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Ultimate Sticky Chicken

Ultimate Sticky Chicken

Ultimate Sticky Chicken is a deliciously tender and flavorful dish featuring boneless, skin-on chicken thighs perfectly glazed with a sweet and savory honey-soy sauce. With aromatic garlic, fresh ginger, and a sticky, glossy finish, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for any weeknight meal or special occasion. Ready in under an hour, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with a satisfying caramelized crust, sure to impress family and guests alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs

Marinade and Sauce

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup/brown sugar)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Thickening Agent

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Garnishes (Optional)

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth, creating the base sticky glaze that will infuse the chicken with vibrant flavor.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish or a sealed bag. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours for maximum tenderness and taste.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, pat the skin side dry for better searing, and place skin-side down in the pan. Cook undisturbed for 6-8 minutes until golden caramelized crust forms. Flip and cook the other side for another 6-8 minutes until fully cooked through.
  4. Make the Sticky Sauce: Remove chicken and set aside. Pour the remaining marinade into the hot pan. Stir in a cornstarch slurry made by mixing cornstarch and water. Simmer gently, stirring constantly until sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency.
  5. Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss well in the thickened sauce, ensuring each piece is beautifully coated and sticky. Heat through for an additional minute to marry the flavors.

Notes

  • Pat dry the chicken skin before cooking to achieve a perfect caramelized sear.
  • Cook the chicken undisturbed during searing to develop a deep golden crust and extra flavor.
  • Use fresh ginger and garlic to maximize the aromatic flavor of the dish.
  • Adjust the amount of honey to your taste for sweetness.
  • Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: sticky chicken, honey soy chicken, easy chicken recipe, Asian chicken, weeknight dinner, gluten free chicken