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Spicy Sriracha Honey Chicken - Sweet Heat You’ll Crave

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-size pieces
  • Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
  • Oil: 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola, avocado, or vegetable)
  • Sriracha: 3–4 tablespoons, to taste
  • Honey: 1/4 cup
  • Soy sauce: 2–3 tablespoons (low sodium preferred)
  • Lime juice: 1–2 tablespoons (plus zest if you like)
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Ginger: 1 tablespoon fresh, minced (or 1 teaspoon ground in a pinch)
  • Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon (or apple cider vinegar)
  • Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
  • Optional heat: Red pepper flakes
  • Garnishes: Toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions
  • For serving: Steamed rice or noodles, and a simple veggie like broccoli or snap peas

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken dry. Dry chicken browns better. Cut it into bite-size pieces and pat with paper towels so the cornstarch sticks well.
  2. Toss with cornstarch and a pinch of salt. In a bowl, coat the chicken evenly. This creates a light crust and helps the sauce cling.
  3. Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk Sriracha, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Adjust sweetness or heat to taste. Set aside.
  4. Heat the pan. Add oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, it’s ready.
  5. Brown the chicken in batches. Add chicken in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through. Transfer to a plate and repeat.
  6. Bloom aromatics. Reduce heat to medium. Add a splash of oil if the pan is dry. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let them burn.
  7. Deglaze and simmer. Pour in the sauce. Scrape up any browned bits. Let it bubble for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  8. Glaze the chicken. Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet. Toss to coat. Cook 2–3 minutes until the sauce is glossy and the chicken is cooked through.
  9. Finish and taste. Add a squeeze of lime and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want extra heat. Taste and adjust salt or sweetness.
  10. Serve. Top with sesame seeds and green onions. Spoon over rice or noodles with your favorite veggie on the side.