If you're craving a mouth-watering dish that blends the perfect harmony of sweetness and heat, this Honey Sriracha Chicken recipe is exactly what you need. This easy-to-follow recipe combines tender chicken with a flavorful honey and sriracha sauce, giving you a quick yet delicious meal that will leave you coming back for more. Whether you're planning a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Continue reading to learn all about how to make this delicious dish, along with useful tips, substitutions, and serving ideas!
What is Honey Sriracha Chicken?
Honey Sriracha Chicken is a savory dish that fuses sweet honey with the fiery kick of sriracha sauce. This combination creates a unique glaze that coats tender, juicy chicken to create a meal that balances sweet and spicy flavors beautifully. It’s a popular dish for anyone who loves the heat of chili sauce but appreciates the mellow sweetness of honey to balance it out. Whether grilled, baked, or pan-fried, Honey Sriracha Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an entrée, appetizer, or even as part of a larger meal.
Ingredients List for Honey Sriracha Chicken
Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to make Honey Sriracha Chicken:
- Chicken thighs or breasts (boneless and skinless): 4 pieces
- Sriracha sauce: 2-3 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
- Honey: 3 tablespoons
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons (low-sodium preferred)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon (optional for added tanginess)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (for cooking)
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (for thickening the sauce)
- Green onions: chopped for garnish
- Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
These basic ingredients will ensure that your Honey Sriracha Chicken is flavorful and perfectly textured.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this Honey Sriracha Chicken recipe is its versatility. If you need to modify the ingredients due to dietary preferences or available pantry items, here are some great substitutions and variations you can try:
- Chicken: Swap out chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer a leaner cut, or even use chicken tenders for quicker cooking. For a vegetarian version, try tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken.
- Sriracha: If you don’t have sriracha, you can use any other hot sauce like chili garlic sauce, sambal oelek, or even gochujang for a different flavor profile.
- Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a substitute if you're out of honey or want a plant-based sweetener.
- Soy sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos work well as gluten-free alternatives to regular soy sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can replace rice vinegar if you prefer a more acidic tang to the sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Honey Sriracha Chicken is easy and quick. Follow this step-by-step guide for perfect results every time:
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sriracha, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the honey sriracha sauce mixture. Let it simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.
- Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the thickened sauce until it’s well coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the chicken with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
How to Cook Honey Sriracha Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
For a more detailed breakdown, here's a step-by-step guide to ensure you perfect this dish:
- Marinating (Optional): While it's not mandatory, marinating the chicken in some of the sauce mixture for 30 minutes can enhance the flavors. If you have time, marinate the chicken in half of the honey-sriracha sauce, keeping the rest for cooking.
- Searing the Chicken: The key to perfectly cooked Honey Sriracha Chicken is to achieve a golden brown sear. This locks in the moisture and flavor of the chicken while creating a crispy outer layer. Be patient and let the chicken sear before flipping.
- Simmer the Sauce: As the sauce thickens in the pan, make sure not to overcook it, as it can become too sticky or burn. Stir frequently and reduce heat if necessary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Dry, overcooked chicken can ruin the dish. Make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches the right internal temperature and no longer.
- Burning the Sauce: Sriracha and honey can burn easily if the heat is too high. Keep the skillet on medium-low heat when simmering the sauce to avoid bitterness.
- Not Thickening the Sauce Properly: If the sauce doesn’t thicken, you may not have added enough cornstarch. Add a little more, but be careful not to add too much as it can make the sauce overly thick.
Serving and Presentation Tips
A key aspect of enjoying Honey Sriracha Chicken is how it’s served. Here are a few tips to elevate the presentation:
- Serve Over Rice: This chicken is best served over a bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice. The rice will soak up the extra sauce and balance out the spicy flavor.
- Add Fresh Veggies: Serve with steamed or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a balanced and colorful plate.
- Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley to add brightness to the dish.
How to Serve Honey Sriracha Chicken
This versatile dish can be served in several ways, depending on the occasion:
- As an Entrée: Serve over rice or quinoa with a side of vegetables for a full meal.
- In Wraps: Slice the chicken and place it in wraps or tacos for a fun twist.
- Over Noodles: Serve it over ramen or soba noodles for a different, but equally delicious, meal.
Presentation Ideas for Honey Sriracha Chicken
To make this dish stand out, here are a few presentation ideas:
- Bowl Style: Serve the chicken in a bowl over rice, topped with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a wedge of lime for a stylish and modern look.
- Family Style Platter: Arrange the chicken pieces on a large serving platter with extra sauce drizzled over the top. Surround the chicken with steamed vegetables for a vibrant, colorful presentation.
- Skewers: If you're entertaining, consider serving the chicken on skewers for a fun, bite-sized appetizer option.
Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe Tips
- Adjust Heat Levels: If you're sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of sriracha and increase the honey for a sweeter profile. Alternatively, if you love spice, add more sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Double the Sauce: If you love a lot of sauce, feel free to double the recipe for the sauce. You can use the extra sauce for dipping or drizzling over rice or vegetables.
- Storage and Leftovers: Leftover Honey Sriracha Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Honey Sriracha Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and combine them when reheating.
2. Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it?
Absolutely. Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that complements the sweet and spicy sauce perfectly. Grill the chicken over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side.
3. Is Honey Sriracha Chicken gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, then this dish can easily be made gluten-free.
4. Can I freeze Honey Sriracha Chicken?
Yes, but the texture of the sauce may change slightly after thawing. If you plan to freeze, store the cooked chicken and sauce separately for best results.
5. What can I serve with Honey Sriracha Chicken?
Steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables are excellent pairings. You can also serve it with a light cucumber salad to balance the heat.
Conclusion
Honey Sriracha Chicken is a delightful recipe that combines the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight dinner or an exciting dish to impress guests, this recipe has it all. With easy substitutions and endless serving options, it's a versatile meal that can suit any occasion. Now that you have all the details, tips, and tricks, it's time to get cooking and enjoy this irresistible dish!
PrintHoney Sriracha Chicken Recipe
This honey sriracha chicken recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors with juicy chicken pieces glazed in a delicious honey-sriracha sauce. It’s an easy and flavorful dish that works great for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Serve with rice or veggies for a satisfying meal that will impress!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup sriracha sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger (if using) and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sriracha based on your preferred spice level.
- Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 720mg
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