Honey Sriracha Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors. With tender diced chicken coated in a sticky honey sriracha sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite for weeknight dinners. Serve it over warm rice for a complete meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For this delicious Honey Sriracha Chicken, you will need:
- Chicken:
- 3-4 chicken breasts, diced
- ⅓ cup corn starch
- Sauce:
- 1 cup water
- 2-3 tablespoons sriracha (depending on how spicy you want it)
- 5 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons honey (depending on how sweet you want it)
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Optional:
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Cooked rice for serving
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small-medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, sriracha, soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and honey. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of corn starch and 2 tablespoons of cold water until dissolved. Add this mixture to the saucepan and stir until the sauce thickens. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Place the diced chicken and ⅓ cup of corn starch in a large plastic bag. Seal the bag and shake to coat the chicken evenly.
- Drizzle a large pan or skillet with oil and heat over medium heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and sauté until browned and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken in the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the sauce.
- Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if desired for an extra kick of heat.
- Serve:
- Serve the Honey Sriracha Chicken over warm cooked rice. Enjoy!
Notes
- Spice Level: Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of sriracha and crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Add-On Suggestions
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to the pan with the chicken for added color and nutrition.
- Garnish: Top with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a burst of flavor and texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? A: Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful result. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker? A: If the sauce is not thick enough, mix an additional tablespoon of corn starch with cold water and stir it into the sauce while cooking.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine when ready to serve.
Health Considerations
Honey Sriracha Chicken is a flavorful dish that balances sweetness and spice. Adjust the sugar and honey to fit your dietary preferences and enjoy this dish as part of a balanced diet.
Honey Sriracha Chicken is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings a perfect balance of flavors to your dinner table. The homemade Honey-Sriracha Sauce used in this recipe adds a unique blend of sweet and spicy that complements the chicken perfectly. Enjoy creating and sharing this tasty meal with family and friends!
Honey-Sriracha Sauce Recipe
Honey-Sriracha Sauce is a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors that adds a kick to any dish. This versatile sauce can be used as a glaze, dipping sauce, or marinade, making it perfect for chicken wings, grilled vegetables, or even drizzled over rice bowls. With its perfect balance of heat from Sriracha and sweetness from honey, this sauce is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Honey-Sriracha Sauce, you will need:
- Sriracha Sauce: ½ cup
- Honey: ¼ cup
- Soy Sauce: 1.5 teaspoons (or up to 2 tablespoons, to taste)
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (or use lemon juice)
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (or use 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- Salt: To taste
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
Step-by-Step Guide
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a small pot over medium-low heat, whisk together the Sriracha sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and salt to taste.
- Simmer the Sauce:
- Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate the Butter:
- Gently whisk in the butter until it melts completely and the sauce thickens slightly. This will give the sauce a rich and glossy finish.
- Serve:
- Use the Honey-Sriracha Sauce immediately as a glaze, dipping sauce, or marinade. Alternatively, let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before using.
Add-On Suggestions
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.
- Herbal Notes: Stir in some finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh, aromatic touch.
- Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange zest or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of hot sauce? A: Yes, you can substitute Sriracha with your favorite hot sauce, but keep in mind that it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
Q: How do I make the sauce thicker? A: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: Is there a vegan alternative to butter? A: Yes, you can use a plant-based butter substitute or leave out the butter entirely for a vegan version.
Health Considerations
Honey-Sriracha Sauce is relatively low in calories but high in flavor. Adjust the honey and soy sauce to fit your dietary preferences, and use in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Honey-Sriracha Sauce is a versatile and flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re spicing up chicken wings, glazing vegetables, or adding a kick to your favorite dishes, this sauce is sure to impress with its sweet and spicy harmony. Enjoy experimenting with this easy and delicious recipe!