Name: Honey Sriracha Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491851H30M9S
Total time: PT-491851H30M9S
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1–2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for light crispy coating); 1 tablespoon oil (for pan-frying or air-frying); 1/4 cup honey; 2–3 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to heat preference); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice; 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional); 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (optional thickener)

This Honey Sriracha Chicken is the perfect combo of sweet, spicy, and savory. It’s fast, bold, and incredibly satisfying. Whether I’m throwing it together on a weeknight or looking to impress with minimal effort, this dish never fails.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

Salt and pepper, to taste

1–2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for light crispy coating)

1 tablespoon oil (for pan-frying or air-frying)

For the honey sriracha sauce:

1/4 cup honey

2–3 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to heat preference)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice

1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)

1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (optional thickener)

Directions

Prep the Chicken:
I season the chicken with salt and pepper. If I want a crispier bite, I toss it lightly in cornstarch.

Cook the Chicken:
Stovetop: I heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes, until golden and fully cooked.
Air Fryer: I preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C), coat the chicken lightly in oil, and air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.

Make the Sauce:
While the chicken cooks, I mix the honey, sriracha, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan. I bring it to a simmer and, if needed, add the cornstarch slurry to thicken it for 1–2 minutes.

Combine Everything:
Once the chicken is done, I toss it in the warm sauce until evenly coated. Sometimes I return it to the pan or air fryer for an extra 1–2 minutes to get that slightly caramelized glaze.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2–4

Total time: 25–30 minutes

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15–20 minutes

Variations

Extra heat: I add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.

Sweeter version: I stir in more honey or even a splash of pineapple juice.

Gluten-free: I simply swap soy sauce with tamari.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between. For best results, I avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender. I also like to add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much when stored.

FAQs

How spicy is this honey sriracha chicken?

It depends on how much sriracha I use. I usually start with 2 tablespoons and increase if I want more heat. The honey balances the spice well.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, I use either. Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work great if I prefer leaner meat.

Do I have to use cornstarch on the chicken?

No, it’s optional. I add it when I want a light crispy texture, but the dish is still delicious without it.

Can I bake the chicken instead?

Absolutely. I bake it at 400°F (204°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. Then I toss it in the sauce.

What sides go best with honey sriracha chicken?

I like serving it with jasmine rice, stir-fried veggies, lettuce wraps, or even tucked into warm tortillas for tacos.

Conclusion

This Honey Sriracha Chicken is my go-to when I want something fast, flavorful, and a little fiery. It’s super versatile, easy to make, and guaranteed to be a hit whether I’m cooking for myself or a group. I love how it turns basic chicken into something bold and crave-worthy with minimal effort.

📖 Recipe: