Honey Garlic Sticky Chicken

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Indulge your taste buds in a symphony of flavors with our irresistible Honey Garlic Sticky Chicken recipe. This dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with succulent chicken pieces coated in a luscious glaze that will leave you craving for more. The tender, juicy chicken is marinated in a harmonious blend of honey, garlic, and select spices, then baked to perfection, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and utterly delectable. Whether you are preparing a weeknight family dinner or hosting a special gathering, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the kitchen and create a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO MAKE IT

• Chicken Legs or Thighs
• Rice Vinegar
• Toasted Sesame Oil
• Soy Sauce
• Honey
• Fresh Ginger
• Fresh Garlic
• Asian Chili Garlic
• Salt

HOW TO MAKE HONEY GARLIC STICKY CHICKEN?

Prepare the marinade to combine the white wine vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, Asian chili garlic sauce, and toasted sesame oil. I use my Cuisinart Mini-Prep food chopper to make the marinade. I find this is the easiest way to go is to dump everything together and push the button and bam it’s all combined.

Put chicken and marinade in a zip lock back and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Foil line a baking dish (for easy clean up) and the chicken in the baking dish.

Pour the remaining marinade into a saucepan and reduce for 10 minutes while the chicken is in the oven for 35 minutes.

Pull the pan out of the oven and brush the reduced marinade on the chicken.

Then place the pan back in the oven for another 10 minutes. Watch it carefully so the honey glaze doesn’t burn and if it darkens too much cover it with a piece of foil for the last few minutes.

Questions and pro-Tips for Cooking Success:

Honey Garlic Sticky Chicken is sure to become a family favorite! Here are the answers to your most common questions:

Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?

You can feel free to use either boneless or bone-in chicken. Also, you don’t have to stick with chicken thighs for this recipe, drumsticks are also fantastic or leg quarters. 

How long should I marinate the chicken for optimal flavor?

For optimal flavor, it’s recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to an hour. However, if you have the time, letting it marinate for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator can result in even more flavorful and tender chicken. This allows the flavors from the honey, garlic, and other seasonings to penetrate the meat, creating a delicious and well-balanced taste. Remember to cover the marinating chicken and place it in the refrigerator for the specified time.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier for those who enjoy heat?

There’s a small amount of heat in the garlic chili sauce in this dish.  However, if you want a dish without any heat, feel free to leave it out completely.  If you are craving more of a spicy kick, shake some crushed red pepper flakes on top.

What’s the ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken to ensure it’s safe to eat?

The boneless chicken will take much less time than bone-in, so adjust baking times accordingly. The foolproof method is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, and try not to touch the bone. It should register 165˚F when cooked through.

What side dishes pair well with honey garlic sticky chicken?

Let’s talk side dishes!  Sometimes my favorite part of the meal is the sidedishes but, here the Honey Garlic Sticky Chicken really shines the most!  One of my favorite things to serve with this is french fries!  But we have a great recipe for Easy Homemade Hassleback Potatoes or Maple Roasted Carrots if you are having a quick evening dinner. Or to keep things low carb, then add a green side salad, with your favorite chopped-up vegetables and dressing. 

HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVERS?

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS?

Place the cooled leftover chicken in an airtight container or zip-top storage bag and refrigerate for 3 days.

how to reheat leftovers?

You have a few options: microwave, air fry, or place the chicken in a baking dish covered with foil. Bake at 350°F until heated through. When the chicken is just about ready, take the foil off of the baking dish so that the skin can crisp up for the last ten minutes or so of cooking. 

Can I freeze leftover honey garlic sticky chicken for later?

• Definitely, baked chicken is great for freezing. I like to take the meat off the bones so that it freezes and thaws faster.

• Either way, place the chicken in freezer bags and press out as much air as possible before sealing.

• Freeze for up to three months, and thaw in the fridge before reheating.