Sticky Honey Glazed Chicken with Rice is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy honey glaze. This recipe is a perfect example of comfort food that balances the richness of honey with the umami depth of soy sauce, all served on a bed of fluffy rice. The glaze coats each piece of chicken, giving it an irresistible shine and flavor, while the rice soaks up all the delicious sauce. It’s the perfect dish for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dinner that’s easy to prepare yet bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this meal is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1/3 cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice (or any preferred rice)
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Garnish:
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1:
Start by preparing the rice. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. In a medium pot, combine the rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 2:
While the rice is cooking, prepare the chicken. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) into bite-sized pieces. Season them with black pepper and a pinch of salt.
Step 3:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, making sure they are in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5:
Once the sauce starts to simmer, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly add this slurry to the sauce while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. This will thicken the glaze slightly. Allow the sauce to cook for another 2-3 minutes until it becomes thick and glossy.
Step 6:
Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing them in the honey glaze until they are evenly coated. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the glaze sticks to the chicken.
Variation:
- Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken: If you enjoy a bit of heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili paste to the glaze. This variation gives the dish an extra kick without overpowering the sweetness.
- Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken: For a citrusy twist, add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the glaze along with some lemon zest. This variation adds a fresh, tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the honey and soy sauce.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: For a complete meal, add vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli to the skillet after cooking the chicken. Let the vegetables sauté in the glaze for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Note:
Ensure you keep the heat at a medium level when simmering the sauce to prevent the honey from burning. Honey has a natural tendency to caramelize quickly, so stir frequently to maintain a smooth and glossy consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up while maintaining its rich flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Sticky Honey Glazed Chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice for a satisfying meal. For a complete dining experience, you can pair it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy. Garnish the chicken with sesame seeds, green onions, and fresh cilantro for added texture and a pop of color. Alternatively, for a low-carb option, you can serve this dish over cauliflower rice or a fresh green salad.
Tips:
- For Crispy Chicken: If you prefer a crispier texture, dredge the chicken pieces in cornstarch before frying. This adds a light, crispy coating that pairs beautifully with the sticky glaze.
- Use Thighs for Juiciness: Chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe as they remain juicy and tender. However, you can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred.
- Make it Ahead: The honey glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the sauce and toss with freshly cooked chicken for a quick meal.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, ensuring the dish maintains its rich, umami flavor without gluten.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 425
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs:
Q: Can I use honey alternatives for the glaze?
A: Yes, if you’re looking for a vegan option or prefer a different sweetener, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as substitutes. However, keep in mind that they have a slightly different flavor profile compared to honey.
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
A: Absolutely! To bake the chicken, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked. Once baked, toss the chicken in the honey soy glaze.
Q: What rice works best with this dish?
A: Jasmine rice is the most popular choice as it’s light, fluffy, and absorbs the sauce well. However, basmati rice or even short-grain sushi rice can also be excellent options.
Q: How can I thicken the glaze without cornstarch?
A: You can reduce the glaze by simmering it for a longer period of time. The honey and soy sauce will naturally thicken as the water evaporates, resulting in a sticky, rich glaze without the need for cornstarch.
Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Leftover Sticky Honey Glazed Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, but the texture of the glaze may change slightly after freezing.
Conclusion:
Sticky Honey Glazed Chicken with Rice is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that elevates everyday chicken into something truly special. The combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and fragrant garlic and ginger creates a glaze that is both rich and complex, perfectly complementing tender chicken pieces. Paired with a bed of steamed jasmine rice, this meal is a comfort classic that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or serving guests, this versatile recipe offers endless possibilities for variation and customization. Enjoy the balance of flavors in each sticky, savory bite!
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Sticky Honey Glazed Chicken with Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1/3 cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice (or any preferred rice)
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Garnish:
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1:
Start by preparing the rice. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. In a medium pot, combine the rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 2:
While the rice is cooking, prepare the chicken. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) into bite-sized pieces. Season them with black pepper and a pinch of salt.
Step 3:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, making sure they are in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5:
Once the sauce starts to simmer, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly add this slurry to the sauce while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. This will thicken the glaze slightly. Allow the sauce to cook for another 2-3 minutes until it becomes thick and glossy.
Step 6:
Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing them in the honey glaze until they are evenly coated. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the glaze sticks to the chicken.
Notes
Cooking Note:
Ensure you keep the heat at a medium level when simmering the sauce to prevent the honey from burning. Honey has a natural tendency to caramelize quickly, so stir frequently to maintain a smooth and glossy consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up while maintaining its rich flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 425
- Sodium: 800mg
- Protein: 30g