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Ultimate Sticky Chicken

Ultimate Sticky Chicken
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Ultimate Sticky Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish combining sweet, savory, and sticky flavors in tender chicken thighs. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe uses simple pantry staples and comes together in under 30 minutes, offering a family-friendly meal that pairs well with rice, vegetables, or salads.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Marinade & Sauce

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Garnish

  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined to form the sticky glaze base.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or a ziplock bag and pour over the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for best flavor and tenderness.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and cook the thighs skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.
  4. Glaze and Simmer: Flip the chicken thighs and pour the reserved marinade into the pan. Lower the heat and let it simmer gently, spooning the sauce over the chicken to build a thick, glossy, sticky coating until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Final Touches: Once cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Sprinkle sliced green onions and optional chili flakes on top for freshness and a touch of heat. Add toasted sesame seeds if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Use skin-on chicken thighs for a crispier texture and juicier meat.
  • Never skip marinating to enhance flavor penetration and tenderness.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to thicken and stick to the chicken perfectly.
  • Always reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to avoid contamination.
  • Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes after cooking for juicier bites.

Nutrition

Keywords: sticky chicken, easy chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken, quick dinner, family dinner, Asian chicken, gluten free chicken

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/ultimate-sticky-chicken/