Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken is one of those magical dinners that delivers fiery, glossy, and perfectly balanced flavor every single time. This crave-worthy dish hits just the right note between tangy heat and honeyed yumminess, all draped over juicy bites of chicken and crowned with sesame seeds and fresh green onion. If you’re after something exciting but totally doable on a weeknight with minimal prep, this is the meal you’ll want to put on repeat—trust me, your kitchen will never smell better!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken works its magic to create that trademark sticky sheen, irresistible flavor, and mouthwatering aroma. Nothing is complicated, but every element adds a little something special to either the taste, the texture, or the stunning glaze—so don’t skip a thing!
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Chicken thighs are extra juicy, but you can use breasts if you want a leaner option; cut them into bite-sized pieces for the perfect sauce-to-chicken ratio.
- Cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch gives each bite a light, crispy edge that soaks up all the saucy goodness.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil that helps brown the chicken beautifully without overpowering the sauce’s flavors.
- Honey: The magic behind that sticky, lacquered finish and the signature sweetness that balances the heat.
- Soy sauce (low sodium preferred): Brings umami depth and a savory punch—low sodium keeps things from getting too salty.
- Rice vinegar: Brightens the sauce and gives it a gentle tang to cut through the sweetness.
- Sriracha or other hot sauce: The source of that slow-building, satisfying heat—feel free to adjust to your taste.
- Garlic (minced): Don’t skimp—fresh garlic adds major aroma and rich flavor to the sauce.
- Fresh ginger (grated): A little zing goes a long way, adding warmth and complexity in each mouthful.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want even more kick; sprinkle in as much or as little as you like.
- Sesame oil: A drizzle at the end rounds everything out with a nutty finish you’ll absolutely love.
- Sesame seeds and green onions (for garnish): These final touches add crunch, color, and a pop of freshness right before serving.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken pieces in a generous dusting of cornstarch. This might seem minor, but it’s key for getting an irresistible crust that’ll grip the sauce later. Don’t rush this bit—ensure each piece is fully and evenly coated. You’ll love how this step helps deliver that classic Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken texture!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer; patience matters, so don’t overcrowd the pan. Let the chicken sizzle for around 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway, until every piece is golden-brown and just cooked through. Then, transfer the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Build the Sticky Sauce
In that same skillet (no need to clean—those cooked bits add flavor!), pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, minced garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and sesame oil. Stir it all together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. As it bubbles, it’ll thicken and become gorgeously glossy—just give it about 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken in Sticky Goodness
Return your cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring to coat them thoroughly in that luscious sauce. Let everything mingle for another 2–3 minutes over low heat, so every piece is sticky, shiny, and completely irresistible. That’s how you get that signature Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken finish!
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle your sesame seeds and sliced green onions generously over the chicken. Immediately serve the dish hot over rice or noodles, letting those gorgeous garnishes pop against the glossy glaze. Your Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken is ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken
Garnishes
The right garnishes turn this dish into a restaurant-worthy presentation in seconds. Sprinkle freshly toasted sesame seeds and a flurry of sliced green onions over the chicken just before serving—they add crunch, zest, and a pop of color that highlights every sticky, saucy bite.
Side Dishes
Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken is undeniably satisfying all on its own, but pairing it with fluffy steamed rice or a bowl of saucy noodles transforms it into a complete meal. You might also love some crisp roasted broccoli or a quick cucumber salad for a cool, refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken as lettuce wraps, over a big pile of shredded cabbage for crunch, or as part of a vibrant rice bowl with edamame, sliced peppers, and pickled veggies. However you plate it, this dish will look and taste spectacular!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, tuck any leftover Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken into an airtight container. It’ll stay tender and flavorful in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—ideal for speedy lunches or second-helping cravings!
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, freeze the cooled chicken in a tightly sealed freezer-safe container or bag. The chicken and sauce both freeze well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems too thick. You can also use the microwave for quick lunches—a covered dish at medium power helps keep the chicken juicy and the sauce glossy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs deliver juicier, more flavorful results, chicken breasts will still work wonderfully here—the sauce keeps them moist and delicious. Just be sure not to overcook to maintain tenderness.
How spicy is Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken?
This dish has a gentle kick that most spice-lovers and spice-cautious folks alike will enjoy. Feel free to crank up the heat by adding extra sriracha or red pepper flakes, or tone it down by using a milder hot sauce or leaving the flakes out altogether.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can whisk the sauce ingredients together and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When it’s time to cook, just pour it into the skillet and simmer—super convenient for busy nights.
What other garnishes work well?
Beyond sesame seeds and green onions, try a little chopped cilantro, slivered red chili for extra heat, or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for added crunch. Play around with your favorite toppings for your own signature take.
Is Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and check the labels on your other condiments, this dish can absolutely be made gluten-free! It’s a fantastic option for sharing with anyone who avoids gluten.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to shake up your dinner routine with something bold, glossy, and ridiculously simple, you’ll love Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken. This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a dish that truly dazzles—so go ahead, grab your skillet, and treat yourself to a plateful of sticky, sweet heat tonight!
Print
Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken recipe combines tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful honey soy sauce with a kick of heat from sriracha. It’s a quick and easy stovetop dish perfect for a delicious Asian-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or other hot sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- sesame seeds and sliced green onions
Chicken:
Sauce:
Garnish:
Instructions
- Coat Chicken: Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch in a bowl until evenly coated.
- Cook Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, cook chicken until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, coat in sauce, then simmer until sauce clings to the chicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by varying the sriracha and red pepper flakes.
- Chicken thighs are recommended for juicier results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
