Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe

The Tangy-Sweet Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe You’ll Adore

Crispy chicken breasts glazed with honey sriracha sauce promise an explosion of sweet and spicy flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Unexpected combinations create magical moments in the kitchen when you experiment with bold ingredients.

Tender meat meets zesty condiments for a meal that breaks through ordinary dinner routines.

Balanced heat from sriracha and rich sweetness of honey combine in a sauce that clings perfectly to each chicken piece.

Quick to prepare and impressive to serve, this dish brings restaurant-quality excitement directly to your dining table.

Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor – that’s the secret behind this crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Dive into this culinary adventure and watch everyone ask for seconds.

  • Spice Up Your Meal: Honey Sriracha Chicken brings a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that will excite your taste buds and break the monotony of regular chicken dishes.
  • Master Quick Cooking: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: The combination of honey's sweetness and Sriracha's kick creates a universally appealing dish that will satisfy both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.
  • Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Easily prepared in a single skillet with pantry staples, this chicken recipe can be ready faster than ordering takeout, providing a homemade alternative that's healthier and more satisfying.

Ingredients Needed for Honey Sriracha Chicken

Sauce Ingredients:
  • Honey: A sweet natural sweetener that helps create a glossy and caramelized coating for the chicken.
  • Sriracha: A spicy chili sauce that adds a bold and tangy kick to the dish.
  • Soy Sauce: A savory condiment that provides depth and umami flavor to the sauce.
  • Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
Protein:
  • Chicken: The main protein that absorbs the delicious honey sriracha sauce and creates a satisfying main course.
Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • Cooking Oil: A neutral oil used to brown the chicken and prevent sticking to the skillet.
Garnish (Optional):
  • Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Toppings that add a nutty crunch and fresh herbal notes to the finished dish.

How to Prepare Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

Whisk together the sweet golden honey, fiery sriracha, umami-rich soy sauce, and freshly minced garlic in a mixing bowl until the ingredients blend smoothly and create a vibrant, glossy marinade.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken for Cooking

Sprinkle chicken pieces with kosher salt and cracked black pepper, ensuring each piece gets an even coating of seasoning for maximum flavor development.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat neutral cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot pan, allowing them to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Cook each side until a crispy exterior forms and the meat begins to caramelize.

Step 4: Simmer in Spicy-Sweet Sauce

Pour the prepared honey sriracha sauce directly over the seared chicken pieces.

Reduce heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat each piece completely. Continue cooking until chicken reaches safe internal temperature and sauce becomes glossy and slightly reduced.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the chicken for added texture and visual appeal. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy the bold, tantalizing flavors immediately while hot.

Helpful Tips for Honey Sriracha Chicken

  • Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version of the sauce.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result.
  • Adjust Sriracha amount to control spice level and suit personal heat preferences.
  • Marinate chicken for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor absorption.
  • Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Flavor Variations for Honey Sriracha Chicken

  • Spicy Maple Chicken: Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a different sweet-heat profile, using cayenne pepper instead of Sriracha.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe celiac-friendly and reduce sodium.
  • Asian Inspired Variant: Add ginger, rice vinegar, and a splash of sesame oil to enhance the sauce's complexity and depth of flavor.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of honey and serve over cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the original recipe's zesty character.

Pairing Ideas for Honey Sriracha Chicken

  • Spicy Sweet Platter: Arrange chicken over fluffy white rice, drizzling extra sauce on top for maximum flavor absorption and visual appeal.
  • Asian-Inspired Lettuce Wraps: Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces, serve inside crisp lettuce leaves with extra sauce on the side for a light, refreshing meal option.
  • Quick Meal Prep Bowl: Pack chicken with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a small container of sauce for an easy lunch that stays delicious and exciting throughout the day.
  • Game Night Appetizer: Cut chicken into smaller pieces, skewer with toothpicks, and serve as a crowd-pleasing finger food perfect for parties and social gatherings.

Proper Storage for Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe

  • Refrigerate leftover Honey Sriracha Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
  • Store chicken pieces separately from sauce to prevent soggy texture and preserve crispy edges.
  • Cool chicken completely before placing in refrigerator to prevent condensation and bacterial growth.
  • Avoid leaving cooked chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

FAQs

  • Is Sriracha sauce very spicy?

Sriracha adds a moderate heat that’s balanced by the sweetness of honey, making it enjoyable for most spice levels.

  • Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes, this recipe works well with chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders. Just adjust cooking time based on the cut’s thickness.

  • How do I prevent the chicken from burning?

Cook on medium heat and stir occasionally. The honey in the sauce can caramelize quickly, so watch the skillet carefully.

  • Do I need any special ingredients?

Most ingredients are common pantry staples. The key components are honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, and garlic, which you likely already have.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe

Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Zesty honey sriracha chicken brings bold Thai-inspired flavors to your dinner table. Spicy, sweet marinade creates perfectly glazed chicken that delivers complex taste sensations you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds chicken breast or thighs

Sauce Components:

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) sriracha sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish (Optional):

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Whisk together a vibrant glaze combining fiery Sriracha, golden honey, umami-rich soy sauce, and aromatic minced garlic in a mixing bowl.
  2. Generously season chicken pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coating.
  3. Warm a skillet over medium heat with a thin layer of oil, carefully placing chicken to achieve a golden-brown exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
  4. Cascade the prepared spicy-sweet sauce over the sizzling chicken, reducing heat and allowing the mixture to gently simmer and caramelize for 6-8 minutes.
  5. When chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and sauce transforms into a glossy, thick glaze, remove from heat.
  6. Transfer to serving platter, elegantly garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and additional flavor complexity.
  7. Serve immediately while the chicken remains piping hot and sauce remains luxuriously sticky.

Notes

  • Adjust Sriracha quantity to match your heat tolerance, from mild to fiery hot.
  • Use reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.
  • Prepare chicken in larger batches and store in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals.
  • Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for vegetarian version, or use cauliflower for a plant-based twist.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star