You can bid farewell to takeout and those mall food court runs after you’ve savored this exceptional sticky chicken at home! It’s a delightful balance of sweet and spicy, accompanied by a satisfyingly sticky sauce that will leave you craving more. The process to perfection involves marinating the chicken, searing it in a trusty cast-iron skillet, and then allowing it to roast until it’s cooked to juicy tenderness. During its oven stay, the chicken receives multiple basting sessions, ensuring a delectably sticky coating that elevates its flavors to new heights.
The magic lies in the sticky sauce, doubling up as both a marinade and a sauce. A simple yet exquisite blend of honey, ketchup, soy sauce, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and garlic creates this flavorful concoction. As it cooks, the sugars in the ketchup and honey caramelize splendidly, while the hot sauce impeccably balances the sweetness, delivering a tantalizing medley of flavors.
Best Chicken Cuts for Optimal Flavor:
Opt for dark meat—it boasts a higher fat content, ensuring juiciness that won’t disappoint. Bone-in, skin-on pieces are the stars here. For those opting for white meat, halve the breasts if they’re on the larger side and adjust the cooking time accordingly. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring safe and succulent results. Investing in an instant-read thermometer is a wise move to avoid overcooking your chicken.
Pro Tips:
For an extra kick, introduce 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the marinade.
If time isn’t on your side, a minimum marination period of 2 hours works adequately.