Name: Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken tenders; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 3 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 large cloves minced garlic; 1/4 cup chicken stock; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp garlic chili crisp (optional, like momofuku); 1/3 cup honey; 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley; 2 tsp red pepper flakes (use mild less based on spice preference); Rice; Steamed broccoli

There’s something about the blend of sweet, savory, and just a hint of spice that makes the Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe so irresistible. Every time I make this dish, the aroma fills my kitchen with warmth and anticipation—it’s comfort food that feels special yet comes together in a snap.

A white plate holds a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with several pieces of glossy, golden-brown chicken glazed in a shiny sauce with red chili flakes and chopped green herbs scattered on top. On the right side of the plate, bright green, steamed broccoli florets add a fresh contrast in color and texture, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s one I keep coming back to because of its simplicity and the way it hits all the right notes in flavor and texture. I’ve made it for weeknight dinners and casual get-togethers, and it never disappoints.

Perfect balance of flavors: The sticky honey glaze with garlic and a touch of heat makes each bite memorable.
Easy to prepare: With just a handful of steps and ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish at home.
Versatile and customizable: You can adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or serve it a variety of ways.
Comfort food that feels fancy: It’s a crowd-pleaser yet straightforward enough for busy nights.

A white bowl with a base layer of soft, white rice showing individual grains, topped with five pieces of golden-brown glazed chicken covered in a shiny, sticky, reddish-brown sauce with visible chili flakes and green herb bits sprinkled over the chicken. A spoon held by a woman's hand drizzles more glossy sauce over the chicken, adding a glossy texture. On the side, there is a small portion of bright green broccoli. The bowl rests on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe plays a role in creating the perfect harmony of taste and texture. Choosing fresh garlic and quality honey really lets the flavor shine, while cornstarch gives the chicken a delightful crispness before it gets coated in that luscious sauce.

Flat lay of raw chicken tenders with smooth pale pink skin, a small mound of fine white cornstarch powder, coarse white salt crystals, cracked black peppercorns scattered beside a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl holding a chunk of pale yellow unsalted butter, four large garlic cloves with papery white skins, a small white bowl filled with clear golden chicken stock, a small white bowl of pale amber rice vinegar, a small white bowl containing dark glossy soy sauce, a small white bowl of thick golden honey, a small white bowl of bright red chili flakes, a small white bowl with finely chopped vibrant green fresh parsley, a cluster of fresh crisp broccoli florets, and a portion of steamed white rice shaped neatly on a simple white ceramic plate, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken tenders: Tender and quick to cook, making them ideal for a fast, juicy meal.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken without overpowering the sauce.
Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the sweetness.
Cornstarch: Creates a light crust on the chicken for that satisfying texture and helps thicken the sauce later.
Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing because it develops flavor without burning.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce, making it smooth and silky.
Minced garlic: This is the heart of the recipe, giving it that irresistible aroma and flavor.
Chicken stock: Adds depth to the sauce and keeps it juicy without extra fat.
Rice vinegar: Provides a gentle tang that cuts through the sweetness.
Light soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to balance the honey.
Garlic chili crisp (optional): My secret weapon for a smoky, spicy punch that elevates the sauce.
Honey: The star of the sticky sauce—it gives that luscious, glossy finish.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
Red pepper flakes: Adds gentle heat; you can dial it back based on your spice preference.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about the Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is how forgiving it is – you can easily tweak it to your taste. I often adjust the heat level or swap chicken tenders with thighs when I want a richer flavor.

Variation: I’ve tried swapping the chicken tenders for tofu or shrimp, which works wonderfully with the sauce for a vegetarian or seafood twist.
Spice level: You can add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha if you like it hotter, or leave them out entirely for a milder version that kids love.
Sweetness: Don’t be afraid to taste the sauce before cooking and add a little extra honey if you prefer a sweeter glaze.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce

Start by combining chicken stock, light soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and garlic chili crisp (if you’re using it) in a medium bowl. Sometimes the honey doesn’t want to mix right away, so I zap it in the microwave for about 30 seconds—this helps everything blend smoothly and evenly. Set this mixture aside while you prep the chicken.

Step 2: Prep and Brown the Chicken

Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper, then toss them in cornstarch until evenly coated. This step is key for getting that lovely golden crust. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook in batches if needed so they’re not crowded—overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of browning it. Give each side 1 to 2 minutes until you see a light golden brown, then transfer the tenders to a warm dish and tent with foil to keep them from drying out.

Step 3: Build the Sauce in the Same Pan

Keep the skillet on medium-low and add butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant—watch carefully because garlic browns quickly and can turn bitter. Pour in the sauce you set aside earlier, swirling it around to pick up all those browned bits left from the chicken. This is where the flavor magic happens.

Step 4: Simmer Chicken in Sticky Sauce

Add the browned chicken back to the skillet, nestling each piece into the sauce. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the sauce thickens as the liquid reduces, turning glossy and sticky—this is exactly what you want. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Spice

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, sprinkle the chicken with red pepper flakes and chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately over fluffy rice with a side of steamed broccoli to balance the rich sauce.

Top Tip

After making the Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe many times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate the final dish. These tips help you achieve that perfect sticky glaze and juicy chicken every time.

Patience with browning: Don’t rush the chicken; letting it brown properly before simmering locks in flavor and texture.
Garlic timing: Saute the minced garlic on medium-low and remove from heat if it starts browning too fast – burnt garlic can turn bitter quickly.
Thickening the sauce: Let the sauce simmer uncovered and keep the heat low so it reduces slowly into that sticky, beautiful consistency.
Honey incorporation: If the honey is hard to dissolve, warming the sauce mixture slightly helps ensure a smooth sauce that doesn’t separate.

How to Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with fresh parsley because it adds a beautiful pop of green and a subtle herbaceous note. The red pepper flakes bring a pleasant heat contrast to the sweetness, but if you’re serving this to kids, I’ll sometimes skip the spice altogether or add it to the table so everyone can season their portion as they like.

Side Dishes

Serving Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken over jasmine or basmati rice is my go-to. The rice soaks up that sticky sauce perfectly. I also always pair it with steamed broccoli or roasted green beans for crunch and a fresh counterpoint to the rich chicken. Sometimes, I whip up a quick cucumber salad to add vibrancy and coolness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this chicken over coconut rice for an extra touch of sweetness and paired it with grilled pineapple slices. It feels a little more festive that way and brings a tropical twist to this already amazing dish. I’ve also assembled it as sliders with a bit of fresh slaw for a casual party option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken holds up well, and the sauce thickens even more, which I actually love. Just make sure to reheat gently so the chicken stays tender.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times when meal prepping. It freezes beautifully—just cool completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container. When thawed, the sauce might separate slightly but whisking or stirring while reheating brings it back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This keeps the chicken juicy and restores that sticky glaze. Microwaving works too, but watch for overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders for the Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and have more fat, which adds richness. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

How do I make the sauce less sweet in the Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?

You can reduce the amount of honey or add a bit more rice vinegar or soy sauce to balance the sweetness. Tasting the sauce before simmering helps you adjust to your preference.

Can I prepare this Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and chicken separately, then combine and simmer when you’re ready to serve. Leftovers also reheat well.

What can I serve with the Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?

It pairs perfectly with steamed rice and green veggies like broccoli or green beans. I also like a simple cucumber salad or even cauliflower rice to mix things up.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s approachable, fast, and impressively tasty. Once you master the sauce and get the browning right, you’ll have a go-to recipe that’s ready whenever you want a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.