Easy Spicy-And-Sweet Glazed Chicken
Juicy chicken coated in a sticky honey soy glaze with garlic, ginger, and chili. This easy sweet-and-spicy chicken recipe makes a flavorful weeknight dinner served with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
- Black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 green onion sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds optional
Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into evenly sized bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Season lightly with black pepper.
Make the glaze: Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth.
Cook the chicken: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until golden and the thickest pieces reach 165°F (74°C).
Add and thicken the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and pour the glaze over the chicken. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer gently until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Add a splash of water if needed.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables.
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Adjust the heat: Add more or less chili flakes depending on your spice preference.
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Choose your chicken: Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier, while chicken breast offers a leaner option.
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Avoid overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary so the chicken browns properly.
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Make the glaze smooth: Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot sauce.
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Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days or freeze for approximately 2–3 months for best quality.
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Serving idea: Pair with steamed rice and broccoli for a complete meal.
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Food safety: Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Total Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5 g
- Total Sugars: 11 g
- Added Sugars: 10 g