Description
Succulent sweet and spicy chicken dances with bold Korean-inspired flavors, promising a culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds. Crispy, caramelized edges and a zesty sauce invite you to savor each mouthwatering bite of this irresistible dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 500 g (1 lb) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Aromatics and Garnish:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by creating a protective coating. Gently dredge chicken pieces through a mixture of cornstarch, salt, and black pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly and thoroughly covered.
- Activate a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place coated chicken into the hot pan, allowing each piece to transform into a golden, crispy exterior. Rotate periodically to achieve uniform cooking, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once fully cooked, transfer chicken to a separate plate.
- Craft the vibrant sauce by combining honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients until they form a harmonious blend.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the same skillet, creating a simmering environment. Introduce a cornstarch slurry to enhance thickness and consistency. Allow the sauce to gently bubble and reduce, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes.
- Reintroduce the golden chicken pieces into the skillet, gently tumbling them to ensure complete sauce coverage. Let the chicken warm through and absorb the complex flavor profile for an additional 2 minutes.
- Present the dish with an elegant finishing touch. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions across the top for visual appeal and additional flavor depth.
- Complement the sweet and spicy chicken by serving over steamed rice, alongside noodles, or with a medley of colorful, tender vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Pat chicken dry before coating with cornstarch to help achieve a crispier exterior and better sauce adherence.
- Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing sriracha amount to suit personal heat tolerance and dietary preferences.
- Choose low-sodium soy sauce and honey for a healthier version without compromising flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg