Honey Chicken

Honey Chicken is a delicious dish featuring crispy, golden-fried chicken pieces coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey glaze. This takeout favorite is easy to make at home and is perfect for pairing with rice or vegetables. With a crispy exterior and a flavorful sauce, it’s a meal the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and flavorful – A perfect combination of crunchy chicken and a sweet honey sauce.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick steps make this an excellent homemade dish.
• Better than takeout – Fresh ingredients and homemade sauce ensure a tastier, healthier meal.
• Versatile – Serve with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
• Kid-friendly – A sweet and savory balance makes it appealing to all ages.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Cornstarch
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Eggs
• Water
• Salt
• Pepper
• Oil (for frying)
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Garlic (minced)
• Ginger (grated)
• Vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water)
• Green onions or sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the batter: In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add eggs and water, whisk until smooth.
2. Coat the chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and dip them into the batter, ensuring even coating.
3. Fry the chicken: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4. Make the honey sauce: In a pan, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer.
5. Thicken the sauce: Stir in cornstarch slurry and mix until the sauce thickens.
6. Combine: Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until well coated.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with green onions or sesame seeds and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Baked Version: Instead of frying, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Spicy Honey Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the honey sauce for a spicy kick.
• Air Fryer Method: Air-fry the battered chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Lemon Honey Chicken: Add fresh lemon juice and zest for a citrusy twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

How can I keep the chicken crispy?

To maintain crispiness, serve immediately after tossing in the sauce, or reheat in an oven rather than a microwave.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Fry the chicken ahead of time and store it separately. Reheat and toss in the honey sauce just before serving.

What can I serve with Honey Chicken?

It pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness to the dish.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, but you can add spice by including chili flakes or sriracha in the sauce.

Can I make this dish healthier?

Yes! Use the baked or air-fried method instead of deep-frying and reduce the honey in the sauce.

How do I get a smooth honey sauce?

Make sure to stir the cornstarch slurry well before adding it to the sauce to prevent lumps.

What oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

Can I make this with tofu instead of chicken?

Yes! Use firm tofu, cut into cubes, and coat it in the batter before frying.

How do I store leftover sauce?

Keep leftover honey sauce in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove and whisk before using.

Conclusion

Honey Chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish that combines sweet honey glaze with crunchy fried chicken. It’s easy to make at home and can be customized to suit different tastes. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry the chicken, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

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