Sriracha Honey Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.
- 3 tablespoons Sriracha hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- teaspoon onion powder
- teaspoon Italian seasoning
- teaspoon salt
- teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450F (230C).
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the Sriracha sauce, honey, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish, then pour the prepared Sriracha sauce mixture over the chicken. Ensure that the chicken is evenly coated by turning the breasts in the sauce.
Step 4: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer should read at least 165F (74C) when inserted into the center of the chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (2 servings total):
| Nutrition | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 228 | |
| Total Fat | 9g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 22% |
| Cholesterol | 80mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 1632mg | 71% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Total Sugars | 9g | |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 25mg | 2% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
| Potassium | 235mg | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
Author: Sadaf | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Yield: 2 servings
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons Sriracha hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 450F (230C).
- Whisk together Sriracha sauce, honey, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the Sriracha mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Cook in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165F or 74C).
History of Sriracha Honey Chicken
The fusion of Sriracha sauce and honey has become a hallmark of modern spicy-sweet cuisine, often featured in recipes where bold flavors are key. Sriracha, a fiery chili sauce originating from Thailand, was popularized in the U.S. in the late 20th century. Honey, on the other hand, has been used globally for centuries, adding sweetness to offset the intense heat of spicy dishes. Combining these two ingredients in a single dish is a relatively recent culinary trend, influenced by global tastes and the rise of Asian fusion cooking.
Regional Features and Variations
While Sriracha Honey Chicken as a dish is widely accepted in both American and Thai-inspired kitchens, the use of Sriracha sauce itself varies across regions. In Thailand, Sriracha is used in a wide range of foods, from seafood to snacks, while in the U.S., it has become a popular ingredient in everything from sauces to snacks and even cocktails. The addition of honey makes this dish more balanced, especially in regions that favor a mix of sweet and spicy flavors, such as parts of the U.S. and Southeast Asia. Some variations also incorporate garlic, ginger, or even lime juice to add layers of flavor.
How it Differs from Similar Dishes
What sets Sriracha Honey Chicken apart from similar spicy dishes like General Tsos Chicken or Sweet and Sour Chicken is its unique balance of heat and sweetness. The use of Sriracha gives a distinctive level of spice, while honey adds a smooth, natural sweetness that contrasts with the fiery hot sauce. This combination is more intense than other sweet-and-sour options, which often rely on sugars or fruit-based sauces to provide sweetness. Additionally, the use of garlic and Italian seasoning in the recipe brings an extra dimension, which differentiates it from traditional Asian or American spicy chicken dishes.
Where is it Typically Served?
Sriracha Honey Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various settings. It is commonly found in casual dining restaurants, food trucks, or as part of fusion cuisine offerings. This dish is often paired with side dishes such as rice, roasted vegetables, or even fries, where the spicy-sweet sauce can be enjoyed in different ways. In Southeast Asia, you might find similar versions served as street food, while in the U.S., it is frequently seen in contemporary American eateries or as a homemade dinner dish.
Interesting Facts
- Sriracha sauce was named after the Thai city of Si Racha, where it was originally made in the 1930s.
- Despite its Asian roots, Sriracha sauce gained immense popularity in the U.S. in the 2000s, particularly among food lovers and chefs.
- Honey, which is used in this recipe, has been a prized ingredient for thousands of years, known not just for its sweet flavor, but for its medicinal properties as well.
- The fusion of spicy and sweet flavors has become a global trend, inspiring many chefs to experiment with contrasting flavors in dishes like chicken, pork, and even desserts.
FAQ about Sriracha Honey Chicken Recipe
Comments
Rebecca Williams
09/04/2022 11:50:19 AM
This spicy sauce definitely delivered on its promise! I knew it would pack a punch, and it did not disappoint. I made two versions of the sauce - one with Italian seasoning and one without. Both were tasty, but I preferred the one without the Italian seasoning, as it allowed the heat to shine through without being overpowered by additional spices. I plan to use this sauce as a dipping sauce for now. My recipe included melting 4 tablespoons of butter, adding 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of granulated garlic, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper (consider reducing this to adjust the heat level instead of the Sriracha), no salt (the sauce was already salty), 2 tablespoons of Sriracha, and 1 tablespoon of honey. I repeated the process with the same ingredients and added 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. I'm happy I gave it a try!
Brenda Baker
11/29/2023 02:32:31 AM
My family absolutely enjoys this recipe! I have prepared it multiple times, doubling the ingredients for 4 chicken breasts each time. I typically use 1/4 cup of sriracha and 3 tablespoons of honey without adjusting the amounts of the other ingredients. I also like to add some minced garlic and ginger to enhance the flavor profile. I cook it at 435 degrees for around 30 minutes. If you are a fan of sriracha, I highly recommend giving this a try.
Julie Lee
05/04/2023 08:50:39 PM
Oh my goodness!! How on earth did you manage to eat it as is?? I adjusted the Sriracha from three tablespoons to 2 and added more honey from 1 tablespoon to 2, then washed off the sauce before eating it. It had a lot of flavor, but was way too spicy for my liking.
Justin Wright
05/11/2024 01:02:51 AM
This recipe was incredibly easy and delicious! I baked the dish first, then glazed the sauce over it, and it turned out so delicious! It was definitely a crowd-pleaser!
Anthony Walker
01/01/2023 04:51:54 PM
I had a feeling that the honey to Sriracha ratio might be too spicy for my family, so I decided to start with a 1:1 ratio and adjust from there. After mixing in the other ingredients and tasting it, I ended up adding more Sriracha to my liking, resulting in a ratio of about 1 part honey to 1.5 parts Sriracha. I also opted for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer chicken flavor. This recipe is a perfect example of one that can be easily personalized to suit individual preferences. Thank you, Sadaf, for sharing it!
Susan Martin
02/22/2023 08:50:20 AM
No modifications, just duplicated. Incredible and effortless! Becoming a regular in my routine.
Jerry Nelson
10/04/2024 03:40:01 PM
Delicious! It was a bit too spicy for our taste, so I reduced the sriracha by 1 tablespoon.
Donald Adams
10/16/2024 12:20:03 AM
I cannot give it a lower rating because it is SPICY. I enjoyed the flavor, but the spiciness was overwhelming. It was my first time using sriracha and wow, it was really spicy. I am used to spicy food in Texas, but this was too much for me. I had to remove some of the sauce to make it bearable. Next time, I will use less sriracha, more honey, and a bit more butter. I followed the baking instructions and the chicken turned out moist. It was a simple and quick dinner option. Another positive was that neither of us experienced acid reflux from this spice.