Are you ever stuck in a dinner rut? You know, that cycle of making the same three or four meals on repeat. When that feeling hits, I have a secret weapon in my recipe arsenal that shatters the boredom every single time: this incredible Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken Dinner Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, savory, and sticky—all the things that make food exciting and completely irresistible.
This isn’t just another chicken dinner. It’s a flavor explosion in a skillet. We’re talking tender, juicy pieces of chicken enveloped in a glistening, bubbly glaze made from honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, and fresh garlic. It’s the kind of meal that has you scraping the pan for every last drop of sauce and immediately planning when you can make it again.
The best part? This showstopper of a meal comes together in under 30 minutes, using just one pan. It’s faster, fresher, and frankly, far more delicious than takeout. I’ll guide you through every simple step to create this sticky, glazed perfection in your own kitchen. Get ready to find your new favorite weeknight meal!
That Perfect Sweet & Spicy Kick
The magic of this dish lies in its perfect balance. It’s a flavor profile I’ve been obsessed with for years, inspired by the incredible street food carts and bustling restaurants I’ve explored. I wanted to capture that addictive quality—where the sweetness of the honey cools the initial kick of spice from the Sriracha just enough to make you dive in for another bite. This recipe is the culmination of much happy experimentation to get that sweet-to-spicy ratio just right.
Why You’ll Be Obsessed With This Recipe:
- A Flavor Explosion: The sauce hits all the right notes—sweet from the honey, spicy from the Sriracha, savory from the soy sauce, and aromatic from fresh garlic and ginger.
- Insanely Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes and all in one skillet? It’s a weeknight dinner dream come true.
- Better Than Takeout: You get all the crave-worthy flavor of your favorite Asian-inspired takeout dish, but it’s made with fresh ingredients and ready in a flash.
- Customizable Heat: You are in complete control of the spice level. Easily dial it up or down to suit your family’s tastes.
Ingredients & Equipment
For the Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken:
- Chicken Thighs: 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Thighs stay extra juicy, but chicken breasts will also work.
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons. For a light coating that helps the chicken brown and the sauce thicken.
- Salt & Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon of each, for seasoning the chicken.
- Avocado or Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon. For cooking the chicken.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, finely minced.
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated.
For the Addictive Glaze:
- Honey: 1/3 cup.
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup, low-sodium. Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Sriracha: 1-3 tablespoons, depending on your desired spice level. I find 2 tablespoons is the sweet spot!
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon. For a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for an extra layer of heat).
For Garnish (Highly Recommended!):
- Green Onions: Sliced.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds.
Helpful Equipment:
- A large skillet or wok
- Small bowl (for mixing the sauce)
- Tongs or a wooden spoon
Time Estimates
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
This comes together fast, so it’s a good idea to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go!
Step 1: Prep the Chicken In a medium bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with the cornstarch, salt, and pepper until every piece is lightly coated. The cornstarch is our secret for getting a slightly crisp exterior and helping the glaze cling beautifully later on.
Step 2: Mix the Glaze In a separate small bowl, whisk together all the glaze ingredients: the honey, soy sauce, Sriracha, and rice vinegar. Set it aside for now.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Heat the oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Try not to move them around too much at first to get that nice sear.
Step 4: Add Aromatics Turn the heat down to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan with the chicken. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until wonderfully fragrant.
Step 5: Time to Glaze! Pour the prepared honey-sriracha sauce mixture into the skillet. Let it come to a bubble, and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. The sauce will thicken and turn into a beautiful, sticky glaze that coats every single piece of chicken.
Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on the glaze. Because of the honey, it can go from perfectly thickened to burnt very quickly!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Once the chicken is gloriously glazed, take it off the heat. Sprinkle generously with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately while it’s hot and sticky!
Notes, Tips, & Variations
- Adjusting the Heat: This recipe is easy to customize. For a milder version, start with just 1 tablespoon of Sriracha. For a fiery kick, use 3 tablespoons and add a pinch more red pepper flakes.
- Chicken Breasts vs. Thighs: While I prefer the flavor and moisture of chicken thighs, you can absolutely use chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily.
- Serving Suggestions: This chicken is practically begging to be served over a bed of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice to soak up any extra glaze. For a balanced meal, add a side of steamed broccoli, bok choy, or a quick Asian cucumber salad.
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
The Best Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp avocado or sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1-3 tbsp Sriracha
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Garnish: Sliced green onions toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until coated.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, Sriracha, and rice vinegar to create the glaze.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour the glaze over the chicken. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened and coats the chicken.
- Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust Sriracha to control the spice level (1 tbsp for mild, 3+ for spicy).
- This recipe works well with chicken breasts, but thighs are recommended for juiciness.
- Serve over rice with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy.
- Watch the glaze carefully as it simmers to prevent it from burning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How can I make this glaze less (or more) spicy? It’s simple! The heat comes primarily from the Sriracha. For a mild dish that kids might enjoy, reduce the Sriracha to 1 tablespoon or even a teaspoon. For those who love heat, increase it to 3 tablespoons and add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes.
2. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you definitely can. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and follow the recipe as written. Just be mindful that breast meat cooks faster and can dry out if overcooked, so keep a close eye on it.
3. What are the best side dishes to serve with this chicken? This sticky, flavorful chicken is perfect with simple sides that let it shine. Fluffy rice (jasmine, basmati, or even my Perfect Fluffy Coconut Rice) is a must for soaking up the sauce. Steamed or roasted broccoli, green beans, or bok choy add a great, healthy crunch.
4. Can I bake this spicy honey chicken instead? You can! To bake it, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Skip the cornstarch step. Place the chicken pieces in a baking dish, pour the prepared sauce over top, and toss to coat. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, stirring halfway. The glaze won’t get quite as thick and sticky as the skillet method, but it’s still delicious.
Let Me Know What You Think!
If you make this Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken, I would be so thrilled to hear about it. Please leave a star rating and a comment below to let me know how it turned out for you. Maybe you can try out my Classic Garlic Butter Chicken Dinner Recipe.
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