Description
Chicken gets a delightful makeover with this sweet and sticky chicken recipe that brings together classic flavor combinations from Asian cuisine. Glazed with a perfect blend of honey, soy sauce, and aromatic spices, this dish delivers a mouthwatering meal that’ll have your family asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 large chicken breasts
Seasonings and Thickeners:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Flavor Components:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Slice 2 large chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces, ensuring each chunk measures approximately 1-inch. Thoroughly coat chicken with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper, massaging the seasonings into every morsel.
- Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust for 3-4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon grated ginger, stirring quickly for 20-30 seconds to release aromatic oils without burning.
- Pour ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 2 teaspoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, ½ teaspoon chili flakes, and ¼ cup water into the skillet. Whisk ingredients until thoroughly combined.
- Blend 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, then slowly incorporate into simmering sauce. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and develops a glossy appearance.
- Return chicken to skillet, gently tossing to ensure each piece becomes completely coated with the sticky sauce. Allow chicken to simmer for an additional 2 minutes, absorbing maximum flavor.
- Transfer chicken to serving plate. Garnish generously with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or preferred side dish.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help create a crispy exterior that locks in flavor.
- Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola for best searing results.
- For gluten-free adaptation, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and use cornstarch instead of flour.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep the meat tender and prevent moisture loss.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg