Jamie Oliver Sticky Chicken is a flavorful and delicious dish featuring tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and umami, making it a great dish for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
What is Jamie Oliver Sticky Chicken?
Sticky chicken is marinated and cooked with a thick, glossy glaze made from ingredients like honey, soy sauce, garlic, and spices. The sauce caramelizes beautifully, creating a deep, rich flavor that sticks to the chicken, making each bite incredibly satisfying.

Other Popular Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Butter Chicken
- Jamie Oliver Jerk Chicken
- Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Mary Berry Cornish Pasty
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Packed with flavor: A delicious mix of sweet, savory, and tangy.
- Perfectly caramelized glaze: Creates a sticky, glossy coating.
- Quick and easy: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and big flavors.
- Versatile: Works with drumsticks, thighs, or wings.
- Great for meal prep: Reheats well for leftovers.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Sticky Chicken
For the Chicken:
- Chicken thighs or drumsticks (1kg, skin-on, bone-in or boneless) – Tender and juicy.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste) – Enhances the natural flavors.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp) – For frying.
For the Sticky Sauce:
- Honey (3 tbsp) – Adds a natural sweetness and caramelization.
- Soy sauce (4 tbsp, low-sodium preferred) – Brings umami and saltiness.
- Balsamic vinegar (2 tbsp) – Adds tang and balances sweetness.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced) – Adds depth to the sauce.
- Ginger (1-inch piece, grated) – Adds warmth and spice.
- Tomato ketchup (2 tbsp) – Gives a rich, slightly tangy base.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp) – Enhances umami.
- Red chili flakes (½ tsp, optional) – For a touch of heat.
- Cornstarch (1 tsp, mixed with 1 tbsp water) – Helps thicken the sauce.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional) – Adds a nutty crunch.
- Fresh coriander or spring onions (for garnish) – Adds freshness.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl – For marinating the chicken.
- Large frying pan or skillet – For cooking.
- Tongs – For handling the chicken.
- Small saucepan – For thickening the glaze.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Sticky Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken thighs or drumsticks with salt and black pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sticky Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic, ginger, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and chili flakes (if using).
- Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Coat and Cook the Chicken
- Return the seared chicken to the pan and pour the sticky sauce over it.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until fully coated and sticky.
Step 4: Serve
- Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and spoon extra sauce over the top.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh coriander or spring onions.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Sticky Chicken?
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice: Soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Stir-fried vegetables: Adds crunch and balance.
- Garlic noodles: A tasty side that pairs well.
- Mashed potatoes: A comforting option.
- Asian slaw: Fresh, crunchy contrast to the sticky chicken.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Sticky Chicken
- Use chicken thighs or drumsticks: They stay juicier and absorb flavors better.
- Let the sauce thicken properly: A slightly thick glaze sticks better to the chicken.
- Adjust the sweetness: Add more honey for extra sweetness or more vinegar for tanginess.
- Sear before simmering: This locks in moisture and adds caramelized flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to get even browning.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Sticky Chicken
- Spicy version: Add extra red chili flakes or Sriracha.
- Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Vegan alternative: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower.
- Crispy version: Coat the chicken in cornstarch before frying for extra crunch.
- Citrusy twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lime or orange juice to the sauce.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Sticky Chicken
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Leftover use: Shred and use in wraps, sandwiches, or salads.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Sticky Chicken
- Stovetop method: Reheat on low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Oven method: Warm at 160°C (320°F) for 10-12 minutes.
- Microwave method: Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver Sticky Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal. The balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors makes it an instant favorite. Serve it with rice, veggies, or noodles, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
FAQs
Can I make sticky chicken with boneless chicken?
Yes! Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts and reduce cooking time to prevent overcooking.
What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar?
You can substitute with apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar for a slightly different tang.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Use an extra ½ teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water to thicken the sauce more.
Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes! Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 25 minutes, then brush with the sauce and broil for 5 minutes to caramelize.
How do I reduce the sweetness?
Reduce honey slightly and add a splash more vinegar or soy sauce for balance.
Print
Jamie Oliver Sticky Chicken
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
Sticky chicken is marinated and cooked with a thick, glossy glaze made from ingredients like honey, soy sauce, garlic, and spices. The sauce caramelizes beautifully, creating a deep, rich flavor that sticks to the chicken, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Chicken thighs or drumsticks (1kg, skin-on, bone-in, or boneless) – Tender and juicy.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste) – Enhances the natural flavors.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp) – For frying.
For the Sticky Sauce:
- Honey (3 tbsp) – Adds a natural sweetness and caramelization.
- Soy sauce (4 tbsp, low-sodium preferred) – Brings umami and saltiness.
- Balsamic vinegar (2 tbsp) – Adds tang and balances sweetness.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced) – Adds depth to the sauce.
- Ginger (1-inch piece, grated) – Adds warmth and spice.
- Tomato ketchup (2 tbsp) – Gives a rich, slightly tangy base.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp) – Enhances umami.
- Red chili flakes (½ tsp, optional) – For a touch of heat.
- Cornstarch (1 tsp, mixed with 1 tbsp water) – Helps thicken the sauce.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional) – Adds a nutty crunch.
- Fresh coriander or spring onions (for garnish) – Adds freshness.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken thighs or drumsticks with salt and black pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sticky Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic, ginger, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and chili flakes (if using).
- Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Coat and Cook the Chicken
- Return the seared chicken to the pan and pour the sticky sauce over it.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until fully coated and sticky.
Step 4: Serve
- Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and spoon extra sauce over the top.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh coriander or spring onions.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.
