Name: Sweet and Sticky Chicken: A Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Ingredients: 1/4 cup honey: Provides the natural sweetness and helps form the sticky glaze.; 2 tbsp brown sugar: Adds depth to the sweetness with its molasses flavor.; 2 tbsp ketchup: Offers acidity and a slight tanginess to balance the sweetness.; 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Chicken thighs are juicier, but breasts work just as well.; 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred): The umami base of the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.; 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): Adds a sharp tang to balance the sweetness.; 1 tbsp sesame oil: Gives the sauce a rich, nutty flavor.; 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a pungent, aromatic element to the dish.; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated: Adds warmth and a mild spice to the sauce.; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a bit of heat that cuts through the sweetness.; 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry): Thickens the sauce to the perfect sticky consistency.; 1 tbsp vegetable oil: Used for cooking the chicken.; Sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds a subtle crunch and a toasty flavor.; Green onions, chopped (for garnish): Brings freshness and a mild onion flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1/4 cup honey: Provides the natural sweetness and helps form the sticky glaze.
2 tbsp brown sugar: Adds depth to the sweetness with its molasses flavor.
2 tbsp ketchup: Offers acidity and a slight tanginess to balance the sweetness.
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Chicken thighs are juicier, but breasts work just as well.
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred): The umami base of the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): Adds a sharp tang to balance the sweetness.
1 tbsp sesame oil: Gives the sauce a rich, nutty flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a pungent, aromatic element to the dish.
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated: Adds warmth and a mild spice to the sauce.
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a bit of heat that cuts through the sweetness.
2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry): Thickens the sauce to the perfect sticky consistency.
1 tbsp vegetable oil: Used for cooking the chicken.
Sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds a subtle crunch and a toasty flavor.
Green onions, chopped (for garnish): Brings freshness and a mild onion flavor.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce:

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). This mixture forms the base of the sweet and sticky sauce. Set it aside while you prepare the chicken.

2. Cook the Chicken:

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning.
The chicken should be fully cooked and have a golden brown color. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Sweet and Sticky Sauce:

Using the same skillet, pour in the prepared sauce mixture.
Simmer the sauce over medium heat, allowing it to bubble and thicken for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should start to reduce and become more concentrated in flavor.

4. Thicken the Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
Slowly add this slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly.
Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. This slurry is essential for achieving the sticky, glaze-like texture.

5. Coat the Chicken:

Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet.
Toss the chicken in the sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Allow the chicken to cook in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, which helps the chicken absorb all the rich flavors.

6. Serve:

Remove the skillet from heat.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of freshness and texture.
Your Sweet and Sticky Chicken is now ready to serve!