Preparing the Chicken:
- Preheat Oven: If you’re baking the chicken, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). For grilling, prepare your grill for medium-high heat.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and cook until the skin is golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes. If grilling, skip this step and proceed to grill the chicken directly.
Making the Sticky Glaze:
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Thicken the Glaze: If using the cornstarch mixture, add it to the saucepan and whisk continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Bake: If baking, transfer the browned chicken to a baking dish. Pour the glaze over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
- Grill: If grilling, brush the chicken with the glaze during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, turning frequently to prevent burning.
- Slow Cooker: For the slow cooker method, place the browned chicken in the slow cooker and pour the glaze over it. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish: Sprinkle the cooked chicken with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and texture.
- Sides: Serve the sticky chicken with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
Tips for Perfect Sticky Chicken:
- Marinating: For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken in half of the glaze for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Use the remaining glaze for basting or pouring over the chicken during cooking.
- Adjusting the Heat: The chili flakes can be adjusted according to your preference for heat. For a sweeter glaze, reduce the chili flakes or omit them altogether.
- Checking for Doneness: Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer.
This Sticky Chicken recipe promises to deliver a mouthwatering dish that’s both simple to prepare and delicious to eat. The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors makes it a hit for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Enjoy the process of making it and the wonderful flavors it brings to your table.