Easy Sticky Chicken with Honey Soy Glaze
Make this easy Sticky Chicken recipe in just 20 minutes! Tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey soy glaze makes a quick weeknight dinner that’s better than takeout.
Sticky Chicken
Some nights I want takeout flavors without actually ordering takeout. Between the cost, the wait, and the temptation to add extra appetizers to the order, it can turn into a much bigger expense than planned.
That’s where this Sticky Chicken recipe comes in.
Tender chicken is coated in a simple cornstarch coating, then tossed in a sweet and savory honey soy glaze that gets thick, glossy, and downright irresistible. The whole meal comes together in one skillet in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
Serve it over rice with steamed broccoli, and you’ve got a meal that tastes like it came from your favorite takeout restaurant.
Recipe Snapshot
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 10 minutes
SERVINGS: 2
BEST FOR: busy weeknights, takeout cravings, saving money
What Is Sticky Chicken?
Sticky Chicken is a quick chicken dish coated in a glossy sauce made with ingredients like soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. As the sauce simmers, it thickens and clings to the chicken, creating that signature sticky texture.
It’s similar to many Asian-inspired takeout dishes but can be made at home in less time than it takes to place an order and wait for delivery.
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Chicken Recipe
What Makes Chicken Sticky?
The secret is a combination of cornstarch, honey, and simmering time.
The cornstarch creates a light coating on the chicken that helps the sauce cling to every bite. Honey adds sweetness while helping create that glossy finish. As the sauce simmers, it naturally reduces and thickens into a rich glaze.
Ingredients for Sticky Chicken
1 pound chicken tenderloins – Tender, quick-cooking chicken that stays juicy.
½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt – Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds mild seasoning and balance.
¼ cup cornstarch – Creates a light coating and helps the sauce stick.
2 tablespoons avocado oil – Helps brown the chicken while cooking.
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce – Creates the savory base of the sauce.
4 tablespoons honey – Adds sweetness and helps create the sticky glaze.
1 teaspoon sriracha hot sauce – Adds a little heat without overpowering the dish.
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger – Brings fresh flavor and warmth.
2 garlic cloves, minced – Adds classic savory flavor.
2 green onions, chopped – Adds color and freshness for serving.
How to Make Sticky Chicken
- Season the Chicken. Season the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken. Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag with the cornstarch. Seal the bag and shake until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
- Add the Sauce Ingredients. Add the soy sauce, honey, sriracha, ginger, and garlic directly to the skillet.
- Simmer Until Sticky. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sticky sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Garnish and Serve. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Why Coat Chicken with Cornstarch?
Cornstarch is one of the easiest ways to get that takeout-style texture at home.
It helps:
Create a light crust on the chicken
Lock in moisture
Give the sauce something to cling to
Naturally thicken the glaze
It’s a simple ingredient that makes a big difference in the final result.
Sticky Chicken Variations
- Spicy Sticky Chicken – Double the sriracha and add some red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Honey Garlic Sticky Chicken – Add two additional cloves of garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Orange Sticky Chicken – Add 2 tablespoons of orange juice and a little orange zest to the sauce.
- Sticky Chicken Bites – Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces before cooking for easy serving over rice bowls.
What to Serve with Sticky Chicken
Rice Options
White rice
Jasmine rice
Brown rice
Coconut rice
Vegetable Side Dishes
Steamed broccoli
Sugar snap peas
Green beans
Stir-fried vegetables
Roasted carrots
Make It a Rice Bowl
Build a simple rice bowl with:
Rice
Sticky chicken
Broccoli
Green onions
Sesame seeds
It’s one of my favorite ways to serve this recipe.
Tips for the Best Sticky Chicken
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet.
- Cook over medium heat for even browning.
- Use fresh ginger for the best flavor.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce whenever possible. It keeps the sauce flavorful without becoming overly salty.
- Let the sauce simmer long enough to thicken.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
Troubleshooting Sticky Chicken
Why Isn’t My Sauce Thickening?
Continue simmering for another minute or two. The sauce thickens as moisture evaporates.
Why Is My Sauce Too Thick?
Add a tablespoon of water and stir until the desired consistency is reached.
Why Is My Chicken Dry?
Overcooking is usually the culprit. Chicken tenderloins cook quickly, so keep an eye on them.
Why Is My Sauce Too Salty?
Make sure you’re using low-sodium soy sauce. Serving the chicken over rice also helps balance the flavors.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating – Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Can I Make Sticky Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes! This recipe works well for meal prep.
You can make the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. The cooked chicken also reheats well for lunches throughout the week.
FAQs about Sticky Chicken
More Easy Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Sticky Chicken recipe, try these family favorites next:
- Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls
- Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- Chicken Dijon
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice
- Dump and Bake Queso Chicken and Rice
20 Minute Sticky Chicken Recipe
This Sticky Chicken recipe is one of those great options to keep in your back pocket for busy nights. It comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and delivers the sweet and savory flavors everyone loves. Served over rice with a side of vegetables, it’s one of my favorite things to put on the dinner table when time is short but I still want a homemade meal. The best way to enjoy it is fresh from the skillet while the sauce is perfectly sticky and glossy. After one bite, I have a feeling this easy chicken recipe will earn a spot in your regular rotation.
Pin this recipe for later!
Easy Sticky Chicken with Honey Soy Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- ½ tsp coarse kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Sriracha hot sauce
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 green onions chopped
Instructions
- Season the Chicken. Season the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken. Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag with the cornstarch. Seal the bag and shake until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
- Add the Sauce Ingredients. Add the soy sauce, honey, sriracha, ginger, and garlic directly to the skillet.
- Simmer Until Sticky. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sticky sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Garnish and Serve. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
