Name: Sticky Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce; 1 egg; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into thin bite-sized pieces; 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 tablespoon grated or minced fresh ginger; 2 large garlic cloves, grated or minced; Garnishes: thinly-sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds; 1 large lemon, zested and juiced (about 1/4 cup juice); 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 ½ tablespoons rice wine vinegar; ¼ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 62 reviews

If you are craving a dish that delivers a perfect harmony of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, then this Sticky Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a Chinese-inspired delight featuring tender pieces of chicken coated in a golden, crispy crust and drenched in a luscious honey lemon sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing friends on a weeknight, this recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl in the center with two raw chicken pieces that are pink and smooth in texture. To the top right is a white plate holding a whole lemon, fresh ginger root, garlic cloves, chili flakes on a spoon, and a small bowl of dark soy sauce. To the top left in a small white bowl is a light brown sauce that looks creamy. Below the chicken bowl, there is a small brown bowl filled with white flour and a small white bowl with a single brown egg. To the right of the egg bowl is a small white bowl with a golden yellow liquid, likely oil. All items are set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Sticky Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe are straightforward yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Each item plays a specific role, from the zingy brightness of fresh lemon to the comforting hint of ginger that rounds out the dish.

1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce: Adds subtle saltiness and depth without overpowering the sauce.
1 egg: Binds the chicken pieces to the cornstarch for that irresistibly crispy coating.
1/2 cup cornstarch: Creates a light, crunchy texture on the chicken when fried.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for juicier bites or breasts for leaner meat, cut into bite-sized pieces.
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Used for frying and cooking aromatics to bring out rich flavors.
1 tablespoon grated or minced fresh ginger: Provides warm, slightly spicy undertones that complement the lemon.
2 large garlic cloves, grated or minced: Adds a fragrant kick that enhances the sauce’s savory profile.
Garnishes: thinly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds: Offer fresh, crunchy texture and nutty aroma to finish the dish.
1 large lemon, zested and juiced (1/4 cup juice): Delivers bright citrus notes vital for the honey lemon sauce.
2 tablespoons honey: Balances the tartness of lemon with natural sweetness for that sticky glaze.
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Deepens the sauce’s savoriness alongside the honey.
1 ½ tablespoons rice wine vinegar: Adds subtle acidity and sharpness to lift the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes: Provides just a hint of heat to keep things exciting.

How to Make Sticky Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Honey Lemon Sauce

Start by combining the lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and crushed red chili flakes in a small bowl. Whisk them together until smooth and cohesive. This sauce forms the sweet and tangy backbone of the dish, so having it ready means you can create that perfect sticky coating in no time.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce and egg until fully mixed. Toss your bite-sized chicken pieces in this mixture thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated. Next, transfer the cornstarch to a separate bowl. Dip the chicken into the cornstarch a few pieces at a time, making sure each one is evenly coated with a crunchy layer that will fry up beautifully crisp.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, being careful not to overcrowd the pan so each piece crisps up perfectly. Fry them until golden brown and cooked through, which usually takes 3 to 5 minutes per batch. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set aside on a clean plate.

Step 4: Cook the Aromatics and Combine

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then sauté the garlic and ginger for 30 to 60 seconds or until fragrant and lightly golden. Pour in the honey lemon sauce, then add the chicken back into the pan. Stir frequently to coat every piece with the sauce as it thickens and turns beautifully sticky, giving that irresistible glaze.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Take the pan off the heat and plate the sticky honey lemon chicken while it’s hot. Sprinkle with thinly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and crunch. This is the moment when all the textures and tastes come together in a perfect bite.

How to Serve Sticky Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe

A large white bowl is filled with many small pieces of dark brown glazed chicken, each piece shiny and coated in a thick sauce. The chicken pieces are irregular shapes, densely packed and layered across the bowl. A wooden spoon rests inside the bowl, partially stirring the chicken. Around the bowl, the scene has a few green onion pieces on the left and a small bowl with light sesame seeds at the top right. The surface is a clean white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing with scallions and toasted sesame seeds is not just for decor but adds essential layers of freshness and nuttiness that contrast delightfully with the sticky, sweet sauce. Feel free to add a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of finely chopped chili if you like an extra kick.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or fragrant brown rice to soak up every bit of sauce. For a veggie side, try sautéed bok choy, roasted broccoli, or an Asian-style slaw with crisp carrots and cabbage to bring refreshing crunch and balance to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving the Sticky Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or even tossed with cooked noodles for a heartier take. For a casual dinner, pile it into lettuce wraps for fresh handheld bites packed with flavor and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover sticky honey lemon chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken further in the fridge, so give it a gentle stir when reheating to bring back that glossy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick, slightly undercook the chicken and keep the lemon honey sauce separate if possible, combining them after thawing and reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or additional lemon juice if the sauce feels too thick. This will help revive the beautiful sticky glaze and maintain the chicken’s tender texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a great choice because they stay juicier and more flavorful during cooking, but chicken breasts work just fine if you prefer leaner meat.

Is this recipe very spicy?

Not at all. The crushed red chili flakes add just a subtle warmth that enhances the flavors without making the dish spicy, so it’s perfect for a wide range of palates.

What can I substitute if I don’t have rice wine vinegar?

You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as alternatives. They provide similar acidity that brightens the sauce, but avoid using stronger vinegars like balsamic which would alter the flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the low-sodium soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari sauce and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

How do I get the sauce sticky and thick?

Keep cooking the chicken and sauce mixture together while stirring frequently until the sauce reduces and clings to the chicken. The cornstarch coating also helps thicken the sauce and create that wonderful sticky texture.

Final Thoughts

This Sticky Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up any night of the week. With its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture, it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again. Go ahead, give it a try—you might just find your new favorite chicken recipe!