Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken

Chinese Honey Chicken is a crowd-favorite dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a luscious honey glaze. The balance of sweet and savory flavors, along with a hint of garlic and ginger, makes it an irresistible meal that rivals any restaurant version. The light, crunchy coating ensures every bite is packed with texture and taste.

This dish is easy to make at home and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Crispy Honey Chicken will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 cup water
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for batter)
Vegetable oil (for frying)

Honey Sauce:

1/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (for thickening)
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Directions:

Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and white pepper. Add water, egg, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Mix until smooth.
Coat the Chicken: Dip chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring they are well-coated.
Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken pieces in batches for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel.
Make the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
Toss and Serve: Add crispy chicken to the sauce, tossing until evenly coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Kcal: 380 kcal per serving | Servings: 4

Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken – A Sweet and Savory Delight

Chinese Honey Chicken is a beloved dish that perfectly balances crispy fried chicken with a sticky, sweet, and savory honey glaze. This dish is a staple in many Chinese-American restaurants, often served with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. What makes it truly special is the contrast between the crunchy exterior of the chicken and the luscious honey sauce that coats each bite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

The Origins of Chinese Honey Chicken

While Honey Chicken is not a traditional dish in China, it has become incredibly popular in Western-style Chinese cuisine. It is often served in Chinese-American and Australian-Chinese restaurants as part of their crispy chicken dishes, similar to General Tso’s Chicken or Orange Chicken. The use of honey in cooking has been common in Chinese cuisine for centuries, particularly in Cantonese-style dishes where sweet and savory flavors are harmonized.

The crispy fried texture of the chicken is inspired by traditional Chinese frying techniques, while the sauce is a fusion of classic Asian flavors such as soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The result is a dish that is both familiar and exciting, appealing to a wide range of palates.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Crispy and Crunchy Texture – The secret to achieving the perfect crispy coating lies in the combination of flour, cornstarch, and baking powder, which create a light and crunchy batter. When fried correctly, the chicken stays crispy even after being coated in the sauce.
Sweet and Savory Balance – The honey glaze brings a natural sweetness that complements the umami flavors of soy sauce and the aromatic depth of garlic and ginger.
Easy to Make at Home – While it may seem like a complex dish, it is actually quite simple to prepare with just a few key ingredients.
Versatile and Customizable – You can adjust the sweetness, add some heat with red pepper flakes, or even swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different variation.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re making a quick dinner for the family or preparing a meal for guests, this dish is always a hit.

How to Get the Perfect Crispy Chicken

The key to a truly crispy chicken lies in the preparation and frying process. Here are some essential tips to achieve the best results:

Use a combination of flour and cornstarch – This mixture creates a light, crispy coating that stays crunchy even when coated with sauce.
Let the batter rest – Allowing the batter to sit for a few minutes helps the ingredients bind together for better adhesion to the chicken.
Maintain the right oil temperature – Frying at 350°F (175°C) ensures the chicken cooks evenly and becomes golden brown without absorbing excess oil.
Fry in small batches – Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry in batches for the best texture.

The Secret to the Perfect Honey Sauce

The sauce is what truly makes this dish stand out. It combines the sweetness of honey with the umami depth of soy sauce and a touch of acidity from rice vinegar. Here’s what makes the sauce exceptional:

Honey – The natural sweetness caramelizes slightly, giving the chicken its signature glossy coating.
Soy Sauce – Adds a salty, umami flavor that balances the sweetness.
Garlic and Ginger – These aromatics bring warmth and complexity to the sauce.
Rice Vinegar – A little acidity helps to cut through the sweetness and balance the flavors.
Sesame Oil – A small amount enhances the depth of flavor, adding a subtle nuttiness.
Cornstarch Slurry – This helps thicken the sauce, allowing it to cling to the chicken perfectly.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Honey Chicken

Chinese Honey Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options to complete your meal:

Steamed White or Jasmine Rice – A simple yet classic pairing that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Fried Rice – A flavorful option that adds texture and extra vegetables to your meal.
Stir-Fried Vegetables – Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas provide freshness and balance to the dish.
Lo Mein or Chow Mein – If you’re in the mood for noodles, these stir-fried options complement the flavors of the chicken.
Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls – A crispy appetizer that pairs well with the sweet and savory notes of Honey Chicken.

Variations of Chinese Honey Chicken

One of the great things about this recipe is that it can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Here are some variations to try:

Spicy Honey Chicken – Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.
Lemon Honey Chicken – Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
Sesame Honey Chicken – Increase the amount of sesame oil and top with toasted sesame seeds for a nuttier flavor.
Baked Honey Chicken – For a healthier version, bake the battered chicken in the oven instead of frying.
Air Fryer Honey Chicken – Use an air fryer to achieve a crispy texture with less oil.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, you can store them properly to enjoy later:

Refrigerate – Store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers. The chicken will stay crispy if stored separately from the sauce. It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Reheat Properly – To maintain crispiness, reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the chicken soggy.
Freezing Option – You can freeze the fried chicken pieces without the sauce for up to a month. Reheat in the oven and toss with freshly made sauce before serving.

Conclusion

Chinese Honey Chicken is a dish that brings together the best of both worlds—crunchy, juicy chicken with a rich, glossy honey sauce. It’s a fantastic recipe that is easy to make at home and can be customized to fit your taste. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, served with rice or noodles, this dish is always satisfying.

By following the tips for crispy frying and perfecting the honey glaze, you can recreate restaurant-quality Honey Chicken in your own kitchen. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or a special dinner with family and friends. Give it a try, and you’ll see why this dish is a favorite among Chinese takeout lovers!

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