If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with an irresistible crunch, you have to try this Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe. This dish brings together juicy chicken pieces coated in a light, crispy batter, all glazed with a sticky, honey-soy sauce that clings lovingly to each bite. It’s comfort food elevated with vibrant Asian-inspired ingredients that come together quickly and easily, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want a dish that impresses without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on the right ingredients for this Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe is simpler than you might think. Each item is carefully chosen not only for flavor but also for how it enhances the texture and color, creating a dish that looks just as good as it tastes.
- Boneless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and a tender bite every time.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides essential structure to the batter, ensuring the chicken crisps up beautifully.
- Cornstarch: Creates extra crunch in the batter; tapioca starch works as a great alternative.
- Baking Powder: Keep it fresh to help the batter puff up just the right amount.
- Salt: Balances the flavors in the batter and the sauce; season to your liking.
- White Pepper: Offers a subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
- Water: Using cold water is key to achieving that perfectly crisp batter.
- Egg: Acts as a binder for the batter; vegan cooks can swap for a flax egg.
- Vegetable Oil (for batter): Adds moisture and richness to the batter mix.
- Vegetable Oil (for frying): Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfect frying.
- Honey: The star of the sauce, lending natural sweetness and a gorgeous glaze; maple syrup can substitute for vegan versions.
- Soy Sauce: Brings depth and umami; gluten-free types are available for sensitive diets.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a zesty brightness balancing the sweet honey.
- Sesame Oil: Optional but highly recommended for a nutty aroma.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds a fragrant warmth and fresh zing; ground ginger may be used if needed.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic amps up the savory notes.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Provide a subtle heat that complements the sweetness perfectly, optional for spice lovers.
- Cornstarch (for sauce): Mixed with water to thicken the glossy sauce.
- Sesame Seeds: For garnish, adding a lovely crunch and visual appeal.
- Green Onions: Finely chopped to add freshness and a mild onion flavor.
How to Make Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by mixing your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and white pepper. The balance here is crucial—it cushions the chicken with a light but sturdy coating. Then, whisk in cold water, egg, and vegetable oil until you have a silky smooth batter that’s ready for dipping.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Take each bite-sized chicken piece and dunk it fully into the batter. Make sure every morsel has a generous coating—this is what locks in moisture and ensures the tantalizing crunch we’re after.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the battered chicken in batches, about 5 to 6 minutes each, stirring occasionally for even cooking. The result should be a beautiful golden brown crust that’s both crispy and satisfying. Let the chicken rest on paper towels briefly to drain off extra oil.
Step 4: Whip Up the Honey Sauce
While your chicken fries, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, fresh ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it simmers, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and let it thicken for 2 to 3 minutes, transforming into a glossy, sticky glaze.
Step 5: Toss and Finish
Add the crispy chicken into the sauce pan and gently toss to ensure each piece is luxuriously coated with the honey glaze. The final touch is a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onions, adding both texture and a burst of color right before serving.
How to Serve Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your presentation, sprinkle the finished dish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. These tiny extras bring a fresh crunch and pop of color that make every bite feel special.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice, which soaks up the sweet sauce perfectly. For a veggie boost, try stir-fried bok choy, snap peas, or roasted broccoli to keep the meal bright and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe over a bed of fried rice or even toss it into a crunchy lettuce wrap for a handheld delight. Garnishing with thinly sliced chili or a drizzle of extra sauce on the side invites guests to personalize their own bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The crispy exterior will soften slightly, but the bold honey sauce flavors remain delicious, making it ideal for next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to save leftovers longer, freeze the cooked chicken pieces separately from the sauce. This prevents sogginess and lets you reheat and drizzle sauce fresh when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back some of the crispiness. Alternatively, warming in a skillet over medium heat works great, especially for reheating smaller portions without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving when frying, so they make an excellent alternative that adds richness to the Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely. Replace chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets, use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg, and swap honey for maple syrup. The crispy texture and sweet honey glaze still come through beautifully.
How do I adjust the sweetness or spiciness?
Feel free to add more honey or reduce it to suit your taste. For spiciness, increase or omit the red pepper flakes as you prefer. This Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe is very adaptable.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils ensure even cooking without imparting unwanted flavors or burning.
Final Thoughts
You never know when the craving for something crispy, sweet, and utterly comforting might strike, but when it does, this Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe is your perfect go-to. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to bring smiles around your table. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite homemade Asian-inspired treats.
Print
Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A delightful Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken recipe that combines tender bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a light, crunchy batter and fried to golden perfection. Tossed in a sweet and savory honey glaze infused with ginger, garlic, and a hint of heat, this comforting dish is perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken and Batter
- 1 pound Boneless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon White Pepper
- 1 cup Cold Water
- 1 large Egg
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for batter)
For Frying
- 2 cups Vegetable Oil
Honey Sauce
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger, minced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (mixed with water for thickening)
Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds
- 2 Green Onions, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and white pepper until evenly combined. Gradually add cold water, the egg, and vegetable oil, stirring until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip the bite-sized chicken pieces individually into the prepared batter, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated to achieve maximum crunch when fried.
- Heat Oil and Fry Chicken: Heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C). Fry the battered chicken pieces in batches for 5 to 6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Make the Honey Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced fresh ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cornstarch mixed with a bit of water to thicken the sauce. Allow it to thicken, stirring frequently for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Coat Chicken with Sauce: Add the crispy fried chicken pieces to the saucepan. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece with the honey glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for a fresh, nutty finish. Serve immediately over steamed rice for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg and honey with maple syrup.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce and flour substitutes to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F) before frying to avoid greasy, soggy chicken.
- Prepare the sauce ahead of time but add the cornstarch slurry last to prevent lumps.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
