Old Fashioned Sticky Chicken: A Classic Dish That Never Gets Old

Photo byAngie Bright

Old Fashioned Sticky Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Family Favorite

When it comes to comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like Old Fashioned Sticky Chicken. This dish has been a beloved staple for generations, combining a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and sticky goodness that turns ordinary chicken legs into a mouthwatering experience. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want a meal that warms your soul, this Sticky Chicken recipe delivers on all fronts.

The recipe brings together some of the simplest pantry staples—ketchup, honey, brown sugar, and soy sauce—to create a sauce that’s rich, tangy, and slightly sticky, coating each bite of tender chicken with layers of flavor. Paired with fluffy white rice, this meal is perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings at home.

This classic recipe doesn’t just taste good, it also evokes feelings of nostalgia, reminiscent of meals shared around the table with loved ones. Let’s dive into how you can make this iconic dish right in your own kitchen.

Old Fashioned Sticky Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup light soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 to 12 chicken legs with skin (3 pounds total)
• 1 cup uncooked white rice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Coat a Dutch oven or a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks and cleanup is easy.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Stir the mixture constantly as it heats up. Once it begins to boil and the brown sugar has fully dissolved (about 3 to 4 minutes), remove it from the heat.
3. Coat the Chicken: Arrange the chicken legs in your prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce over the chicken, using tongs to make sure every piece is fully coated in the sticky mixture.
4. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 90 minutes. About halfway through the cooking time, turn the chicken legs over to ensure they cook evenly and absorb more of the sauce.
5. Cook the Rice: While the chicken is in the oven, prepare your rice according to the package directions.
6. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully glazed, remove it from the oven. Arrange the rice on a large serving platter, and place the sticky chicken legs on top. Spoon any extra sauce from the baking dish over the chicken and rice for extra flavor.

A Timeless Classic

The best part about Old Fashioned Sticky Chicken is how it brings people together. The sweet and savory sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken, making it a hit for both kids and adults. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that reminds us of home-cooked meals and the joy of sharing food with family. Plus, with only a handful of ingredients, it’s easy enough to make any night of the week.

This recipe’s long baking time allows the sauce to thicken and stick to the chicken, creating that irresistible glazed coating that makes every bite flavorful. Serve it over rice for a complete meal, or pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a more balanced plate.

Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or just want a new go-to recipe for busy weeknights, Old Fashioned Sticky Chicken is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its simple ingredients, ease of preparation, and unbeatable flavor will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Recipe Sources:

• Taste of Home Sticky Chicken
• AllRecipes Sticky Chicken
• The Kitchn Chicken Recipe