Sticky Honey Chicken is a popular Asian-inspired dish that has gained widespread popularity globally. This sweet and savory chicken dish is made by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and spices, then grilled or baked until caramelized and crispy. The sauce is sticky and sweet, with a deep, caramel-like flavor that is both addictive and irresistible. When done correctly, Sticky Honey Chicken makes for a mouth-watering and crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
* 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1/4 cup honey
* 2 tbsp soy sauce
* 2 tbsp brown sugar
* 1 tsp ground ginger
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1 tsp sesame oil
* 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
* 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
* 2 tbsp cornstarch
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Vegetable oil for brushing
Cooking Steps:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic powder, and sesame oil to make the marinade.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
4. Place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each piece to allow for air circulation. Brush with vegetable oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
5. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until caramelized and crispy, flipping halfway through.
6. While the chicken is baking, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tbsp of water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the pan juices and bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened and turned sticky.
7. Remove the chicken from the oven and brush with the sticky honey sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the sauce is caramelized and glazed.
Tips and Variations:
* For a deeper flavor, add 1-2 tbsp of rice vinegar or mirin to the marinade.
* For a spicy kick, add 1-2 tsp of sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade.
* For a smoky flavor, add 1-2 tbsp of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the marinade.
* To make a Korean-style version, add 1 tbsp of Gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the marinade.
* To make a Thai-style version, add 1 tbsp of fish sauce and 1 tsp of palm sugar to the marinade.
* To make a vegan version, substitute chicken with tofu, tempeh, or seitan, and use a plant-based honey substitute or maple syrup.