Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe: Sweet Meets Spicy Magic

Succulent honey sriracha chicken brings a spicy-sweet explosion to your dinner table that’ll make taste buds dance with excitement.

Weeknight meals rarely pack such incredible flavor punch in just minutes.

Balancing heat and sweetness creates magic on your plate.

Tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy, vibrant sauce promise an unforgettable dining experience.

Every bite combines zesty sriracha with golden honey rich complexity.

Simple ingredients merge into something extraordinary that surprises and delights.

You’ll want to savor each mouthwatering moment of this incredible culinary adventure.

  • Craft Comfort Quickly: Dive into a one-pan wonder that transforms classic Swedish meatballs into a hearty pasta bake, perfect for satisfying hungry families with minimal kitchen cleanup.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for picky eaters or those wanting to experiment with flavors.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dinner: Packed with rich, creamy sauce and tender meatballs, this dish brings everyone together around the table, creating memorable meal moments without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Using simple, accessible ingredients like ground beef, noodles, and basic pantry spices, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste without breaking the bank.

Ingredients List for Honey Sriracha Chicken

For the Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean, tender meat that serves as the main protein source and absorbs the spicy-sweet sauce beautifully.
For the Sauce:
  • Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the heat and creates a glossy glaze.
  • Sriracha: A spicy chili sauce that adds bold, tangy heat to the dish.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides a savory, umami depth to the sauce and helps with caramelization.
  • Rice Vinegar: Brings a subtle tangy brightness to cut through the richness.
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
For the Seasonings and Garnish:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the chicken's natural flavors.
  • Olive Oil: Used for cooking and helping to brown the chicken.
  • Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Optional garnishes that add texture and fresh visual appeal.

Stepwise Honey Sriracha Chicken Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Pan

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, creating a perfect cooking surface for the chicken.

Step 2: Season and Sear Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken pieces.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve a golden-brown exterior on all sides.

Step 3: Craft the Flavor-Packed Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Honey
  • Sriracha sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Minced garlic

Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth, well-blended sauce.

Step 4: Simmer and Coat

Pour the vibrant sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet.

Reduce heat and let the chicken simmer for 10-12 minutes. The sauce will gradually thicken and lovingly coat each piece of chicken, creating a glossy, mouthwatering finish.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions over the chicken for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy the sweet, spicy, and savory creation while it’s piping hot.

Tips to Perfect Honey Sriracha Chicken

  • Adjust Sriracha amount to control spice level, perfect for those who prefer mild or extra-hot flavors.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that absorbs sauce quickly.
  • Let chicken rest after cooking to lock in moisture and enhance sauce absorption.
  • Choose low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content without compromising flavor.
  • Swap rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter, tangier twist on the original recipe.

Flavor Variations for Honey Sriracha Chicken

  • Spicy Pineapple Honey Chicken: Replace rice vinegar with pineapple juice for a tropical sweetness and add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Asian BBQ Chicken: Swap Sriracha with hoisin sauce and add ketchup for a tangy barbecue flavor profile.
  • Ginger Lime Chicken: Substitute honey with agave nectar, add fresh grated ginger and lime juice for a zesty, bright taste.
  • Korean-Inspired Chicken: Mix in gochujang instead of Sriracha, sprinkle toasted sesame oil at the end for a rich, authentic Korean restaurant-style dish.

Serving Honey Sriracha Chicken Creatively

  • Asian-Inspired Rice Bowl: Layer fluffy white rice in a bowl, top with honey Sriracha chicken, and sprinkle extra green onions and sesame seeds for a complete meal.
  • Lettuce Wrap Delight: Shred the chicken and serve inside crisp lettuce leaves, creating a light, refreshing alternative to traditional serving styles with a zesty kick.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Slice chicken and store in airtight containers with extra sauce, perfect for quick lunches or dinner throughout the week with minimal preparation time.
  • Spicy Sandwich Twist: Place honey Sriracha chicken between toasted brioche buns, add a crisp slaw for extra crunch and complementary flavors that elevate the classic sandwich.

Storage Advice for Honey Sriracha Chicken

  • Store leftover honey Sriracha chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer cooled chicken to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air and seal tightly. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
  • Separate chicken into individual portions before storing. This makes it easier to grab a quick meal and helps maintain the dish's quality when reheating.

FAQs

  • Is Sriracha sauce very spicy?

Sriracha provides a moderate heat level, adding a zesty kick without overwhelming spiciness. Adjust the amount to match your personal heat tolerance.

  • Can I use different chicken cuts?

Absolutely! This recipe works great with chicken breasts, thighs, or even chicken tenders. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked through.

  • What if I don't have rice vinegar?

You can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Each will provide a slightly different tangy flavor profile to the sauce.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure no pink remains.

Print
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Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe

Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Honey sriracha chicken brings together sweet and spicy flavors from Asian cuisine. Marinated chicken thighs combine zesty honey, tangy sriracha, and aromatic spices for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies your cravings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) sriracha sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) rice vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Warm a skillet over medium heat and drizzle olive oil to coat the bottom evenly.
  2. Generously season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, ensuring complete coverage.
  3. Place seasoned chicken into the heated skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust for approximately 5-6 minutes.
  4. Combine honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and finely chopped garlic in a mixing bowl, whisking until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
  5. Cascade the vibrant sauce over the seared chicken, reducing heat to a gentle simmer.
  6. Allow the sauce to gradually thicken and caramelize around the chicken, stirring occasionally for 8-10 minutes.
  7. Monitor the consistency until the sauce clings luxuriously to each chicken piece, creating a glossy, spicy-sweet coating.
  8. Remove from heat and transfer chicken to a serving platter.
  9. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions across the top for a fresh, textural finish.
  10. Serve immediately while the chicken remains hot and sauce is at its peak glossiness.

Notes

  • Tame the heat by adjusting Sriracha sauce quantity to match personal spice tolerance.
  • Swap chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier, more tender protein option that absorbs sauce better.
  • Marinate chicken beforehand in the honey-Sriracha mixture for deeper flavor penetration and more intense taste profile.
  • Choose low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content and make the dish more diet-friendly for those watching sodium intake.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 278 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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