Sweet, Sticky, and Spicy Chicken Recipe

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Cook Time: 12 minutes

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. Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings.

• cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh ginger root
• 2 teaspoons chopped garlic
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into inch strips
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients and set them aside.

Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, hot sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Set the sauce aside.

Step 3: Lightly season the chicken strips with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are browned on all sides (about 1 minute per side).

Step 5: Once the chicken is browned, pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 6: Serve the dish immediately and enjoy!

Editor's Note

If you want to add a crunchy, crisp-tender texture to the dish, consider adding pound of broccoli florets during Step 4, when you brown the chicken strips.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Information	Amount
Calories	232
Total Fat	9g (12%)
Saturated Fat	2g (11%)
Cholesterol	59mg (20%)
Sodium	1176mg (51%)
Total Carbohydrate	14g (5%)
Dietary Fiber	0g (1%)
Total Sugars	12g
Protein	23g (46%)
Vitamin C	6mg (6%)
Calcium	20mg (2%)
Iron	1mg (7%)
Potassium	205mg (4%)

* 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.

History and Origins

The origins of Sweet, Sticky, and Spicy Chicken can be traced to a variety of global culinary influences, particularly from Southeast Asia. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors is a hallmark of many Asian dishes, especially those in Chinese, Thai, and Korean cuisines. While the dish itself does not have a singular historical background, it draws from traditional cooking methods that emphasize balance in flavorssuch as sweet soy sauces, spicy chili, and earthy ginger. This type of dish is often seen in modern interpretations of Asian-American cuisine, which blends traditional Asian flavors with American cooking styles.

Regional Variations

Depending on the region, the level of spice, sweetness, and additional ingredients can vary greatly. In Thai cuisine, for example, a similar dish would often include a heavier use of fresh herbs like basil, lime, or lemongrass, with more prominent lime or tamarind to balance the sweetness. Chinese versions might incorporate different types of soy sauce or include additional vegetables like bell peppers or onions. Korean dishes, such as Dakgangjeong, are also quite similar, using a sticky, sweet-spicy glaze, but often deep-frying the chicken for extra crispiness. The variation in each region reflects local taste preferences and ingredient availability.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Sweet, Sticky, and Spicy Chicken is distinct from other popular sticky chicken dishes, such as General Tsos Chicken or Orange Chicken, in its simplicity and balance of flavors. While dishes like General Tso's are often deep-fried and coated with a sweet-sour sauce, Sweet, Sticky, and Spicy Chicken uses a more straightforward marinade made from soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and hot sauce, with a notable punch of ginger and garlic. The key difference lies in the sauceGeneral Tsos typically has a more vinegar-forward taste, while this recipe leans on honey for sweetness, creating a thicker, more syrupy glaze.

Where It's Typically Served

This dish is a popular choice in casual dining settings, particularly in American Chinese restaurants and Asian fusion eateries. It is often served as part of a larger meal alongside steamed white rice, fried rice, or noodles. In homes, its a quick, family-friendly dish ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Its also found at many gatherings and potlucks where guests enjoy simple yet flavorful meals that are easy to prepare and serve in larger quantities. Though it is not as common as traditional Chinese-American takeout, its growing popularity makes it a go-to choice for those looking for a sweet and savory dinner option.

Fun Facts

• In many Asian cultures, ginger is prized not only for its unique flavor but also for its health benefits. It's commonly used to aid digestion and reduce inflammation.
• While honey is a key ingredient in this recipe, the sweetness of honey combined with hot sauce creates a perfect balance that keeps the dish from becoming overly sugary.
• The dishs popularity surged in the early 2000s, as American home cooks began experimenting with bold flavors from different cultures, leading to a fusion of ingredients and cooking styles.
• If youre looking for a healthier version of this recipe, you can substitute the soy sauce with a low-sodium version and use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit to cut down on calories.

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