Irresistible Sticky Sweet Garlic Chicken Recipe

Introduction

If you're looking for a dish that marries savory and sweet, look no further than sticky sweet garlic chicken. This recipe brings together tender chicken pieces coated in a luscious sauce that’s packed with flavor. It’s a perfect meal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

The key to achieving that irresistible sticky goodness lies in a combination of garlic, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. As the chicken cooks, these ingredients meld together, creating a glaze that clings beautifully to every bite. You’ll want to make this dish again and again, it’s that good.

Whether served over rice or with a side of steamed vegetables, sticky sweet garlic chicken is sure to impress family and friends alike. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!

Ingredients

• 1 pound of chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions & Preparation

1. Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar until well combined.
3. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce later.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking until they are browned on the outside, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet and stir to coat evenly. Lower the heat to medium and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet and stir well. This will thicken the sauce, making it sticky and glossy. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has reached your desired consistency.
7. Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to cool slightly and thicken more if needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, over rice or with your favorite side.

FAQs

What can I do if the sauce is too thick?

If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may require slightly less cooking time as they tend to cook faster than thighs.

What if I want to make this recipe spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.

How can I make this dish more aromatic?

Adding some star anise or a few crushed cloves during the cooking process can enhance the aroma.

What should I do if my garlic burns while cooking?

If the garlic burns, it can impart a bitter flavor. To avoid this, add the garlic later in the cooking process, just before adding the sauce.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

Sticky sweet garlic chicken is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a straightforward dish to prepare. It combines simple ingredients to create a meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Give this recipe a try, and you might just find it becoming a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the satisfaction of crafting a delicious dish right at home!

Recipe Card

Irresistible Sticky Sweet Garlic Chicken Recipe

Sticky Sweet Garlic Chicken made approachable with clear cues, pantry staples, and flexible swaps.

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound of chicken thighs boneless and skinless
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 6 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
• 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)

Method

 

1. Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar until well combined.
3. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce later.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking until they are browned on the outside, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet and stir to coat evenly. Lower the heat to medium and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet and stir well. This will thicken the sauce, making it sticky and glossy. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has reached your desired consistency.
7. Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to cool slightly and thicken more if needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, over rice or with your favorite side.

Notes

Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.

For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.

Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.