Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken: The Ultimate Sticky Chicken Recipe
Introduction to Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken
Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce that is both sweet and spicy. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to whip up something quick and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With its sticky glaze and mouthwatering aroma, it’s bound to become a family favorite!
A Personal Story Behind My Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken Journey
Growing up, my family had a tradition of gathering around the dinner table for home-cooked meals. One of my favorite dishes was a variation of sticky chicken that my grandmother used to make. She would often share stories of her travels and how different cuisines inspired her cooking. This Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken recipe reminds me of those cherished moments and brings a smile to my face every time I make it.
What Makes This Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out because it strikes the perfect balance between sweetness from honey and a kick of heat from sriracha. The chicken is coated with cornstarch, which gives it a crispy texture, while the sauce creates that irresistible sticky glaze. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy individuals or families. You can also easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables for a complete meal!
The Full Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 & 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch wide strips
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup + 1 teaspoon cornstarch, divided
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon sriracha hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. Place them in a plastic bag with 1/3 cup cornstarch. Seal the bag and shake until the chicken is well coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch. (Tip: This coating helps achieve a crispy texture!)
- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, ginger, garlic, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Whisk together and heat over medium heat until thickened. (Tip: Keep an eye on the sauce; it thickens quickly!)
- Return all the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over the top. Simmer for a couple of minutes until the chicken is coated and sticky.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken
For a complete meal, consider tossing in some fresh bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli when cooking the chicken. Serve it over steaming rice or noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce. You can also garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for a pop of color and added flavor. If you want to make it even spicier, adjust the amount of sriracha to your liking!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken
Can I use other types of chicken? Yes, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks if you prefer, but the cooking time may vary.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, just heat them up and combine.
What sides go well with this dish? This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. Feel free to get creative with your sides!
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 320
- Servings: 4
Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken
Equipment
- large nonstick skillet For cooking the chicken.
- Small saucepan For preparing the sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.25 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 0.25 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 0.5 tablespoon sriracha hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, then place them in a plastic bag with 1/3 cup cornstarch. Seal the bag and shake until the chicken is well coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, ginger, garlic, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Whisk together and heat over medium heat until thickened.
- Return all the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over the top. Simmer for a couple of minutes until the chicken is coated and sticky.