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Ultimate Sticky Chicken

Ultimate Sticky Chicken
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The Ultimate Sticky Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a perfectly balanced sticky glaze with sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile and family-friendly dish is easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or vegetables, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts – about 1 to 1.5 pounds

Marinade & Sauce

  • Soy sauce – 1/4 cup (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • Honey or maple syrup – 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
  • Fresh ginger – 1 tablespoon, grated
  • Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar – 1 tablespoon
  • Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon
  • Chili flakes or fresh chili (optional) – 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon

Garnish

  • Green onions – 2, sliced
  • Toasted sesame seeds – 1 tablespoon

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Add the chicken pieces and coat thoroughly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes to develop a caramelized crust. Flip and cook the other side until cooked through and juices run clear.
  3. Reduce the Sauce: Remove the chicken and set aside. Pour the remaining marinade into the pan and reduce over medium heat until thickened into a sticky glaze.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing well to evenly coat with the sticky glaze. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot for the best experience.

Notes

  • Use dark meat (chicken thighs) for juicier results.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to ensure crispiness.
  • Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to avoid contamination when making the sauce.
  • Adjust marinade sweetness and acidity to taste while reducing the sauce.
  • Marinate from 15 minutes up to 24 hours for more intense flavor.
  • Reheat gently on stove to preserve moisture and sauce texture; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: sticky chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, sweet and savory chicken, gluten-free chicken dish, tender chicken thighs

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/ultimate-sticky-chicken/