Chinese Honey Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chinese Honey Chicken is a sweet and savory dish that features crispy chicken coated in a luscious honey glaze. This dish offers the perfect balance of flavors—lightly battered chicken with a sticky, flavorful sauce that’s a little sweet, a little tangy, and packed with umami. The crispy exterior and tender interior of the chicken, combined with the rich honey sauce, make this dish a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Quick and easy to prepare, Chinese Honey Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner or a dish to serve when entertaining guests.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• 1/2 cup water (or more, if needed, to make the batter)

• Vegetable oil for frying (about 1 cup)

For the honey sauce:

• 1/3 cup honey

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For garnish (optional):

• Sesame seeds

• Chopped green onions

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

Directions

For the chicken:

1. Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the water, whisking until the batter is smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

2. Coat the chicken: Dip the chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring they’re fully coated.

3. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to come up the sides of the chicken pieces for frying, about 1 inch of oil in the pan.

4. Fry the chicken: Carefully add the battered chicken pieces to the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

For the honey sauce:

1. Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lemon juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

2. Coat the chicken: Once the sauce has thickened, pour it over the fried chicken pieces in a large bowl. Toss the chicken to coat evenly with the honey sauce.

3. Serve: Transfer the coated chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation time: 15 minutes

• Cooking time: 15-20 minutes

• Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Honey Chicken: For a spicy twist, add more red pepper flakes or a few dashes of sriracha to the honey sauce.

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu for a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.

• Pineapple Honey Chicken: Add chunks of fresh or canned pineapple to the sauce for a tropical flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the honey.

• Ginger-Lemon Chicken: For a more citrusy flavor, increase the lemon juice and add more fresh ginger to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Chinese Honey Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: For best results, freeze the chicken before adding the sauce. To freeze, place the cooked and cooled chicken on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven or skillet and toss with the prepared honey sauce.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent the chicken from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the crispy coating may soften.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but it will require longer cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. For best results, use boneless pieces for a quicker and more even fry.

2. Can I make the honey sauce without soy sauce?

Yes, you can use coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free or soy-free option. Both provide a similar savory flavor to soy sauce.

3. Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can fry the chicken pieces ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat them and toss them in the honey sauce.

4. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To make the dish spicier, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or mix in some hot sauce like sriracha to the honey sauce for an extra kick.

5. Can I use a different oil for frying?

Yes, you can use other oils with a high smoke point such as canola oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil for frying the chicken.

6. How do I make sure the chicken stays crispy?

The key to keeping the chicken crispy is to avoid overcrowding the pan when frying and to make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Also, try not to coat the chicken in the sauce too soon; toss it in the sauce right before serving to maintain the crispiness.

7. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy, then coat it with the honey sauce. Baking will be a healthier option but will result in a different texture than frying.

8. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before preparing the dish. Frozen chicken may release more moisture, so ensure the oil is hot enough when frying.

9. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

You can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia, but the flavor of the sauce will change slightly.

10. Can I serve this dish with a side?

Yes, Chinese Honey Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice, fried rice, or a simple vegetable stir-fry for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Chinese Honey Chicken is a delicious, sweet, and savory dish that brings together crispy chicken and a luscious honey sauce for a meal that’s both comforting and flavorful. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and a sure crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve it on a weeknight or at a dinner party, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try it with a side of rice or vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal!

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