Name: Southern Sticky Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1/3 cup honey; 1/3 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon hot sauce; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs or thighs; to coat Vegetable oil

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Every time I make Southern Sticky Chicken, I’m transported back to my childhood, where family gatherings were filled with laughter and the tantalizing aroma of something special cooking in the kitchen. The first time I prepared this dish, I was amazed by how simple ingredients could come together to create such a mouthwatering meal. I vividly remember my mother passing down this recipe, saying that it was a family favorite, and I can now see why. The combination of sweet and savory flavors melds together in a sticky glaze that clings to the tender chicken, making each bite a delightful experience. It’s not just a meal; it’s a way to connect with those we love.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Southern Sticky Chicken has a way of making every moment feel celebratory. It’s a dish that invites everyone to gather around the table and savor not only the food but also the company. I can’t count how many times I’ve shared this recipe with friends, encouraging them to relish the process of cooking it just as much as the delicious end result. And let me tell you, the compliments never stop coming! So, if you’re searching for something to impress your guests or simply want to treat your family to a comforting meal, this dish is your answer.

The beauty of Southern Sticky Chicken is its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from fluffy rice to crisp greens, making it perfect for any time of the year. Whenever I make it, I feel a sense of pride knowing that I’m continuing a tradition that brings joy to my loved ones. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this recipe that’s bound to become a favorite in your home, just as it has in mine.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 20 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
60 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Keto, Whole30, Gluten-Free

Fat:
15 g

Tools Used:
Cast Iron Skillet

The Best Thing About This Southern Sticky Chicken

Flavor Explosion

One of the standout features of Southern Sticky Chicken is its incredible flavor. The marinade is a magical concoction that combines honey, ketchup, and just the right amount of spices. This mixture creates a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully when cooked, resulting in a dish that’s bursting with taste.

Simple Ingredients

You won’t need fancy ingredients to make Southern Sticky Chicken. The recipe calls for everyday items that you probably already have in your pantry. This accessibility makes it an ideal choice for a quick dinner or a last-minute gathering.

Versatile Cooking Method

This dish can be prepared using a cast iron skillet or any oven-safe pan you have on hand. The method is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. You can feel confident in your cooking skills as you master this delicious dish.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive holiday celebration, Southern Sticky Chicken fits right in. Its appealing presentation and mouth-watering aroma make it a showstopper that’s sure to impress your guests.

Great for Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they taste even better the next day! The flavors deepen as the chicken sits in its marinade, making it a great option for meal prep. You can easily use the leftovers in salads, sandwiches, or even as a topping for pizzas.

Brings People Together

There’s something about sharing a dish like Southern Sticky Chicken that brings people together. Whether it’s family or friends, gathering around the table to enjoy this meal creates lasting memories and connections.

Ingredient List for Southern Sticky Chicken

The ingredients for Southern Sticky Chicken are simple yet come together to create something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a vital role in developing the dish’s rich flavor profile. The key players include honey, which adds sweetness, and soy sauce, which brings a savory depth. Together, they create a balanced harmony that elevates the humble chicken to new heights.

1/3 cup honey: This natural sweetener is essential for the sticky glaze, giving it that irresistible sweetness.
1/3 cup ketchup: Adds a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: Introduces a savory umami taste to the marinade.
1 tablespoon hot sauce: Provides a subtle kick that enhances the overall flavor.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings a complex flavor that deepens the marinade.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and vibrant color to the dish.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the chicken with aromatic flavor.
8 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs or thighs: The star of the dish, providing juicy and tender meat.
Vegetable oil: Used to coat the skillet, ensuring a perfect sear on the chicken.

Making Southern Sticky Chicken

Cooking Southern Sticky Chicken is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with mouth-watering aromas. Follow these steps to create a dish that’s sure to impress. Let’s get started!

In a large zip-top bag, combine the honey, ketchup, soy sauce, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and garlic. This marinade is where the magic begins, so make sure to mix it well until everything is evenly combined.
Add the chicken to the bag, ensuring that each piece is well coated in the marinade. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, ensuring it’s incredibly flavorful. If you’re short on time, aim for at least 4 hours.
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating, take out a large cast iron skillet and pour enough vegetable oil into the pan to coat the bottom. The oil is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear on the chicken.
Heat the skillet over medium heat. It’s important not to overheat the pan, as the sugars in the marinade can burn quickly. You want a nice hot pan that will give the chicken a golden-brown color.
Once the pan is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off before adding it to the pan. Place the pieces skin-side down in the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. This step takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
After browning the chicken, pour the remaining marinade over the pieces in the skillet. This will create a rich, sticky sauce as it cooks.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 60 minutes. During this time, the chicken will absorb all of the flavors, and the skin will become crispy.
Every 15 minutes, baste the chicken with the sauce in the skillet. This step helps to keep the meat moist and enhances the sticky glaze that clings to the skin.
When the cooking time is up, check the chicken for doneness. It should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The skin should be crispy and caramelized, giving it that beautiful golden color.
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy.

Things Worth Knowing

Marination Matters: Marinating the chicken allows the flavors to infuse deeply. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful your dish will be.
Heat Control: When searing, maintain a medium heat. If the pan is too hot, the sugars may burn, resulting in a bitter taste.
Oven Safety: Ensure your skillet is oven-proof to avoid any accidents when transferring from stovetop to oven.
Cooking Temp: Always check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Helpful Notes about Southern Sticky Chicken

When it comes to making Southern Sticky Chicken, there are a few tips to keep in mind that can enhance your cooking experience and final result.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the sticky glaze.
Freezing: You can freeze uncooked marinated chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.
Pairing: This dish pairs well with steamed rice or roasted vegetables, which complement the flavors nicely.
Serving Size: This recipe serves 4, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
Variations: Feel free to experiment with other spices in the marinade for different flavor profiles.

Perfect Matches for Southern Sticky Chicken

There are plenty of delightful sides and occasions to enjoy with Southern Sticky Chicken. Here are some ideas to enhance your dining experience:

Steamed Rice: A fluffy bed of rice soaks up the sticky sauce, making for a comforting side.
Coleslaw: The crunch of coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the tender chicken.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection can balance the sweetness of the dish.
Family Gatherings: Ideal for reunions or holidays, Southern Sticky Chicken brings everyone together for a delicious meal.
Game Day: Serve it at your next watch party; it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Picnics and BBQs: This dish can easily be made ahead and is perfect for outdoor gatherings.

FAQ

While the recipe calls for bone-in, skin-on chicken legs or thighs for added flavor and moisture, you can certainly use boneless chicken as a substitute. Just be aware that boneless pieces may cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety. Boneless chicken can still absorb the delicious marinade flavors, resulting in a tasty dish.

This dish pairs wonderfully with several sides. Consider serving it with fluffy steamed rice, which soaks up the sticky sauce beautifully. A fresh coleslaw adds a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken, while roasted vegetables provide a healthy and colorful addition to your meal. Feel free to get creative and tailor the sides to suit your tastes; Southern Sticky Chicken is versatile enough to complement a variety of dishes!

To store any leftovers from Southern Sticky Chicken, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat gently in the oven or microwave, ensuring that the chicken is heated through while retaining its sticky glaze. This dish tends to taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop!

Absolutely! Southern Sticky Chicken is an excellent make-ahead option. You can marinate the chicken the day before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight for maximum flavor infusion. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the baking instructions. This makes it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or when hosting guests.

Conclusion

Southern Sticky Chicken is truly a standout dish that brings together the best of sweet and savory flavors in a sticky, mouthwatering glaze. The process of making it not only fills your kitchen with delightful aromas but also creates opportunities to gather with loved ones around the table. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your family and friends. Trust me, they will be begging for seconds!