Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken
Introduction
Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken is a takeout classic that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and a delightful crunch in every bite. With tender pieces of chicken enveloped in a light, golden batter and glazed in a luscious honey sauce, this dish captures everyone’s attention at the dinner table. Even better, you can recreate it at home with simple ingredients for a dish that rivals your favorite restaurant.
Why This Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Is a Crowd Pleaser
This recipe delivers everything you love about Chinese honey chicken: ultra-crispy pieces of juicy chicken, an irresistibly glossy sauce, and the ideal fusion of flavors. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal, yet elegant enough for entertaining. Whether served over fluffy white rice or alongside steamed veggies, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy a wide range of palates.
Mastering the Perfect Crispy Chicken
The secret to achieving that signature crispiness lies in the batter—a combination of cornstarch, flour, and a touch of baking powder for extra lift. Double frying ensures that each bite stays crunchy even after being tossed in the honey sauce. Make sure your oil is hot enough (about 350°F) and avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the coating light and golden.
The Flavorful Honey Sauce
The sauce is a blend of honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a hint of ginger and garlic. This mixture creates a sweet-savory glaze that coats the fried chicken beautifully, adding depth without being overly sticky or cloying.
How to Serve Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken
Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an attractive finish. Serve it over steamed rice, fried rice, or even lettuce cups for a lighter option. Pair it with sautéed broccoli or snap peas to round out the meal and balance the sweetness of the sauce.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe makes about 4 generous servings. Each portion delivers approximately 400 to 450 calories, depending on how much oil remains on the chicken after frying and the amount of sauce used. Serving alongside steamed vegetables can help lighten the meal while adding essential nutrients.
Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken: The Takeout Favorite Reimagined
This dish combines the irresistible crunch of twice-fried chicken with a glossy, fragrant honey sauce for a truly memorable dining experience—right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.
Instructions
- Prepare the batter. In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and white pepper (if using). Add cold water and the egg; stir until smooth.
- Coat the chicken. Add chicken pieces to the batter and toss until all pieces are fully coated.
- Heat oil. Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pan or wok. Heat over medium-high until the temperature reaches 350°F (test with a thermometer or by dropping in a bit of batter—it should sizzle immediately).
- Fry the chicken (first fry). Working in batches, fry the battered chicken pieces for 3–4 minutes or until they are pale golden and cooked through. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
- Second fry for extra crispiness. Increase the oil temperature to 375°F. Fry the chicken again for 1–2 minutes until deep golden brown and ultra-crispy. Drain well.
- Make the honey sauce. In a separate saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken the sauce. Stir the cornstarch and water together to make a slurry. Add to the simmering sauce, whisking constantly, until thick and glossy (about 1–2 minutes).
- Toss and serve. Transfer the hot fried chicken to a large bowl. Pour the sticky honey sauce over and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Weekly Meal Planning
This recipe is an excellent addition to any weekly meal plan. Save and schedule this recipe to plan your cooking week and generate smart shopping lists that consolidate all your ingredients!
Planning Benefits:
- Automatically calculates ingredient totals across all your planned recipes
- Organizes your shopping list by grocery store sections for speedy trips
- Prevents forgotten ingredients and duplicate purchases
- Simplifies weekly meal prep and boosts organization
Pro tip: When planning multiple dinners, schedule your favorite recipes to immediately see how ingredients overlap and reduce waste—for example, scallions or oil used in several meals are tallied automatically!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
