Are you looking for a dish that combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors all in one bite? Then you're in for a treat! This Honey Sriracha Chicken recipe will not only tantalize your taste buds but also leave you craving more. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or looking for something to impress your guests, this dish is a perfect choice. Read through this article for the full recipe, tips, and serving suggestions to make sure your Honey Sriracha Chicken turns out perfectly every time!
What is Honey Sriracha Chicken?
Honey Sriracha Chicken is a flavorful dish where tender pieces of chicken are coated in a sticky, spicy, and sweet sauce made from Sriracha sauce and honey. The contrast between the sweet honey and the heat from Sriracha creates an irresistible balance that is both comforting and exciting. The dish can be served over rice, vegetables, or even as part of a sandwich or wrap. It’s versatile, easy to make, and packed with flavor!
Ingredients List for Honey Sriracha Chicken
Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. Here's a list of ingredients for the perfect Honey Sriracha Chicken:
- Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless) – 1 lb (450g)
- Sriracha sauce – 3 tbsp
- Honey – 4 tbsp
- Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
- Garlic (minced) – 3 cloves
- Rice vinegar – 1 tbsp
- Olive oil or vegetable oil – 2 tbsp
- Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon (for thickening)
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Green onions (chopped) – for garnish
- Sesame seeds – for garnish
Ingredients for the Marinade
While the sauce is the star of the show, marinating the chicken enhances the flavors, making the dish even more delicious. Here’s what you need for the marinade:
- Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
- Garlic (minced) – 2 cloves
- Ginger (grated) – 1 tsp
- Honey – 1 tbsp
- Sesame oil – 1 tbsp
- Black pepper – 1 tsp
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about cooking is how flexible recipes can be. Here are some substitutions and variations for the Honey Sriracha Chicken recipe that can fit your dietary preferences and available ingredients:
- Chicken thighs vs. breasts: While chicken breasts are leaner, thighs are more forgiving and remain juicier after cooking. Use whichever you prefer!
- Sriracha alternatives: If Sriracha is too spicy for your taste, you can replace it with a milder hot sauce or even a chili-garlic sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Honey substitutions: Agave syrup, maple syrup, or brown sugar can replace honey if you're out of it, though the taste may differ slightly.
- Gluten-free option: To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
- Extra veggies: You can add veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to this dish for added texture and nutrition.
- Vegan variation: Swap out chicken for tofu or a plant-based chicken substitute. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you've got your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the cooking process. Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to make your Honey Sriracha Chicken:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, sesame oil, and black pepper. Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces, then add the chicken to the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator for best results. If you're in a hurry, 15 minutes will still infuse some flavor into the chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil or vegetable oil to the pan. Once heated, remove the chicken from the marinade (shaking off excess) and place it into the skillet. Cook the chicken pieces for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Set the cooked chicken aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey Sriracha Sauce
In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add Sriracha sauce, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to the pan. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry, and then stir it into the sauce. This will help thicken the sauce.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Toss the chicken in the sauce, making sure each piece is well coated. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
How to Cook Honey Sriracha Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
For those who need a quicker overview, here's a streamlined step-by-step guide for making Honey Sriracha Chicken:
- Marinate the chicken: Combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, sesame oil, and black pepper. Marinate for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Cook the chicken: In a skillet, cook marinated chicken until golden brown. Set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: Sauté garlic, then add Sriracha, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry.
- Combine: Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce and let simmer for a few minutes to infuse flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Honey Sriracha Chicken, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breast can dry out if overcooked. Keep an eye on the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Not marinating the chicken long enough: Marinating infuses the chicken with flavor. If possible, let it sit for at least 30 minutes or more.
- Burning the sauce: Honey can burn quickly if the heat is too high. Once the sauce starts simmering, reduce the heat to prevent burning.
- Skipping the cornstarch: Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce. If you skip it, the sauce may be too runny.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation can make a huge difference when serving Honey Sriracha Chicken. Here are some tips to elevate the appearance of your dish:
- Serve over a bed of rice: Sticky jasmine rice or brown rice pairs beautifully with Honey Sriracha Chicken. The rice soaks up the sauce, enhancing the flavor experience.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds: Freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds add both color and texture to the dish.
- Add lime wedges: Serve with lime wedges for an optional citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
How to Serve Honey Sriracha Chicken
There are plenty of ways to serve Honey Sriracha Chicken:
- On top of rice: Serve with jasmine rice, basmati rice, or quinoa for a balanced meal.
- In lettuce wraps: Wrap the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb option.
- As a sandwich: Use the chicken as a filling for sandwiches or sliders, adding coleslaw for extra crunch.
- In tacos: Add a fun twist by serving Honey Sriracha Chicken in soft taco shells with pickled veggies.
Presentation Ideas for Honey Sriracha Chicken
Elevate your plating with these simple presentation ideas:
- Serve on a wooden platter: If you're entertaining, arrange the chicken on a wooden serving platter with small bowls of garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds on the side.
- Use contrasting plates: The bright red hue of the sauce pops beautifully on white or light-colored plates.
- Layer with sides: Present the chicken alongside colorful steamed vegetables for a visually stunning meal.
Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe Tips
- Adjust the spice level: If you're sensitive to heat, reduce the amount of Sriracha or add more honey to balance the spiciness.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the marinade and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
- Double the sauce: If you're a sauce lover, feel free to double the sauce ingredients so you can drizzle extra sauce over rice or veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken?
A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but it will require a longer cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Q: How long does Honey Sriracha Chicken last in the fridge?
A: You can store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Q: Can I freeze Honey Sriracha Chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze the chicken, but keep in mind that the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon reheating.
Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Q: How can I make the sauce less spicy?
A: To reduce the heat, use less Sriracha and add more honey or a tablespoon of ketchup to mellow the spice.
Conclusion
Honey Sriracha Chicken is the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, making it a hit for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can create a delicious and crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you're serving it over rice, in a wrap, or on its own, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Don’t forget to experiment with variations and presentation ideas to make it your own. Happy cooking!
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Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Honey Sriracha Chicken recipe combines juicy chicken with a perfect balance of honey sweetness and sriracha heat. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal, this dish is simple to prepare with minimal ingredients and offers a satisfying mix of sweet and spicy flavors. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, it's sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs or breasts
- Honey
- Sriracha
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Lime juice
- Green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, lime juice, and minced garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on both sides.
- Pour the honey-sriracha sauce over the chicken, simmer for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
- Serve hot with rice or vegetables.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sriracha based on your spice preference.
- You can use chicken thighs for juicier results or breasts for a leaner option.
- Leftovers store well for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 700mg
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