Sticky Cilantro Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 oz chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
- 1½ tbsp honey
- ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped
- Neutral oil spray
Optional Garnishes
- Steamed rice, for serving
- Fresh cilantro
- Cilantro cream, I used store bought!
- Sliced cucumbers
Instructions
- Place the cubed chicken thighs into a bowl and marinate with dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, honey, and chopped cilantro for about 15 minutes.
- Lightly oil your air fryer basket and add the marinated chicken in an even layer. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and sticky.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest briefly so the glaze sets.
- Serve your Sticky Cilantro Chicken over a fresh bowl of rice and optionally garnish with cilantro cream, extra cilantro, and sliced cucumbers.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Table of Contents
How This Sticky Cilantro Chicken Will Be Your New Weeknight Meal
I feel like this Sticky Cilantro Chicken is one of those dishes that you’ve never heard of but is surprisingly delicious. The chicken is juicy on the inside while the outside is lightly caramelized, which is complimented by the cool cilantro cream! I personally love this dish because it highlights the natural flavors of the garlic, cilantro, and chicken without being overpowered by any super strongly flavored ingredients. This Sticky Cilantro Chicken is the perfect dish when you want something different but without spending all day cooking.
What Makes This Sticky Cilantro Chicken Stand Out
What really makes this Sticky Cilantro Chicken is the inclusion of cilantro throughout the entire dish. It’s in the marinade and the optional garnish and cuts through the sweetness and saltiness of the marinade while also imparting it’s natural aroma into the dish. Tossing the chicken in this marinade before air frying it lets those flavors really get to know each other, making each bite incredibly flavorful. If you couldn’t already tell, my favorite herb is cilantro. Ask my family and friends, they’ll literally talk about my obsession with cilantro!
What You’ll Need To Make Sticky Cilantro Chicken
Main Ingredients
- 16 oz chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
- 1½ tbsp honey
- ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped
- Neutral oil spray
Optional Garnishes
- Steamed rice, for serving
- Fresh cilantro
- Cilantro cream
- Sliced cucumbers
How to Make Sticky Cilantro Chicken
Place the cubed chicken thighs into a bowl and marinate with dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, honey, and chopped cilantro for about 15 minutes.
Lightly oil your air fryer basket and add the marinated chicken in an even layer.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and sticky.
Serve over a fresh bowl of rice and garnish with cilantro cream, extra cilantro, and sliced cucumbers if desired.
Tips & Variations
Once you’re finished cooking the Sticky Cilantro Chicken, let the chicken rest for a minute so the glaze thickens and clings to each bite of chicken better.
For an even leaner version of this Sticky Cilantro Chicken, use chicken breast, just reduce the cook time by a minute!
My girlfriend prefers spice in her chicken, and if you also want your chicken spicier, add 1 tablespoon of chili flakes in the marinade!
Feel free to swap the honey with sugar or even maple syrup!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes! You can cook the chicken in a hot pan over medium-high heat until caramelized and cooked through. Just make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking as this can cause the chicken to be more steamed instead of seared.
Does the cilantro lose its flavor when cooked?
Yes, which is why we add so much to the dish, so that plenty of the cilantro’s flavor remains. You can also add extra cilantro at the end for an even stronger flavor profile. I always do!
Can I marinate this longer?
Absolutely! You can marinate up to 8 hours in the fridge for even deeper flavor. Be careful not to marinate for any longer though, as the acidity from the vinegar and garlic may actually start to cook the chicken, which may alter the cook times.
What to Make Next
Want another fast dinner? Try my Garlic Chicken Stir Fry!
Craving something spicy? Check out my Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles!
Looking for something fresh? You’ll love my Lemongrass Chicken Bowls!
