Easy Sticky Soy Garlic Chicken

This Sticky Soy Garlic Chicken recipe is inspired by Asian flavors, particularly the delicious combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. It’s similar to the takeout favorite Sesame Chicken, but there’s no deep-fried chicken in sight. This keeps nutrition density up and energy density (calories) down.

As we’re keeping this recipe quick and simple, we’re skipping the marinade and going straight to cooking up tender and juicy chicken bites with plenty of aromatic ingredients. But the real star of the show is the sticky glaze that takes this dish to new heights of deliciousness!

If you’re looking for more delicious dinner recipes, I’ve got plenty more for you to choose from. This Chicken Chasseur is a reader favorite. And it’s perfect, served alongside this delicious Creamy Cauliflower Mash.

Why You’ll Love Sticky Soy Garlic Chicken

Ready in less than 20 minutes! Life is hectic sometimes, and this is a great recipe for those busy times when you need a quick, balanced, hassle-free meal on the table in less than 20 minutes.
Easy to make. It can be really tempting to buy premade sauces for convenience. But this sauce is so simple to throw together using pantry staples; it’s just as easy to make yourself!
Irresistible flavor. The combination of sweet and savory will have your taste buds doing a happy dance!
Versatile dish. Whether you serve it as a main course, add it to a stir-fry, or use it as a filling for wraps, Sticky Soy Garlic Chicken is an incredibly versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways.

Recipe Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’re going to need from the grocery store to make Sticky Soy Garlic Chicken:

Ingredients for Easy Sticky Soy Garlic Chicken

Ingredient Notes

Sticky Soy Sauce Ingredients

Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the dish’s saltiness.
Natural Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and mild heat to the glaze. I’m using Dr. Will’s Natural Sweet Chilli Sauce.
Natural Ketchup: Provides a slightly tangy sweetness. I’m using Hunter and Gather Unsweetened Ketchup.
Honey: Balances the flavors and helps create the sticky glaze.
White Wine Vinegar: Adds tanginess. You could sub with rice vinegar.

For the Fragrant Chicken

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Quality chicken cut into bite-sized pieces.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds that distinctive savory, garlicky flavor to the chicken.
Fresh Ginger: For a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
Red Chili (Chilli): For heat.
Sea Salt Flakes and Black Pepper: Lifts all the flavors!
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds color to the chicken and prevents it from drying out when frying.

For the Edamame Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower Rice: Adds an extra portion of vegetables to the meal.
Edamame Beans: These add a pop of color and a nutritious boost.
Toasted Sesame Seeds: For their nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
Green Onions (Spring Onions): For freshness.

How to Make Sticky Soy Garlic Chicken: Step-By-Step Instructions

Are you ready to make this chicken with its insanely delicious sticky sweet, and savory sauce? Let’s dive in…

Cook Chicken
Start by frying the chicken pieces until they start to turn golden brown.
Add Flavor Boosters
Add the minced garlic, ginger, and chopped chili, and cook until fragrant.
Sticky Soy Sauce
Add the sticky sauce, and bring to a boil.
Reduce Sticky Soy Sauce
Lower the heat to a simmer and reduce the sauce until the chicken cooks through.
Cauliflower Rice
Fry scallions in a small saucepan. Add the frozen cauliflower rice, season, and cook until it’s piping hot.
Add Edamame Beans
In the last two minutes of cooking, add the edamame beans to the cauliflower rice to heat through.
Serve and enjoy!
Divide the cauliflower rice between two bowls, and top with sticky chicken. Sprinkle over some fresh spring onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Find the recipe card with exact ingredients and full recipe instructions at the bottom of this page. ⇩

Jump to Recipe

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

While I absolutely adore this honey garlic chicken bowl as it is, here are some different ways to enjoy it.

Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Soy Sauce: Great alternatives to low-sodium soy sauce include regular soy sauce, tamari sauce, and coconut aminos. Avoid dark soy sauce for this recipe, as it’s more sweet than savory.

Variations

Honey Garlic Shrimp: Swap the chicken for shrimp and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Sticky Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs: Diced boneless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative to diced chicken breasts in this recipe, especially if you love dark meat.
Sticky Soy Garlic Chicken with Brown Rice: Use brown rice instead of cauliflower rice to add nutrient-rich complex carbs to your meal.
Spicy Version: Add more chili or red pepper flakes into the soy garlic sauce for extra heat.

Two bowls of Easy Sticky Soy Garlic Chicken. One set of chopsticks on the table. Small bowl of toasted sesame seeds to the side with two drinking glasses.

Recipe Tips

Basting: While cooking, occasionally baste the chicken with the glaze for a richer flavor and glossy finish.
Grilling Option: While the original recipe doesn’t call for broiling (grilling), if you prefer a slightly charred and caramelized exterior, you can broil the chicken bites for a few minutes after cooking them in the pan. Ensure your pan is suitable to sit under the broiler (grill). And be careful not to overcook the chicken.

NUTRITION TIP: Cauliflower is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron while providing fiber and various beneficial antioxidants. Incorporating cauliflower into your meals can be a great way to add volume and nutrition without excessive calories [Source].

Storage Instructions

IMPORTANT NOTE: Cook the cauliflower rice on the day you plan to eat it, as prepared frozen cauliflower rice is not suitable for reheating or refreezing!

However, you can make the chicken ahead. Here’s what you need to do:

Storage Instructions: Cool the chicken to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container(s), and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions: Cool the chicken to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container(s), and freeze for up to 1 to 2 months for the best quality. Defrost thoroughly before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: For best results, reheat it in the microwave for 6 to 8 minutes or until piping hot. You may need to add water to the sauce to loosen it if it’s too thick.

What to Serve with Sticky Soy Garlic Chicken

Sticky Soy Garlic Chicken is a great meal as it is, but it also pairs perfectly with:

Stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, bell peppers, or snap peas.
Noodles, such as soba or udon.
Fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

WEIGHT LOSS TIP: If you’re on a weight loss journey, Sticky Soy Garlic Chicken can be a great meal option as part of a varied and balanced diet. The chicken provides a lean source of protein, which can help promote satiety and support muscle development. And the fiber-rich ingredients like cauliflower and edamame beans help you feel fuller for longer, reducing the likelihood of overeating.

More Chicken Recipes

If you enjoyed this Easy Soy Garlic Chicken recipe, try these delicious chicken dinners next:

Thinking of making this recipe? Share your thoughts in the comment section and provide a star rating! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I always LOVE hearing from you.

Remember to SUBSCRIBE and follow me on INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, and FACEBOOK for more delicious and nutritious recipes!

Printable Recipe Card

Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but the cooking time will be longer. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170°F (76°C). An instant-read thermometer is great for checking the internal temperature of the chicken.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

I recommended using thawed chicken as it will cook quicker and take on more flavor.

Easy Sticky Soy Garlic Chicken

Page Contents