Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe: Sweet, Spicy, and Irresistibly Sticky!
Craving something that balances sweet and spicy flavors perfectly? Honey Sriracha Chicken is the answer. This dish brings together the warmth of honey and the kick of sriracha for a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance.
Imagine crispy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and fiery sauce that’s simple to make and absolutely satisfying. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe delivers bold flavors without overwhelming the process. Plus, it’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners or impressive meals for guests.
What makes Honey Sriracha Chicken irresistible is its ability to hit all the right notes: crispy on the outside, tender inside, with a sauce that’s both indulgent and balanced. You’ll be looking for excuses to make this again and again. Ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise?
Let’s dive into this recipe and see how easy it is to whip up this crowd-pleasing dish! Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this unforgettable combination of sweet and spicy.
What is Honey Sriracha Chicken?
Honey Sriracha Chicken is a delicious combination of crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce made from honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and a few other key ingredients. The sauce is sticky, tangy, and has just the right amount of heat to keep you coming back for more.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavor: The sweetness of honey perfectly offsets the heat of sriracha, creating a flavorful yet approachable dish for a wide range of palates.
- Crispy Chicken: We use a mixture of flour and cornstarch for a crispy, flaky coating that holds up under the sticky sauce.
- Quick and Easy: Despite the bold flavors, this recipe is relatively simple and quick, making it a perfect weeknight meal or fakeaway.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Honey Sriracha Chicken. Make sure you have all the ingredients prepped and ready!
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (500g) Chicken Breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup (75g) All-Purpose Flour
- ½ cup (75g) Cornstarch (Cornflour)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 2 Eggs (beaten)
- Salt & White Pepper (to taste)
- Vegetable Oil (for deep frying)
For the Honey Sriracha Sauce:
- ½ cup (140g) Honey
- 2-3 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to your heat preference)
- 2 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp White Wine Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch (for thickening)
- ¼ tsp Garlic Powder
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
To Serve:
- Cooked Rice (for serving)
- Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- Sliced Green Onions (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
First, start by preparing the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Set Up a Dredging Station
In two separate bowls, prepare your dredging mixture:
- Bowl 1: Beat the eggs and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bowl 2: Mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken
Take each chicken piece and first dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, transfer it to the flour mixture. Make sure you press the chicken into the flour mix to create a nice flaky texture. Repeat until all the chicken pieces are coated.
4. Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 180°C (356°F). You’ll need enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces.
- Fry the chicken in batches for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Once done, transfer the chicken to a wire rack to drain off excess oil.
Tip: For the best results, deep fry instead of shallow frying. Shallow frying will not give the chicken the same even, crispy coating.
Making the Honey Sriracha Sauce
1. Combine the Ingredients
In a medium saucepan (with the heat off), combine:
- Honey
- Sriracha
- Soy Sauce
- White Wine Vinegar
- Garlic Powder
- Salt and Pepper
2. Thicken the Sauce
To thicken the sauce, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the sauce mixture.
3. Simmer the Sauce
Turn the heat on to medium and let the sauce simmer, stirring frequently. In a few minutes, the sauce will thicken and become glossy. If you notice lumps, you can whisk the sauce to smooth them out.
Coating the Chicken
Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat. Add the crispy fried chicken to the saucepan and toss it in the sauce until each piece is evenly coated and sticky.
Serving Honey Sriracha Chicken
Honey Sriracha Chicken is best served hot, straight from the pan. Place the sticky chicken pieces over a bed of warm rice and garnish with:
- Sesame Seeds: Adds a slight nuttiness and texture.
- Sliced Green Onions: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
You can also serve this dish alongside steamed veggies or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.
Tips and Tricks
1. Customize the Heat Level
If you love spice, feel free to add more sriracha or even toss in some red pepper flakes for extra heat. If you prefer a milder sauce, start with 1 tablespoon of sriracha and adjust to taste.
2. Make it Healthier
For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. However, note that the texture will be slightly different, and the chicken may not be as crispy.
- To Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated chicken on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Cornstarch vs. Flour
Some recipes suggest using only cornstarch, but a 50/50 mix of cornstarch and flour results in a crispier and more substantial coating. Using only cornstarch can sometimes lead to a powdery texture.
Common Questions
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! The honey sriracha sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove and toss it with the freshly fried chicken when ready to serve.
Can I Use a Different Hot Sauce?
Sriracha is the best choice for this recipe because of its balanced heat and slight sweetness. Substituting it with another hot sauce will change the flavor profile. If you must substitute, opt for a hot sauce with similar consistency and flavor intensity.
What Sides Go Well with Honey Sriracha Chicken?
Here are some side dish ideas to complement your Honey Sriracha Chicken:
- Steamed Broccoli: A light, crunchy side that balances the sweetness and heat of the chicken.
- Fried Rice: Adds a rich, savory component to the meal.
- Simple Cucumber Salad: A refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the chicken.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 105mg |
| Sodium | 500mg |
| Total Carbs | 60g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Sugar | 35g |
Conclusion
Honey Sriracha Chicken is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, the combination of crispy chicken and sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce will win you over every time. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend feasts.
Give it a try, and let me know in the comments how it turned out. Happy cooking!
