Ingredients You’ll Need
Serves 4 people.
Chicken
- 500 g chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for light crisp coating)
- 2 tablespoons oil
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced thin
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional but amazing)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional, for color and depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
- Extra black pepper
Simple ingredients → crazy flavor.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This dish hits every flavor note:
Honey → sweetness
Soy sauce → saltiness
Garlic → bold aroma
Onions → natural sweetness
Cornstarch → thick sticky glaze
Together they create that classic “takeout-style” sticky sauce.
Balanced, rich, addictive.
Preparing the Chicken
Cut chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Season with:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
Then toss with cornstarch.
This step is important.
Cornstarch helps:
- Light crisp coating
- Sauce sticks better
- Juicier texture
It gives that glossy restaurant look.
Searing the Chicken
Heat oil in large pan.
Medium-high heat.
Add chicken in single layer.
Don’t overcrowd.
Cook until:
Golden brown outside
Cooked through inside
About 4–5 minutes.
Flip occasionally.
Remove and set aside.
You want crispy edges.
That adds huge flavor.
Cooking the Onions and Garlic
Same pan, don’t wash it.
Add onions.
Cook until soft and slightly caramelized.
This brings natural sweetness.
Then add garlic.
Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Don’t burn garlic.
Burned garlic = bitter.
Smell at this stage = amazing 🤤
Making the Honey Garlic Sauce
Now add to the pan:
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Vinegar or lemon
- Ketchup (optional)
- Chili flakes
- Black pepper
Stir well.
Let simmer gently.
Sauce will look thin at first.
That’s normal.
Thickening the Sauce
Mix:
Cornstarch + water
Pour into sauce while stirring.
After 1–2 minutes it thickens beautifully.
You’ll see:
Glossy
Sticky
Coating texture
Exactly like the photo.
That’s the magic moment 😍
Combining Everything
Return chicken to the pan.
Toss well.
Coat every piece.
Let simmer 2–3 minutes.
Sauce will cling perfectly.
Chicken absorbs all flavor.
Now it looks super shiny and irresistible.
Hard not to eat straight from pan 😄
Final Touches
Sprinkle:
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
- Extra pepper
Optional squeeze of lemon for freshness.
Serve immediately while hot and sticky.
Texture and Taste
Each bite gives you:
Outside:
Lightly crisp
Inside:
Juicy tender chicken
Sauce:
Sticky, sweet, savory, garlicky
Flavor:
Honey sweetness + soy depth + garlic punch
Better than takeout.
Seriously.
Serving Ideas
Perfect with:
- White rice
- Fried rice
- Noodles
- Stir-fried veggies
- Lettuce wraps
- Sandwich wraps
Or meal prep bowls.
Sauce over rice = heaven.
You’ll want extra sauce. Trust me.
Flavor Variations
Want to change it up? Try:
Spicy version
Add sriracha or chili paste
Lemon garlic
Extra lemon juice
Ginger honey
Add fresh ginger
Teriyaki style
Add more soy + brown sugar
Pineapple
Add pineapple chunks
Sesame version
Add sesame oil
Same base, endless possibilities.
Storage Tips
Fridge:
Up to 4 days
Freezer:
Up to 2 months
Reheat:
Pan or microwave
Add splash water to loosen sauce.
Great for meal prep.
Flavor gets even better next day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Too much honey
Too sweet
High heat sauce
Burns quickly
Skipping cornstarch
Sauce won’t stick
Overcrowding pan
Steams chicken instead of sears
Overcooking chicken
Dry texture
Medium heat and patience = perfect results.
Why This Recipe Works
Here’s the simple science:
Cornstarch → crispy coating
Honey → caramelization
Soy → umami
Garlic → aroma
Simmering → thick glaze
All together = sticky restaurant-style chicken.
Simple technique, big flavor.
Final Thoughts
These sticky honey garlic chicken strips are the kind of recipe you’ll make once and then keep on repeat forever. Fast, easy, budget-friendly, and unbelievably tasty, it’s perfect for busy days when you still want something delicious and homemade.