistibly photogenic and flavorful.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is a classic choice, soaking up every drop of sticky sauce. For extra texture, serve with crisp stir-fried veggies like snap peas, broccoli, or carrots. Noodles work beautifully too, especially if you want to twirl up all that glossy, spicy sauce. A cooling cucumber salad or lightly pickled veggies offer the perfect contrast if you’re looking to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch things up? Try spooning your Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer at parties. Or pile it atop Asian-style slaw for a more refreshing, crunchy twist. Skewer the chicken pieces and drizzle with extra sauce for a dynamic, dinner-party-ready main course. The secret is in the sticky sauce—let your imagination do the rest!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken left, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It stays fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens up more overnight, which just makes the next-day leftovers extra tempting.
Freezing
To freeze, portion cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers. Press out excess air, seal, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. The sauce maintains its vibrant flavor after freezing, making this a great meal-prep option for busy weeks.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems too thick. Microwave works in a pinch—just cover loosely and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. This ensures the chicken stays juicy and the incredible sticky sauce comes back to life.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a terrific, leaner option—just keep a close eye while cooking to ensure they don’t dry out. Thighs tend to be juicier, but breasts soak up the sauce just as deliciously for Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken.
Is this dish very spicy?
The beauty of this recipe is you control the spice level. One tablespoon of sriracha provides a pleasant kick that balances the sweetness. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a little less, and always taste the sauce before adding more—it’s totally adjustable!
Can I use a gluten-free soy sauce?
Yes, gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos work beautifully in Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken. Just make sure to use a variety that matches your dietary needs, and double-check your other sauce ingredients for hidden gluten if necessary.
Can I make Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken ahead of time?
This dish is wonderful made fresh, but you can absolutely cook it ahead of time. Store the cooked chicken and sauce together in the refrigerator, then reheat gently before serving—just as saucy and flavorful as day one!
What vegetables go best with Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken?
Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, and shredded carrots are all excellent choices. Their crunch and freshness balance the sticky, bold sauce and create a truly satisfying, colorful plate.
Final Thoughts
Savoring a plate of Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken is pure comfort and excitement in every bite. Whether you’re sharing it with your family or wowing dinner guests, this dish always brings big flavor with barely any fuss. Give it a try—you might just discover your new go-to for fast, fabulous homemade dinners!
Print
Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken recipe is a delicious Asian-inspired dish that balances sweet and heat perfectly. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a sticky sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
Optional garnish:
- sesame seeds
- chopped green onions
Instructions
- Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch: Coat chicken evenly with cornstarch.
- Cook the chicken: Brown and cook chicken in batches in a skillet. Set aside.
- Make the sauce: Combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sriracha, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Simmer, thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Toss chicken in sticky sauce and heat through.
- Serve: Over rice or noodles, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- Adjust sriracha to taste.
- Chicken thighs for more flavor, breasts for a leaner option.
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