If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances crunch and sweetness, this Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine juicy, tender chicken pieces enveloped in a satisfyingly crispy coating, then drenched in a luscious honey glaze infused with garlic and ginger. Every bite is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe promises to deliver that authentic, comforting flavor of Chinese takeout right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe calls for simple, straightforward ingredients that you can easily find and that each play a vital role in creating the perfect dish. From the crispiness of the coating to the rich, sticky sauce that brings everything together, every component counts.
- Chicken breast (1 pound): Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Creates that irresistible crispy texture when fried.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Helps bind the coating and add structure.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors in the chicken and coating.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a hint of spice for depth.
- Egg (1, beaten): Acts as the glue for the dry coating to stick perfectly to each piece.
- Honey (3/4 cup): Brings natural sweetness and beautiful shine to the sauce.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Adds savory umami that balances the honey’s sweetness.
- Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Offers a subtle tang to brighten the sauce.
- Minced garlic (2 teaspoons): Infuses the sauce with fragrant depth and warmth.
- Minced ginger (2 teaspoons): Adds a fresh, spicy zing that elevates the dish.
- Vegetable oil: For frying to achieve that perfect golden crisp.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Great for a nutty, decorative garnish.
- Sliced green onions (optional): Provide a fresh, vibrant pop of color and mild onion flavor.
How to Make Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Coating Mixture
Start by combining cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This mixture is the secret to getting that wonderfully crunchy exterior on your chicken. In a separate bowl, beat one egg until smooth; this will help the coating cling to each piece beautifully.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Pieces
Take each bite-sized chicken piece and dip it first into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off. Then, thoroughly coat it with the flour and cornstarch mixture. This double step ensures every piece is evenly covered and primed for frying to crispy perfection.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken Until Golden
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat — enough to shallow fry the chicken pieces. Fry them in batches to avoid crowding the pan, making sure each piece is golden and crispy on all sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep the chicken crunchy.
Step 4: Create the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Bring this flavorful mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld together and thicken slightly into a glossy, sticky sauce that will perfectly coat your crispy chicken.
Step 5: Toss Chicken in the Sauce
Add the fried chicken pieces directly into the simmering honey sauce. Toss them gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is luxuriously coated with that delicious glaze. This step transforms simple fried chicken into a mouthwatering Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe sensation.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve the hot, glistening chicken immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you like. These little finishing touches not only enhance the visual appeal but also add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
How to Serve Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds over the finished chicken adds a nutty crunch that perfectly complements the sticky sauce. A handful of sliced green onions brings a fresh, slightly sharp contrast and a vibrant splash of green that makes the dish pop on the plate.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or steamed white rice, which soaks up the savory honey sauce beautifully. For something lighter, try serving with steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy to balance the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the honey chicken wrapped in warm lettuce cups sprinkled with fresh herbs, making for a lighter yet equally delicious bite. Alternatively, pile the chicken over fried rice or noodles and drizzle extra sauce for a complete, restaurant-style meal at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken coated in sauce will help maintain flavor, although the crispiness will soften over time.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken without sauce for up to 2 months. Spread pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and tossing with freshly made honey sauce for best results.
Reheating
To regain some crispiness, reheat leftover chicken in a hot skillet or oven on a wire rack to keep the coating crunchy. Warm the honey sauce separately and drizzle over just before serving, so the sauce remains glossy and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and more forgiving during frying. Just cut them into similarly sized pieces to ensure even cooking, and enjoy the same crispy, honey-glazed deliciousness.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or rice flour, and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free as well. The cornstarch coating is already gluten-free, so with these adjustments, your dish stays just as tasty and crispy.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the honey sauce?
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey slightly and add a splash more rice vinegar to balance it out. Tasting the sauce as it simmers helps you tweak the flavors perfectly to your liking.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier option. Coat your chicken as directed, then place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through until golden and cooked through.
What else can I do with leftover sauce?
Use leftover honey sauce as a drizzle over roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even as a dipping sauce for spring rolls. It’s a versatile, flavorful addition that brightens many dishes.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe enough—it combines that perfect crunch with a sweet, savory sauce that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s a dish that’s surprisingly easy to make but feels special every time you enjoy it. So grab your ingredients, dive into the cooking, and treat yourself and those around you to this incredible homemade delight!
Print
Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken features tender chicken breast pieces coated in a light, crispy batter and tossed in a sweet, tangy honey sauce infused with garlic and ginger. This flavorful dish makes a perfect weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
Sauce
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
Other
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating: In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the egg thoroughly to prepare for dipping.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge it in the flour-cornstarch mixture until evenly covered. This double coating creates a crispy texture when fried.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Fry the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, cooking for a few minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and the flavors meld.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Add the crispy fried chicken pieces to the simmering sauce and toss carefully to coat each piece evenly, allowing the chicken to absorb the sweet and savory flavors.
- Serve: Serve the honey-coated chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired, to add a fresh, nutty finish to the dish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double fry the chicken pieces by frying once until just cooked, letting them rest, then frying again briefly until golden brown.
- Use a thermometer to keep oil temperature around 350°F for best frying results.
- Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce by varying the amount of honey or rice vinegar according to taste.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
