I saw a clip of Jamie Oliver cooking his “Sticky-Kicking chicken” online a week ago and just loved the teqnique he used for getting maximum flavour out of a humble little chicken thigh. Jamie rubs the thighs with Chinese 5-spice and then fries it in a hot pan until cooked and finally adds some sweet chilli sauce to the pan to create a delicious, sticky chicken. I loved this idea and decided to make it for dinner a few nights ago. The only problem was that I didn’t have any 5-spice in the house but decided to use a fragrant Garam Masala and honey instead.
This is a perfect family-style meal which I served with a mixed salad with lots of yellow tomatoes, radishes and feta cheese and some roasted red-skin baby potatoes. Ridiculously easy and absolutely delicious!

Ingredients
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons Garam Masala
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup runny honey
- juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- On a sheet of baking paper, sprinkle the Garam Masala, paprika and salt and rub the chicken in the rub until its well covered.
- Heat a non-stick pan and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the honey and lemon juice and allow to caramelise for a minute.
- Serve with salad and new potatoes.
I pinned this a long time ago, came across it today and decided to give it a shot. I love that the ingredient list is short, plus I actually had everything on hand AND it was quick to prepare! The flavors are fantastic together and definitely pop. This ones definitely a keeper. THANK YOU!!!
Made tonight and we absolutely love the ease of making it and nom nom!
Is this worth attempting without a nonstick pan? I don’t own one and worry about smoking, sticking… I’ve been eyeing this recipe for months and would love to give it a try, but I’m worried! Appreciate any input!
If you spray your pan with cooking spray beforehand the cleanup after shouldn’t be too bad. 🙂
How long can i expect to cook chicken thighs and arevthey boneless
Yes, they’re boneless. They should be cooked within 10-15 minutes.
What herbs did you use for the garnishing???
I used micro coriander leaves. 🙂
I pinned this a long time ago, came across it today and decided to give it a shot. I love that the ingredient list is short, plus I actually had everything on hand AND it was quick to prepare! The flavors are fantastic together and definitely pop. This ones definitely a keeper. THANK YOU!!!
I’m jealous!! Micro-cilantro sounds super delicious!
Does it re-heat ok?
Yeah, it should re-heat with no issues.
Can you do this with mince+
Robyn, I don’t think it would work all that well with mince but you could try? Let me know how it turns out.
Not stupid at all! 🙂 Runny honey is just regular honey you buy in any supermarket. I specify “runny honey” because you get so many different kinds (Creamed, etc).
Recipe looks great, thanks. Stupid question: What is runny honey?
So glad you liked it. It definitely is a winner.
Amazing!! So good I can’t stop eating it!! I used chicken tenders; I can’t say enough good about this recipe!
Making this tonight….will leave feedback after I enjoy!
This looks and sounds great! Lovely blend of flavors 🙂
Thanks Farah!
Thanks Farah!
I’d like to make the sticky chicken, but as an experienced cook, I never heard of Garam marsala or turbinado sugar. Could you tell me what they are and where to find them.
Bitsy, Garam Masala is an indian spice mix. You can use any masala or spice mix for this. I’m not sure where you read turbinado sugar as this isn’t used in this recipe?
Have you done a pre rub with the chicken? I’am planning on rubbing the chicken down with the spices and letting it sit in the fridge until dinner time! Here’s to our boys loving some sticky chicken! They love tikka Marsala when I make it hopefully they ‘ll love a similar tone!
You can definitely do that Yolanda. Hope they like it!
Thanks Shari!
Beautiful food styling. Looks delicious. Can’t wait to give this one a try.
I thought I had left a comment here! I made this chicken dish about 2 weeks ago, and it was unbelievable! I plan to make it again very soon.
So glad you liked it!
are you leaving the chicken in the pan as you add the honey and lemon or putting it all in a bowl & mixing?
Yep, leave the chicken in so it can go lovely and sticky.
Guess what’s for dinner tonight?!
Colette, hope you liked it!
It was fabulous. I gave a copy of the recipe to my sister!
So glad you liked it Colette!
Looks amazing and your photography is exquisite!
Thank you so much Nickie!
Mmmm….it looks SO delicious!
Thanks Wynand!
Wow, this really does sound super easy! Have to give it a try!
It is ridiculously easy!