Mumzee’s Sticky Chicken: A Flavor Explosion You Won’t Forget!

Are you ready for a chicken recipe that will blow your taste buds away? Mumzee’s Sticky Chicken is an irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors that cling to tender, juicy chicken. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or any time you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Prepare to be addicted! This recipe is named after my grandmother, Mumzee, who was a wonderful cook, and taught me many of the basics of cooking that I still use today.

## Why You’ll Love Mumzee’s Sticky Chicken

* **Unbelievable Flavor:** The sticky sauce is the star of the show. It’s a carefully balanced blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and other key ingredients that create a symphony of tastes. Every bite is an adventure.
* **Easy to Make:** Don’t let the amazing flavor fool you; this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare. With minimal prep work and straightforward instructions, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in under an hour.
* **Versatile:** Mumzee’s Sticky Chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it with rice, noodles, vegetables, or even in sandwiches. It’s also fantastic as an appetizer or party snack.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This dish is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. The sweet and savory flavors appeal to a wide range of palates, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your preferences. Add more spice, reduce the sweetness, or experiment with different vegetables. The possibilities are endless!

## Mumzee’s Secret Ingredient

While I can’t reveal *all* of Mumzee’s secrets, there’s one key ingredient that elevates this sticky chicken above the rest: a touch of sesame oil. The nutty aroma and subtle flavor of sesame oil add a depth of complexity that you won’t find in other sticky chicken recipes. Don’t skip it!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make Mumzee’s Sticky Chicken:

* **Chicken:** 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
* **Soy Sauce:** 1/2 cup (low sodium preferred)
* **Honey:** 1/4 cup
* **Rice Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 tablespoon
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves (minced)
* **Ginger:** 1 tablespoon (freshly grated)
* **Cornstarch:** 2 tablespoons
* **Water:** 1/4 cup
* **Vegetable Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/2 teaspoon (or more, to taste)
* **Green Onions:** 2 (thinly sliced, for garnish)
* **Sesame Seeds:** 1 tablespoon (for garnish)

**Optional Ingredients:**

* **Broccoli Florets:** 1 cup
* **Bell Peppers:** 1 (sliced)
* **Carrots:** 1 (sliced)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create Mumzee’s Sticky Chicken:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly. This will help the chicken to brown nicely and create a slight crust when cooked.

**Step 2: Make the Sticky Sauce**

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. This is the magic combination that will transform your chicken into a sticky, flavorful masterpiece.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1/4 cup of water. This will be used to thicken the sauce later on.

**Step 3: Cook the Chicken**

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure proper browning.
3. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 4: Create the Sticky Magic**

1. Pour the sticky sauce into the same skillet that you cooked the chicken in. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir continuously until the sauce thickens. This should only take a minute or two. Keep stirring to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sticky sauce. Make sure every piece of chicken is glistening with that delicious sauce!

**Step 5: Add Vegetables (Optional)**

1. If you’re adding vegetables, now is the time to do it. Add the broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, and sliced carrots to the skillet with the chicken.
2. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Stir occasionally to ensure that the vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.

**Step 6: Garnish and Serve**

1. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the Mumzee’s Sticky Chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
2. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.
3. Enjoy the explosion of flavor in every bite!

## Tips for the Perfect Mumzee’s Sticky Chicken

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the dish. Opt for good-quality soy sauce, fresh ginger and garlic, and pure honey.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cooking in batches will allow the chicken to brown properly and develop a nice crust.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you prefer a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also use a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
* **Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic:** Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic will provide the best flavor. Avoid using powdered or pre-minced versions, as they lack the same vibrancy.
* **Control the Heat:** Keep a close eye on the heat while cooking the sauce. If the sauce starts to burn or stick to the bottom of the pan, reduce the heat to low.
* **Marinate the Chicken:** For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the sticky sauce for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before cooking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken and create a more intense taste.
* **Add a Touch of Citrus:** A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice at the end can brighten up the flavors and add a refreshing zest to the dish.
* **Get Creative with Garnishes:** In addition to green onions and sesame seeds, you can garnish Mumzee’s Sticky Chicken with chopped peanuts, cilantro, or even a drizzle of sriracha for added flavor and visual appeal.
* **Serve it Hot:** This dish is best served hot, right after it’s cooked. The sticky sauce will thicken as it cools, so enjoy it while it’s still warm and luscious.

## Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Mumzee’s Sticky Chicken is that it’s easily customizable. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

* **Use Different Proteins:** While this recipe is traditionally made with chicken thighs, you can also use chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, or even tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Add Different Vegetables:** Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, such as snow peas, mushrooms, or water chestnuts. The key is to choose vegetables that cook quickly and complement the flavors of the sauce.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** To make Mumzee’s Sticky Chicken gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative that has a similar flavor profile.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey in the sauce. You can also use a sugar substitute, such as maple syrup or agave nectar.
* **Add a Peanut Butter Twist:** For a peanut butter twist, add a tablespoon or two of peanut butter to the sauce. This will add a creamy, nutty flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
* **Make it Spicy:** If you like your sticky chicken with a fiery kick, add a chopped chili pepper or a dash of chili oil to the sauce.

## Serving Suggestions

Mumzee’s Sticky Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Over Rice:** This is the most classic way to serve sticky chicken. Fluffy white rice or brown rice makes a perfect base for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **With Noodles:** Serve the chicken over egg noodles, ramen noodles, or rice noodles for a comforting and satisfying meal.
* **In Lettuce Wraps:** For a lighter option, serve the chicken in lettuce wraps. Use crisp lettuce leaves, such as butter lettuce or romaine lettuce, to create flavorful and healthy wraps.
* **As an Appetizer:** Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and serve it as an appetizer or party snack. Provide toothpicks or skewers for easy eating.
* **In Sandwiches or Wraps:** Use the sticky chicken as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Add some crunchy vegetables and a drizzle of mayonnaise for a delicious and portable meal.
* **Alongside Steamed Vegetables:** Serve the chicken alongside steamed broccoli, green beans, or other vegetables for a balanced and nutritious meal.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have any leftover Mumzee’s Sticky Chicken, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the chicken for a few minutes, or heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the skillet to prevent the chicken from drying out.

## Mumzee’s Legacy

This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it’s a piece of my family history. Mumzee’s passion for cooking and her ability to create delicious meals from simple ingredients has always inspired me. I hope that you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does, and that it brings a little bit of Mumzee’s love and warmth into your kitchen.

## Recipe Card

**Mumzee’s Sticky Chicken**

A flavorful and easy-to-make chicken dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes
**Total time:** 40 minutes
**Serves:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
* 1/4 cup honey
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1/4 cup water
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
* 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
* 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
* Optional: 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 sliced bell pepper, 1 sliced carrot

**Instructions:**

1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
3. In a small bowl, dissolve the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1/4 cup of water.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
5. Pour the sticky sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
7. If adding vegetables, add them to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
9. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.

**Notes:**

* For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes.
* Marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes for more flavor.
* Adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of honey.

Enjoy Mumzee’s Sticky Chicken!