Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken – Sweet, Spicy & Under $5!

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If you’re looking for a dish that packs a punch of sweet, spicy, and crispy flavors while staying super budget-friendly, this recipe is for you. I discovered this recipe when I needed a fast, restaurant-quality meal on a tight budget—and after some tweaks, it has become a family favorite! Enjoy bold flavors with minimal cleanup and a cost of under $5 per serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-Friendly: Gourmet flavor without the high price tag.
• Baked, Not Fried: Achieve a crispy coating using cornstarch and baking—less oil and less mess.
• Sweet & Spicy Combo: The honey brings sweetness while Sriracha adds a spicy kick.
• Fast & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Adjust heat levels or swap chicken thighs with breasts (though thighs stay juicier).
• Nutritionally Satisfying: A good source of protein that pairs well with various sides.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless; thighs are more budget-friendly and juicy)
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)

For the Honey Sriracha Sauce:

• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • Learn more about budget-friendly soy sauce options
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• (Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes for extra heat)

Garnish:

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
3. In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
4. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and arrange the chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

2. Bake the Chicken

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and crispy.
   Pro Tip: The cornstarch coating is the secret to that crispy texture without frying.

3. Prepare the Sauce

1. While the chicken bakes, combine honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
3. Optional: Stir in red pepper flakes if you like an extra spicy kick.

4. Toss & Serve

1. Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
2. Pour the warm honey Sriracha sauce over the chicken and gently toss to coat evenly.
3. Garnish with sliced green onions.
4. Serve immediately with sides like steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

Extended Tips & Variations

Cooking & Storage Tips

• For Extra Crispiness: Try using an air fryer! Air fry the coated chicken at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to retain crispiness.
• Sauce Adjustment: If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Recipe Variations

• Milder Version: Reduce Sriracha to 1 tbsp for less heat.
• Alternate Protein: Use chicken breasts for a leaner option (be careful not to overcook).
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu (press, coat with cornstarch, and bake) for a meatless version.

Plating & Presentation

• Garnishing Ideas: Enhance the presentation with extra green onions, a squeeze of fresh lemon, or toasted sesame seeds.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or a bed of steamed rice.

Cost Breakdown (Estimated for 4 Servings)

Prices may vary by location. Look for store-brand items and sales to reduce costs even further!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but chicken breasts tend to dry out faster. Monitor the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking.

Q: How spicy is this recipe?
A: It offers a moderate level of heat. Adjust the amount of Sriracha or add red pepper flakes to suit your preference.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Bake the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Reheat the chicken in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes and toss with the warm sauce before serving.

Q: Is air frying an option?
A: Yes! Air fry the coated chicken at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crisping.

For more air fryer recipes, check out Budget Bytes Air Fryer Recipes.

Related Recipes & Helpful Links

Explore more budget-friendly recipes on KateFi.com:

• One-Pot Spicy Cajun Chicken & Rice – Fast, Cheap & Delicious!
• Juicy Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts with Roasted Veggies (Cheap & Easy!)
• Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff – A Rich, Creamy Dinner on a Budget

For more meal prep tips and budget cooking hacks, visit Meal Prep 101: How to Save Time & Money on Family Dinners.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to achieve big, bold flavors on a tight budget. With its perfect balance of sweet and spicy, this dish is sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal for under $5, and don’t forget to share your tweaks and favorite sides in the comments below!

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