Craving a dish that’s the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory? Honey Sriracha Chicken is the answer to your dinner woes. This delectable recipe blends the sweetness of honey with the fiery kick of Sriracha, creating an unforgettable taste that will leave your taste buds tingling. Whether you're cooking for a quick weeknight meal or serving guests at a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. Read on to discover the secret to making the perfect Honey Sriracha Chicken that’s crispy, flavorful, and delicious!

What is Honey Sriracha Chicken?
Honey Sriracha Chicken is a dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a sticky, flavorful glaze made from honey, Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and other seasonings. The balance between the sweetness of the honey and the spiciness of the Sriracha creates an irresistible sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. Whether you're grilling, baking, or pan-frying the chicken, this recipe can be adapted to suit your cooking style, and the result will always be finger-licking good!
Ingredients List for Honey Sriracha Chicken
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s go over the essential ingredients for making the perfect Honey Sriracha Chicken. These ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store and are likely already in your pantry. Here's what you'll need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (depending on your preference)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Honey Sriracha Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2-3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust based on your spice tolerance)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice (optional, for extra tang)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (to dissolve the cornstarch)
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions (for a pop of color and freshness)
Substitutions and Variations
Every cook has their preferences or dietary needs, and this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate several substitutions and variations without compromising on flavor. Here are a few options:
- Chicken Cuts: You can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for this recipe, but they may require a longer cooking time. Chicken breasts are a leaner option, but they can dry out more easily, so keep an eye on cooking times.
- Honey Substitute: If you’re avoiding refined sugars or honey, you can replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.
- Sriracha Substitute: For a less spicy option, substitute Sriracha with sweet chili sauce or reduce the quantity. For more heat, add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Soy Sauce Alternatives: For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Version: Swap the chicken for tofu, cauliflower, or tempeh. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so your protein substitute cooks to the right texture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking Honey Sriracha Chicken is straightforward, and the process can be broken down into a few easy steps. You’ll start by preparing the chicken, making the sauce, and then combining them for a perfect final dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry with a paper towel to ensure they sear properly. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the pan.
- Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey Sriracha Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, mix honey, Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of water. If you want a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in water first and then add it to the sauce.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce to coat each piece evenly. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
How to Cook Honey Sriracha Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your skillet: Heat olive oil over medium heat, ensuring it’s hot before adding the chicken.
- Season the chicken: Don’t skip the seasoning—it’s the foundation for flavorful chicken.
- Sear the chicken: Searing locks in juices and gives the chicken a delicious, crispy exterior.
- Prepare the sauce: Balance the heat from the Sriracha with the sweetness from honey and the umami from soy sauce.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): Adding cornstarch gives the sauce a thicker, glossier finish.
- Toss the chicken in sauce: Make sure every piece of chicken is coated in the rich, flavorful sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Keep an eye on the internal temperature of the chicken to avoid drying it out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- Burning the Garlic: When making the sauce, sauté garlic on low heat to avoid burning it. Burnt garlic can make the dish taste bitter.
- Too Much Heat: Sriracha can be quite spicy, so taste as you go. You can always add more heat later, but it’s hard to reduce it once it's in the sauce.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
Serving and Presentation Tips
The presentation of your Honey Sriracha Chicken can take this dish from good to gourmet! Here are some ideas to serve and present the dish beautifully:
How to Serve Honey Sriracha Chicken:
- Serve it over a bed of jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa to soak up the extra sauce.
- Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for added color and nutrition.
- For a lighter meal, serve the chicken over a bed of mixed greens or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Presentation Ideas for Honey Sriracha Chicken:
- Garnish with sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Add lime wedges on the side to allow guests to squeeze extra lime juice over their chicken for a tangy twist.
Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe Tips
- Marinate the Chicken: For an even more flavorful dish, marinate the chicken in the honey-Sriracha mixture for 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer more heat, feel free to add more Sriracha. If you like it mild, reduce the amount of Sriracha or mix it with sweet chili sauce.
- Make Extra Sauce: Double the sauce recipe if you love drizzling extra sauce over your rice or veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I bake the Honey Sriracha Chicken instead of pan-frying it?
A: Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes to get a crispy top.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I use chicken wings instead of thighs or breasts?
A: Yes! Chicken wings work great with this sauce. Just bake or fry them and toss them in the Honey Sriracha sauce for a fantastic appetizer or snack.
Q: Is Honey Sriracha Chicken gluten-free?
A: To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Conclusion
Honey Sriracha Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances sweetness and spice. With its crispy exterior and sticky, flavorful sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or serving guests, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking—you won’t regret it!
PrintHoney Sriracha Chicken Recipe
This Honey Sriracha chicken recipe offers the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Juicy chicken thighs (or breasts) are coated in a delicious glaze made from honey, Sriracha, garlic, and soy sauce, giving you a dish that's packed with flavor and easy to make. Serve it with rice or vegetables for a quick, satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup honey
- 2-3 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce. Let it simmer for 2 more minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 650mg
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