This quick and flavorful Sticky Chicken recipe brings a perfect balance of sweet and savory to your dinner table in under 30 minutes. Made with tender chicken pieces coated in a rich honey-soy glaze and kissed with garlic and ginger, it’s a fuss-free stir-fry that feels like takeout but tastes like home. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying family-friendly meal.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup less-sodium soy sauce

• ½ cup cold water (plus more to thin, if needed)

• 3 tbsp cornstarch

• ⅓ cup honey

• 1 tbsp minced garlic (or ¾ tsp garlic powder)

• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)

For the Chicken:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into ¾-inch pieces

• Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or more, as needed)

Optional Garnish:

• Sliced green onions

• Toasted sesame seeds

• Crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, cornstarch, honey, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.

2. Prep the Chicken: Pat chicken dry. Season with salt and pepper, then toss with cornstarch until coated.

3. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear chicken pieces for about 5-6 minutes until browned. Add more oil if needed between batches. Remove chicken and keep warm.

4. Simmer the Sauce: Lower heat to medium. Whisk sauce again and pour into the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until thick and sticky. If it thickens too much, add extra water a little at a time.

5. Combine: Return chicken to the skillet and toss in the sauce to coat evenly.

6. Serve: Top with green onions, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve over rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Nutrients (Per Serving – ¼ of Recipe)

• Calories: 359 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Protein: 39g

• Fat: 8g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 2g

• Trans Fat: 0.04g

• Cholesterol: 109mg

• Sodium: 1348mg

• Potassium: 759mg

• Fiber: 0.4g

• Sugar: 23g

• Vitamin A: 51 IU

• Vitamin C: 2mg

• Calcium: 21mg

• Iron: 1mg

Prep and Cook Time

One of the best things about this Sticky Chicken is its speed. With just a few minutes of prep and a short cook time, you’ll have dinner on the table in under half an hour. There’s no need to marinate the chicken or prep complicated ingredients ahead of time, making it ideal for nights when time is tight but flavor is still a priority. The sauce comes together in a single bowl and thickens beautifully in the pan, creating a coating that clings to the chicken like a dream. From prep to plate, this dish is the definition of fast and flavorful.

Yield and Serving Suggestions

This recipe serves approximately four people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a small dinner party. You can easily double the quantities for a larger group or meal prep for the week ahead. Sticky Chicken is extremely versatile when it comes to serving. Spoon it over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a classic pairing, or toss it with lo mein noodles or rice noodles for a fun twist. It also works well over a bed of sautéed greens or broccoli if you’re aiming for a lower-carb meal. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions adds a fresh, flavorful finishing touch that elevates the presentation.

Inspiration Behind the Recipe

Sticky Chicken is inspired by the comforting flavors found in Asian-style stir-fry dishes, particularly those commonly seen in takeout menus. Think sweet-and-sour chicken, teriyaki bowls, or sesame chicken—dishes that balance sweetness with umami and a hint of spice. This version skips deep frying and heavy sauces while maintaining all the appeal. The honey-soy glaze offers a beautiful balance of flavor without being overly sweet or salty. It brings the best elements of takeout home—fast, satisfying, and made to fit your preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sticky Chicken recipe checks all the boxes: it’s fast, easy, flavorful, and family-approved. It’s a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup and maximizes taste. The sauce alone is reason enough to fall in love—it’s thick, sticky, sweet, savory, and versatile. You can tailor it to suit your taste by adjusting the sweetness or adding a touch more ginger or garlic for extra depth. The chicken stays tender and juicy thanks to a light cornstarch coating that also helps the sauce cling perfectly to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or spice lovers, this recipe adapts easily to satisfy all palates.

Healthier Than Takeout

This homemade version of Sticky Chicken offers a lighter alternative to restaurant-style fried chicken dishes. It’s pan-seared instead of deep-fried, significantly cutting down on oil and excess fat. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs provide lean protein without sacrificing moisture or flavor. The sauce is made with simple pantry staples and avoids the added sugars, preservatives, and MSG often found in takeout sauces. You control the ingredients, the portion size, and the seasoning, making it easy to keep this dish aligned with your health goals while still feeling indulgent and satisfying.

Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved

Sticky Chicken is a guaranteed hit with the whole family. Kids love the sweet, glossy coating that mimics their favorite takeout dishes, while parents appreciate the balanced flavors and the wholesome ingredients. It’s a great recipe for introducing little ones to new flavors like ginger and soy sauce in a non-intimidating way. Serve it with rice and their favorite vegetables for a colorful, appealing plate that encourages balanced eating. You can even offer a small bowl of extra sauce for dipping—it’s that good.

Meal Prep and Leftovers

This recipe also shines when it comes to meal prep. You can cook a double batch of chicken and portion it out with rice or noodles in meal prep containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. The sauce holds up beautifully and maintains its flavor and texture after reheating. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave, the chicken stays moist, and the sauce retains its signature stickiness. It’s a delicious solution for meal planning and busy schedules.

Versatile and Customizable

Sticky Chicken is an incredibly versatile base recipe that welcomes creativity. Want a spicier version? Add a dash of chili flakes, Sriracha, or gochujang to the sauce. Craving something zestier? Stir in a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for brightness. For extra texture and color, toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots during the final few minutes of cooking. You can also swap out the chicken for tofu, shrimp, or thinly sliced beef depending on your dietary preferences. The flavor of the sauce pairs well with a wide variety of proteins and vegetables, making this dish endlessly adaptable.

Tips for Best Results

To achieve the best texture and flavor, make sure to pat the chicken dry before tossing it in cornstarch. This helps the chicken brown evenly and gives the sauce something to cling to. Sear the chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan—this ensures you get a golden, slightly crispy exterior on each piece. When making the sauce, whisk it well before adding it to the skillet and stir constantly to avoid clumping. If the sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of water to loosen it to your desired consistency. Garnishing with sesame seeds, green onions, or crushed red pepper flakes adds the perfect final touch.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets this Sticky Chicken apart is the combination of ease, speed, and flavor. It’s a recipe you can throw together with minimal effort but still feel proud to serve. The sauce is rich and glossy, coating the chicken in layers of taste that dance between sweet and savory, with a hint of warmth from garlic and ginger. The dish brings comfort, flavor, and satisfaction without relying on deep frying or takeout menus. It’s a go-to recipe you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation—not only for its simplicity but for the way it always hits the spot.

Conclusion

Sticky Chicken is the ultimate weeknight hero—quick to make, bursting with flavor, and endlessly versatile. With a balanced honey-soy glaze that rivals your favorite takeout, it turns ordinary chicken into something truly crave-worthy. The ease of preparation, healthier cooking method, and crowd-pleasing taste make it a recipe worth bookmarking and repeating. Whether served over rice, noodles, or vegetables, this dish brings a delicious sense of comfort and satisfaction with every bite. It’s simple enough for a last-minute meal yet impressive enough to serve guests. Fast, flavorful, and foolproof, Sticky Chicken is a dinner you’ll come back to again and again.