Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe for Flavor Fanatics

Crispy chicken gets a delectable honey sriracha kick that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Every bite promises a perfect balance between sweet and spicy flavors.

Succulent pieces of chicken showcase an incredible marinade that transforms ordinary meals into something extraordinary.

Ingredients like honey and sriracha create a magical combination that elevates home cooking.

Bold spices mingle with smooth honey for a sauce that clings perfectly to each chicken morsel.

Incredibly simple techniques help you craft this restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when standard dinner feels too boring.

What Makes Honey Sriracha Chicken So Good

  • Spice Up Your Dinner: Honey Sriracha Chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and break the monotony of regular weeknight meals.
  • Whip Up with Ease: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels who want a restaurant-quality dish without complicated techniques.
  • Quick and Satisfying Meal: From start to finish, you can have a delicious, protein-packed dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy individuals craving a flavorful and nutritious option.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: The bold yet balanced sauce works wonderfully with chicken and can easily be adapted for different proteins like tofu or shrimp, ensuring something for everyone at the dinner table.

Ingredients Needed For Honey Sriracha Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that provides the primary protein source for this flavorful dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Honey, Sriracha, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar: A sweet, spicy, and tangy combination that creates a rich and complex flavor profile for the chicken.
Cooking and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential for cooking the chicken and enhancing its natural flavors.
  • Butter, Garlic: Add richness and aromatic depth to the sauce.
Garnish:
  • Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Provide a crunchy texture and fresh, light finish to the dish.

Stepwise Guide To Cooking Honey Sriracha Chicken

Stepwise Guide To Cooking Honey Sriracha Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over chicken breasts, ensuring both sides are well-seasoned.

Step 2: Cook Chicken to Golden Perfection

Place seasoned chicken in the hot skillet.

Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Transfer chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Base

In the same skillet, melt butter until it becomes slightly foamy.

Add minced garlic and sauté until it releases its fragrant aroma, creating a delicious foundation for the sauce.

Step 4: Whip Up Spicy Sweet Sauce

Combine the following ingredients in the skillet:
  • Honey
  • Sriracha
  • Soy sauce
  • Rice vinegar

Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce begins to thicken and develop a glossy appearance.

Step 5: Marry Chicken with Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Gently toss the chicken to ensure it’s completely coated with the spicy-sweet sauce.

Continue simmering for an additional 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken.

Plate alongside steamed rice or your favorite roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor.

Tips For Perfect Honey Sriracha Chicken

  • Keep skillet at medium heat to prevent burning garlic and scorching sauce, ensuring perfect caramelization without bitter flavors.
  • Reduce sriracha for mild version or add extra for heat lovers, tailoring the dish to personal taste preferences.
  • Pound chicken breasts to even thickness before cooking to guarantee uniform doneness and prevent dry edges.
  • If sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer or add a tiny cornstarch slurry to achieve desired thickness without compromising flavor.
  • Cook extra chicken and sauce, storing separately in refrigerator for up to 3 days, making quick reheatable meals throughout the week.

Flavor Variations For Honey Sriracha Chicken

  • Spicy Maple Chicken: Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a rich, woodsy flavor profile that adds depth to the sauce while maintaining sweetness.
  • Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce salt quantity to create a heart-friendly option without compromising taste intensity.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular soy sauce with tamari sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and marinating protein beforehand to absorb maximum sauce flavors.

Serving Suggestions For Honey Sriracha Chicken

  • Zesty Side Symphony: Pair this spicy-sweet chicken with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce and balance the heat.
  • Veggie Crunch Companion: Roast broccoli or asparagus with a light olive oil drizzle to complement the chicken's bold flavors and add nutritional balance.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds just before serving to enhance visual appeal and add a bright, nutty crunch.
  • Quick Meal Hack: Slice leftover chicken and toss into a fresh salad or wrap for an easy next-day lunch with maximum flavor impact.

Storing Honey Sriracha Chicken Properly

  • Store leftover honey sriracha chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
  • Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
  • Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • Is sriracha very spicy?

Sriracha has a moderate heat level, with a spiciness that’s noticeable but not overwhelming. The honey in this recipe helps balance and soften the heat, making it enjoyable for most people who like a mild kick.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe. They’re often more flavorful and stay juicier than chicken breasts. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs might take a few minutes longer to cook through.

  • What if I don't have rice vinegar?

You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. These alternatives will provide a similar tangy flavor profile to help balance the sweet and spicy sauce.

Print
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Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe

Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delectable honey sriracha chicken merges sweet and spicy flavors from Asian cuisine. Crispy chicken pieces glazed with a tangy sauce create an irresistible meal you can easily prepare at home.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

  • Sesame seeds
  • Green onions

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a medium-heat skillet, seasoning chicken breasts with salt and pepper for robust flavor.
  2. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, then transfer to a clean plate.
  3. Using the same skillet, melt butter and quickly sauté minced garlic until aromatic and slightly translucent.
  4. Create a vibrant sauce by whisking together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, allowing it to simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Gently reintroduce the cooked chicken into the skillet, carefully coating each piece with the spicy-sweet sauce and letting it absorb flavors for an additional 3-4 minutes.
  6. Enhance the dish’s visual appeal and texture by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions over the glazed chicken.
  7. Plate the chicken alongside steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete, restaurant-quality meal.

Notes

  • Adjust sriracha levels to control spiciness, adding less for mild heat or more for adventurous palates.
  • Swap chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier, more flavorful alternative that stays tender during cooking.
  • Prepare marinade ahead of time and let chicken soak for 30 minutes to enhance deeper flavor absorption.
  • Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 460 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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