Shanghai-Style Sticky Honey Chicken – Sweet, Savory, and Crispy

Shanghai-Style Sticky Honey Chicken is a mouthwatering dish with crispy chicken coated in a luscious, sticky honey sauce. Sweet, savory, and perfectly glazed, this recipe brings the flavors of Shanghai cuisine straight to your kitchen. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, each bite is juicy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet & Sticky – Honey glaze gives a beautiful shine and irresistible sweetness.
Crispy & Tender – Chicken stays juicy inside with a crunchy coating.
Quick & Simple – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Flavor-Packed – Garlic, ginger, and soy sauce add authentic Shanghai flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
• 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil, for frying
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a bowl, combine chicken pieces, 2 tbsp soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp flour. Toss to coat and set aside for 10–15 minutes.
2. Fry the Chicken
   Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
3. Prepare the Honey Sauce
   In a small pan, heat 1 tsp oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Stir in honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Coat the Chicken
   Toss the fried chicken pieces in the honey sauce until fully coated.
5. Serve
   Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~320
Protein: 25g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 18g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry chicken in batches to keep it crispy.
• Adjust Sweetness – Add more or less honey based on taste preference.
• Garnish for Presentation – Sesame seeds and green onions add texture and freshness.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of lightly fried chicken and sticky honey glaze creates a balance of textures and flavors. The chicken stays tender inside while the glaze adds sweetness, richness, and a glossy finish reminiscent of Shanghai-style cuisine.

Shanghai-Style Sticky Honey Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and irresistible dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Crispy chicken coated in a sweet, savory honey glaze makes every bite indulgent and satisfying.