Spice up your dinner with honey garlic sriracha chicken! This flavorful dish combines the sweetness of honey, the boldness of garlic, and the spicy kick of sriracha to create a mouthwatering meal that you won’t soon forget. I’m excited to share this easy recipe that can be a lifesaver for busy weeknights and impress your friends at weekend gatherings.
My love for honey garlic sriracha chicken began when I first tried it at a local restaurant. At that moment, I knew I had to recreate this amazing dish at home. After experimenting with different ingredients and cooking techniques, I have finally mastered the perfect recipe that produces deliciously tender chicken and a sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything.
In the following paragraphs, I will walk you through the simple steps to create this mouthwatering dish, including the ingredients you’ll need, the perfect balance of flavors, and how to cook it to perfection. Trust me, once you taste this honey garlic sriracha chicken, it will quickly become a must-have in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients and Preparation
Chicken
When I make Honey Garlic Sriracha Chicken, I typically use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are my favorite because they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. To start, you will need:
1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon of oil for cooking
First, I season the chicken with salt and pepper. Then, I heat oil in a skillet or pan on medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, I add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through. After cooking the chicken, I transfer it to a plate or baking sheet and let it rest while I prepare the sauce.
Sauce for Chicken
The sauce for the Honey Garlic Sriracha Chicken is what makes this recipe so special. It’s a mouthwatering combination of sweet and spicy, with an underlying punch of garlic flavor. To make the sauce, you will need:
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup sriracha sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari, for a gluten-free option)
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tablespoon fresh-grated ginger
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
I whisk together the honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small saucepan. In a separate bowl, I mix the water and cornstarch to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce later.
Next, I bring the honey-sriracha mixture to a simmer over medium heat. After about 5 minutes, I add the cornstarch slurry and continue to simmer until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.
To finish the dish, I pour the warm sauce over the cooked chicken and let it marinate for at least 5 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors of the sauce. Finally, I garnish the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Honey Garlic Sriracha Chicken can be served over white or brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even noodles. The sauce is filled with protein, iron, and vitamin A, making it a healthy and delicious option for any meal. Also, storing leftovers in an airtight container can make for a quick and easy dinner the next day.
Cooking Method
Skillet Cooking
Using a skillet is my preferred method for this delicious Honey Garlic Sriracha Chicken. I begin by heating up a little cooking oil in my trusty skillet over medium heat. Then, I sear the skinless chicken pieces until they develop a crisp, golden brown exterior. The sweet and spicy flavors meld together, creating a perfect balance. As I’m cooking the chicken, I continuously baste it with the honey garlic Sriracha sauce, ensuring that the dish remains juicy and flavorful.
Oven Baking
If I want a more hands-off approach, baking the chicken in the oven is a great alternative. I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C) before lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. My chicken pieces, coated in the sauce, go on the parchment paper. Cooking times vary, but usually, they take between 20 to 25 minutes. Of course, I check the internal temperature, ensuring that it reads at least 165°F (75°C) before serving.
Degrees
Cooking Time
400°F
20-25 minutes
Grilling
When summer comes and I want to enjoy the outdoors, I fire up the grill. Preparing my grill pan, I brush it lightly with some oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Waiting for the heat to reach a medium-high temperature, I then add the marinated, skinless chicken pieces. Rotating and basting the chicken with the sauce every few minutes, I ensure a nice charred, yet juicy finish. The aroma from the spice and sweet combination fills the air, making the experience even more delightful.
With these methods, my Honey Garlic Sriracha Chicken turns out flavorful and succulent. No matter if I choose to cook with a skillet, in the oven, or on the grill, I know I’m in for a treat.
Nutrition Information
I enjoy making Honey Garlic Sriracha Chicken because it packs a flavorful punch and provides a variety of nutrients. Here’s what you can expect nutritionally from this dish:
Nutrient
Amount
% Daily Value
Calories
300
Total Fat
14g
22%
Saturated Fat
3g
15%
Cholesterol
85mg
28%
Sodium
800mg
34%
Total Carbohydrate
15g
5%
Dietary Fiber
1g
4%
Sugars
9g
Protein
29g
58%
Vitamin C
4%
Calcium
2%
Potassium
300mg
9%
In this dish, I’ve managed to keep the fat content relatively low, with only 3 grams of saturated fat. The majority of the fat comes from healthier sources, such as the chicken itself and any oil used in the cooking process. The cholesterol is present but to be expected in a chicken dish.
I ensured that the sodium content is reasonable, considering the use of soy sauce and Sriracha. However, you can always opt for a low-sodium version of these ingredients to further reduce the sodium content.
When it comes to carbohydrates, I’ve managed to keep them on the lower side with the help of the honey and ginger. This also benefits the sugar content, which remains relatively low despite the sweetness of the dish.
The dietary fiber is not abundant, given that the dish mainly focuses on the chicken. Adding more vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli would increase the overall fiber content.
Potassium, vitamin C, and calcium are also present in this dish, albeit at lower percentages. These nutrients come primarily from the ginger and the small amount of vegetables included in the recipe.
Overall, I made sure to create a flavorful Honey Garlic Sriracha Chicken dish without sacrificing its nutritional value.
Serving Suggestions
I’ve found that this Honey Garlic Sriracha Chicken recipe makes a delicious and easy dinner option. When serving this juicy chicken recipe, one of my favorite combinations is to pair it with rice or noodles, as they soak up the savory sauce beautifully. For a healthier, lower-carb option, you can also try serving it over cauliflower rice.
In my experience, adding a drizzle of lime juice on top of the chicken really helps to enhance the flavors and adds a refreshing, zesty touch. If you’re a fan of takeout, trust me, this meal will satisfy those cravings while being much healthier and more cost-effective.
When it comes to presentation, I like to remove any bones before serving, ensuring the chicken is as tender as possible. A side of steamed or roasted broccoli makes for a great accompaniment to the dish, adding some extra nutrients and contrasting textures.
I’ve also discovered that this Honey Garlic Sriracha Chicken is perfect for meal prep. You can easily customize the dish by grilling or baking the chicken in the oven, depending on your preference. Preparing a larger batch allows you to have a ready-to-go, delicious dinner option for those busy weekdays, saving you both time and stress.
Storage and Leftovers
When it comes to storing and managing leftovers of my Honey Garlic Sriracha Chicken, I like to use an airtight container to keep the dish fresh and delicious. It’s essential to store this dish in a dry environment to avoid any moisture affecting the chicken’s flavor and texture.
To ensure that the dish remains healthy and nutritious, I recommend consuming the leftovers within three to four days of preparation. If I am not able to finish this addictive meal within that timeframe, I usually freeze the Honey Garlic Sriracha Chicken in a separate airtight container, where it can last for up to two months.
Beside wings, the Honey Garlic Sriracha sauce is versatile and can be used to enhance the flavor of various takeout dishes that I usually order. Reheating leftovers is a breeze; I typically just pop a serving in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until warmed through, and then it’s good to go.
Some of my favorite ways to repurpose these leftovers include:
Tossing the Honey Garlic Sriracha Chicken with a fresh salad for added protein and flavor
Adding the chicken to a stir-fry for an extra kick of spice
Incorporating it into a rice or noodle bowl for a hearty and satisfying meal
In summary, using an airtight container and keeping the environment dry and moist-free will help maintain the freshness and flavor of your Honey Garlic Sriracha Chicken leftovers. Enjoy experimenting with the versatile sauce in various dishes for an exciting and healthy meal experience.
Variations and Customization
I enjoy playing around with recipes, and honey garlic sriracha chicken is no exception. I’ve found that there are many ways to customize the dish to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
When I want a spicier dish, I increase the amount of sriracha sauce in the recipe. But for a milder flavor, I reduce the sriracha or substitute it with a less spicy hot sauce. If I have a craving for something sweeter, I add a little extra honey or even some brown sugar.
For an easy and delicious dinner, I sometimes serve honey garlic sriracha chicken with steamed vegetables or rice. The sauce adds a tasty layer of flavor to these simple sides. One of my favorite ways to enjoy this dish is by making lettuce wraps, using the chicken as filling and the delicious sauce as a dipping companion.
Healthier Options
Ingredient
Substitute
Benefit
Salt
Low-sodium soy sauce
Less sodium
Sugar
Honey
Natural sweetener
Deep-frying
Bake or grill
Less fat
I am always looking for ways to make my meals healthier. To do this, I replace the salt with low-sodium soy sauce, which helps reduce the overall sodium content of the dish. Instead of using regular sugar in the sauce, I prefer to use honey, which is a natural sweetener.
When I want to cut down on fat, I bake or grill the chicken instead of frying it. Doing so not only reduces the overall fat content of the dish, but it also keeps the chicken tender and moist.
Flavor Boosters
Ginger
Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, etc.)
To add even more flavor to my honey garlic sriracha chicken, I often include ginger in the sauce. I also enjoy experimenting with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to bring out the dish’s savory profile.
With these various options, you can easily modify the honey garlic sriracha chicken recipe to your liking, making it the perfect customizable addition to your dinner rotation.
Final Thoughts and Tips
I find this honey garlic sriracha chicken recipe to be easy and delicious. The sweet and spicy flavor combination gives the dish a perfect zing. As a healthier chicken recipe, it doesn’t compromise on taste and is sure to impress anyone for whom you’re serving it.
Here are some tips to follow while preparing this delicious dish:
To ensure a perfect char on the chicken, make sure you marinate it well and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors seep in, leading to a tastier final product.
While cooking, keep a close eye on the chicken’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Look for a reading of 165°F (74°C) to make sure it’s cooked through, yet remains juicy.
Experiment with the ratio of honey, garlic, and sriracha sauce to suit your personal taste preferences. Some may prefer a sweeter flavor, while others might enjoy a more pronounced kick of spice.
Incorporating this garlic sriracha chicken dish into your meal rotation is a great way to bring excitement to your cooking repertoire. Its unique taste and versatility make it a go-to option for a quick, satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by everyone at the table.
Honey Garlic Sriracha Chicken
This is an amazing spicy chicken recipe. My family loves it.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
