Sticky chicken is a classic comfort food dish that is sweet, savory, and irresistibly finger-licking good. The chicken is coated in a sticky, caramelized sauce that results in juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat with tons of flavor. This dish has been popular in the Southern United States for generations, but it has recently gained widespread popularity across the country as people discover how easy and delicious it is to make at home.
In this article I’ll explain exactly how to make sticky chicken step-by-step as well as provide tips for choosing ingredients and offer serving suggestions. After reading, you’ll be ready to make this iconic dish and impress your family and friends.
Ingredients Needed
Sticky chicken requires just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and fridge:
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Chicken pieces – Traditionally bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and/or drumsticks are used Chicken legs or wings also work well. Boneless, skinless breasts are not recommended, as they may dry out
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Sauce ingredients – Most sticky chicken sauces contain a sweet element like honey, brown sugar or ketchup combined with something savory like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Garlic powder adds flavor. Hot sauce is optional for a kick.
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Oil – A neutral oil like vegetable or canola is needed to brown the chicken.
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Optional seasonings – Salt, pepper, paprika or other spices can be used to flavor the chicken before browning.
That’s really all you need for classic sticky chicken. Now let’s get cooking!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making sticky chicken at home is simple. Just follow these steps:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. If desired, season them lightly with salt, pepper and any other spices you want.
2. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients. A typical sticky sauce contains:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
- 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Dash of hot sauce (optional)
Whisk until thoroughly combined.
3. Brown the Chicken
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces skin-side down. Cook for 5-7 minutes without moving them until deep golden brown.
Flip and brown the other side for 3-4 minutes. You want the chicken nicely browned for the best flavor.
4. Simmer in the Sauce
Remove the chicken from the pan and pour off any excess grease. Add the sticky sauce you prepared earlier and bring to a simmer.
Return the chicken to the pan and turn to coat in the sauce. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through, until cooked through and the sauce is thick and glossy.
5. Finish and Serve
If the sauce hasn’t thickened enough, remove the chicken and let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.
Taste and season with extra salt, pepper or other seasonings if desired.
Serve the sticky chicken hot with the extra sauce from the pan spooned over the top. Enjoy!
Tips for Making Perfect Sticky Chicken
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For the juiciest, most flavorful meat, always use bone-in chicken legs, thighs or drumsticks rather than breasts.
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Let the chicken brown well before making the sauce for maximum flavor.
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Simmer the chicken in the sauce just until cooked through to prevent it from becoming tough or dry.
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For a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few minutes after removing the chicken. For looser sauce, add a splash of water.
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Play around with the sauce ingredients! Brown sugar, ketchup, honey and soy sauce are classics, but you can also add flavored barbecue sauce, hoisin sauce, orange marmalade or other ingredients you enjoy.
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Serve sticky chicken with something to soak up the delicious sauce such as mashed potatoes, rice, biscuits, or Southern-style greens.
Variations
While the basic method remains the same, there are endless ways to put your own spin on sticky chicken:
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Make it spicy – Stir in a few dashes of hot sauce or sprinkle the chicken with cayenne pepper before browning.
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Use Asian flavors – Substitute brown sugar with ginger, garlic, orange juice, sesame oil and hoisin or teriyaki sauce.
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Go barbecue-style – Use your favorite barbecue sauce instead of ketchup. Mix in some apple cider vinegar, mustard and Worcestershire.
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Get citrusy – Add the zest and juice of an orange, lemon or lime to the sauce.
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Use pineapple – Pineapple juice and chunks add sweetness and tropical flair.
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Make it peanutty – Peanut butter mixed into the sauce gives it a Thai twist.
Don’t be afraid to experiment to create your own signature sticky chicken!
Serving Suggestions
Sticky chicken is versatile enough to serve for any occasion:
- As part of a weeknight dinner with veggies and rice
- Over waffles or pancakes for a fun chicken and waffles dish
- On top of a salad for a filling main-dish meal
- Sandwiched between biscuits for slider-style sandwiches
- As an appetizer for a party served on skewers
- On a picnic or potluck menu alongside classic sides like potato salad and baked beans
However you choose to serve it, sticky chicken never disappoints! The possibilities are endless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Chicken thighs or drumsticks are ideal. They stay juicier than breasts when simmered in the sauce.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free ketchup.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Simmer the sauce for a few minutes after removing the chicken to reduce and thicken it up.
What if my chicken sticks to the pan?
Be sure to let the chicken brown properly first before making the sauce. Use a non-stick pan or add a bit more oil if needed.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
Sticky chicken will keep covered in the fridge for 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken upon cooling.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?
You can, but reduce the cooking time and be careful not to overcook or they may dry out.
What side dishes go well with it?
Rice, mashed potatoes, fries, mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, biscuits, and Southern-style greens are all excellent pairings!
Conclusion
Sticky chicken is a classic comfort food for a reason – it delivers a totally irresistible combination of sweet, savory and spicy flavors in every juicy, saucy bite. Though it originated in the South, this dish has recently exploded in popularity nationwide as home cooks realize how easily it comes together with simple supermarket ingredients. The next time you are seeking a flavorful meal that will have the entire family begging for seconds, look no further than sticky chicken. In less than an hour, you can make this iconic dish at home and customize it to suit your tastes. Once you try it, this saucy chicken is sure to earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation.
How do you keep chicken pieces moist while cooking?
The answer is this sauce! Since the chicken is covered in a thick glaze while roasting, it stays very moist and comes out delicious.
Can I Freeze Sticky Chicken?
Yes! The recipe serves four people in an 8 x 8 glass baking dish, but you can easily double the recipe and use a 9 x 13 baking dish instead.
This is a great full meal to freeze, so buy your ingredients in bulk to save money and make two extra pans when you’re making this for dinner one night. These disposable aluminum pans are freezer and oven-safe. They come with a lid for easy storage in your freezer. Simply pull out a pan and thaw overnight, then cook according to the recipe.