Shanghai-Style Sticky Honey Chicken for Sweet, Savory Perfection at Home

If you’re craving bold Chinese-inspired flavors with a glossy, sweet-savory finish, Shanghai-style sticky honey chicken is a must-try. This crowd-pleasing dish features crispy pan-fried chicken tossed in a thick, fragrant glaze made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of vinegar for balance.

Easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests, this recipe delivers the signature combination of sticky, golden caramelization and bold umami that defines classic Shanghai street food. Serve it over rice, noodles, or in lettuce cups for a versatile meal that satisfies every craving.

Ingredients

Serves 4

For the Chicken

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon oil for frying

For the Sticky Honey Sauce

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or black vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for slurry)

Optional Garnishes

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions
• Red chili flakes or thin chili strips

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch.
2. Mix until chicken is evenly coated, then set aside to marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Honey Sauce

3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, hoisin, minced garlic, and ginger.
4. In a separate cup, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry. Set both aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

5. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
6. Add marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove excess oil if needed.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

7. Pour the honey sauce into the pan with the chicken. Stir to coat.
8. Once the sauce begins to bubble, stir in the cornstarch slurry and reduce heat to medium.
9. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns glossy, coating the chicken evenly.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

10. Remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and red chili flakes if desired.
11. Serve hot over steamed rice, jasmine rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with jasmine or sticky rice to soak up the glossy sauce.
• Add stir-fried bok choy or snap peas for a balanced meal.
• For a low-carb version, spoon over cauliflower rice or serve in butter lettuce cups.
• Top with crushed peanuts or cashews for added texture.

Nutritional Highlights

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 of 4)
Calories	420
Protein	34 grams
Total Fat	16 grams
Saturated Fat	3.5 grams
Carbohydrates	30 grams
Fiber	1 gram
Sugars	18 grams
Sodium	790 milligrams

Key Benefits:

• Chicken thighs offer rich flavor and high-quality protein.
• Honey and garlic provide a sweet and aromatic glaze with natural antimicrobial compounds.
• Soy sauce and vinegar create a balanced, umami-packed base with just enough acidity.
• Lower in fat than deep-fried dishes while still delivering crisp texture and bold flavor.

Tips for Success

• Use chicken thighs for more tender, juicy bites, though breasts work well if not overcooked.
• Let the sauce reduce just until thickened — it will continue to thicken slightly off the heat.
• For an extra kick, stir in a teaspoon of chili oil or a splash of hot sauce.
• Double the sauce if you plan to serve it over rice or noodles for more coating.

Variations to Try

• Use tofu or seitan instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
• Add steamed broccoli or bell peppers for a one-pan dinner.
• Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil for nutty depth.
• Replace honey with maple syrup or agave for a slightly different sweetness.

Shanghai-Style Sticky Honey Chicken is a fast, flavor-packed dish that brings the bold, caramelized charm of Chinese street food into your kitchen. With minimal prep and ingredients, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or sharing with friends and family.

Its sweet-savory sauce and tender chicken make it endlessly versatile — serve it over rice, tuck it into wraps, or pair it with crisp vegetables. Once you try it, this easy recipe will likely become a permanent part of your cooking rotation.