Sticky Honey Hoisin Chicken Recipe – A Sweet & Savory Delight

Introduction

Few dishes can match the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors quite like Sticky Honey Hoisin Chicken. This dish brings together the rich depth of hoisin sauce, the natural sweetness of honey, and the irresistible stickiness that makes every bite pure comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a dish to impress your guests, this Sticky Honey Hoisin Chicken is the answer!

This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors that make it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners. With a beautifully caramelized glaze, tender chicken, and just the right amount of spice, this dish is a must-try. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious chicken dish at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet & Savory Balance: Hoisin sauce and honey create an incredible glaze.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
• Versatile: Serve it with rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete meal.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers and reheat for a quick meal later.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The sticky, flavorful sauce makes this dish a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for crispier texture)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sticky Honey Hoisin Sauce:

• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but adds depth)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste (optional for heat)
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

For Garnishing & Serving:

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• Steamed white or brown rice
• Stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, etc.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with a paper towel.
• Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
• Lightly coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch to help them crisp up when cooked.

2. Sear the Chicken

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sticky Honey Hoisin Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sriracha.
• Pour the sauce into the same skillet over medium heat.
• Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

4. Coat the Chicken in Sauce

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sticky sauce.
• Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.

5. Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken.
• Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles and a side of stir-fried vegetables.

this PIN FOR LATER

Pro Tips for the Best Sticky Honey Hoisin Chicken

• Use Chicken Thighs: They remain juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in batches ensures even browning.
• Adjust the Sweetness: Add more or less honey based on your preference.
• Make it Spicier: Increase the sriracha or chili paste for extra heat.
• Let the Sauce Thicken: Simmering for a few extra minutes helps create a perfect sticky glaze.

Variations to Try

1. Baked Sticky Honey Hoisin Chicken

• Instead of pan-frying, place chicken in a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
• Pour the sauce over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking.

2. Air Fryer Sticky Chicken

• Air-fry the chicken pieces at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, then toss them in the sauce.

3. Vegan Sticky Hoisin Tofu

• Substitute chicken with firm tofu. Press, cube, and pan-fry before tossing in the sauce.

4. Sticky Hoisin Shrimp

• Use shrimp instead of chicken and reduce cooking time to 2-3 minutes per side.

Best Side Dishes & Pairings

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Garlic Noodles: Adds extra umami to the meal.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Broccoli, bok choy, or bell peppers complement the dish well.
• Asian Slaw: A crunchy, tangy side balances the sticky sweetness of the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! Store cooked chicken and sauce separately, then reheat and toss together before serving.

2. How Long Does Sticky Hoisin Chicken Last?

It lasts up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

3. Can I Freeze This Dish?

Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat on the stove.

4. Can I Use a Different Protein?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp, tofu, pork, or beef.

5. What’s the Best Way to Reheat?

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

Sticky Honey Hoisin Chicken is a delightful dish that’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and versatile enough to serve in multiple ways. Whether you enjoy it with rice, noodles, or veggies, its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors will have you coming back for more. Try this recipe today and add a restaurant-quality dish to your home-cooked meals!

Print