Sweet Spicy Chicken

Featured in Juicy chicken done your way.

Sweet and spicy chicken combines juicy pan-seared pieces with a rich sauce made of honey, Sriracha, garlic, and soy sauce. Customize how spicy you like it and finish with sesame seeds or green onions for extra flavor. Thickened with cornstarch if needed, the entire dish comes together in half an hour.
alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Mon, 21 Apr 2025 12:19:45 GMT
Sweet and Spicy Chicken Pin it
Sweet and Spicy Chicken | tasteofsavor.com

The perfect mix of honey sweetness and Sriracha heat makes this chicken dish amazing. You'll love how the thick, sticky sauce hugs every piece of tender chicken, creating a comfort food that still packs an exciting punch.

My family got hooked on this dish after we couldn't stop ordering similar takeout. Making it at home lets us tweak the heat exactly how we want it, and honestly, our sauce turns out way tastier than what we used to pay for.

Key Components:

  • Chicken: Go for thighs - they stay juicier and hold flavor better
  • Honey: Pick unfiltered, natural honey for the best caramel notes
  • Sriracha: A new bottle gives the most consistent heat
  • Soy Sauce: Stick with light soy for the right amount of salt
  • Rice Vinegar: Adds the perfect zip, try not to swap it out
  • Fresh Garlic: Can't skip this for real Asian-inspired flavor

Follow These Steps:

Getting Chicken Ready:
Grab paper towels and dry your chicken completely. Add a good pinch of salt and pepper. Let it sit out for 10 minutes so it'll cook evenly.
Making Your Sauce:
Grab a bowl and mix honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar and minced garlic until everything's smooth. Give it a taste and add more heat if you want.
First Cooking Step:
Warm vegetable oil in a big pan over medium-high until it's hot. Add chicken pieces with space between them. Cook about 5-6 minutes until they turn golden.
Adding The Glaze:
Turn chicken over and lower heat to medium. Pour your sauce mix all over. Let it bubble up and get thicker, spooning sauce over chicken now and then.
Finishing Up:
Keep cooking as sauce gets sticky and coats each piece, around 8-10 minutes more. Chicken's done when it hits 165°F inside.
Easy Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe Pin it
Easy Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe | tasteofsavor.com

I grew up eating lots of Asian food, and I've found the secret to this chicken is all about getting the sauce just right. My grandma always told me "you can't rush a good glaze."

Switch It Up:

You can play with the basic sauce in tons of ways. A bit of fresh ginger, some orange peel, or a dash of sesame oil can take it in whole new directions.

Tasty Pairings:

Plain jasmine rice works wonders to soak up all that yummy sauce, and a side of cool cucumber salad balances everything out.

Keeping Leftovers:

This chicken stays delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even better overnight.

Complete The Meal:

Add some quick veggie stir-fry or a cold noodle dish on the side for a full dinner everyone will love.

Yummy Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe Pin it
Yummy Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe | tasteofsavor.com

I've made this dish countless times for family dinners, and it hits that perfect spot between sweet and spicy every time. The sticky coating turns ordinary chicken into something so good that even the fussiest eaters ask for seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How hot will this taste?
You can change how spicy it is - 2 tablespoons of Sriracha for low heat, 3 for medium, and more if you like it extra hot.
→ What about using chicken breasts?
Sure! Breasts work fine but cook a bit quicker, so keep an eye on the time.
→ Any ideas for sides?
Pair it with steamed veggies, noodles, or a bowl of rice for a balanced plate.
→ How long will this last?
Keep it in the fridge, tightly sealed, for up to 3 days.
→ Can I prep the sauce ahead?
Yep, you can! Make it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge.

Sweet Spicy Chicken

Juicy chicken with a tangy honey and Sriracha sauce, made in only 30 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main

01 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

→ Sauce

02 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
03 1/4 cup of honey
04 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
05 2-3 tablespoons of Sriracha
06 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
07 1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water
08 2 tablespoons soy sauce
09 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

→ Garnish

10 Minced green onions
11 Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 01

Dry the chicken using paper towels, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Step 02

Mix the honey, soy sauce, Sriracha, rice vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl.

Step 03

In a skillet, cook chicken using vegetable oil for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and it reaches 165°F.

Step 04

Pour sauce into the pan. Add the cornstarch mix if you'd like it thicker. Stir well, then coat the chicken in the sauce.

Step 05

Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds on top before serving.

Notes

  1. Adjust the Sriracha to suit your heat preference.

Tools You'll Need

  • A deep skillet
  • A medium bowl
  • Cooking thermometer
  • Measuring tools (cups, spoons)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Soy
  • Wheat (due to soy sauce)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 42 g