Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken

Name: Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, 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 black pepper; 1 cup cold water; Oil for frying; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Satisfy your cravings with this delicious Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken recipe. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a light, crispy batter and tossed in a sweet and savory honey sauce, creating the perfect balance of flavors. This irresistible dish is quick to make and ideal for any weeknight dinner or special occasion, sure to impress your family and friends alike.

Created by

Ethan

Last updated on 2025-11-28T04:33:42.955Z

The Perfect Weeknight Meal

Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken is not just a dish; it's an experience that transforms any ordinary weeknight into something special. The combination of tender chicken enveloped in a light, crispy batter and coated with a sweet honey sauce creates a delicious flavor explosion. It’s quick to prepare, making it the perfect choice for those busy evenings. With minimal preparation and cooking time, you can have a delightful meal on the table in no time, making it ideal for busy families.

What sets this dish apart is its versatility. You can easily adjust the sweetness or heat to suit your family's preferences by adding a bit of chili sauce or adjusting the honey quantity. Pair it with some steamed rice or sautéed vegetables to create a balanced meal that pleases every palate. The simplicity of this recipe allows it to be a staple in your dinner rotation, ensuring that everyone will look forward to it.

A Sweet Twist on Classic Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a beloved classic, but Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken takes it to a whole new level. This dish combines traditional frying techniques with an infusion of Asian flavors, creating a unique culinary experience. The marriage of crispy texture from the perfectly fried chicken and the glossy, sweet sauce is sure to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. The allure of the honey sauce, with its rich sweetness and savory undertones, makes it a standout dish that can easily compete with takeout.

By preparing this dish at home, you're not only enjoying a scrumptious meal but also avoiding the preservatives and excess sodium commonly found in restaurant versions. The balance of sweet and savory makes it a delightful alternative to standard fried chicken, and the crispy texture provides a satisfying crunch in every bite. This dish is perfect for gatherings, as it can easily be made in large batches.

Tips for the Best Crispy Chicken

For the crispiest results, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying the chicken. A good temperature range is around 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C). If the oil isn’t hot enough, the batter will absorb too much oil and become soggy instead of crispy. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, or drop a small amount of batter into the oil; if it sizzles vigorously, you’re good to go.

Another tip is to double fry the chicken for added crunch. Fry the chicken pieces once until they are a light golden color, remove them, and let them rest for a couple of minutes before frying them again until they achieve that perfect golden brown. This technique works wonders for texture and ensures your chicken stays crispy even after coating them with the honey sauce. Don’t skip the draining step; letting the chicken rest on paper towels allows excess oil to be absorbed.

Ingredients

For the chicken

1 lb chicken breast, 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 black pepper
1 cup cold water
Oil for frying

For the honey sauce

1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

Prepare the batter

In a large bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the cold water until the batter is smooth.

Fry the chicken

In a deep frying pan or pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Dip the chicken pieces in the batter, allowing excess to drip off, and fry them in batches until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Make the honey sauce

In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch mixture and stir until thickened.

Combine chicken and sauce

In a large bowl, toss the fried chicken with the honey sauce until evenly coated.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, keep in mind that the chicken may lose some of its crispiness over time. To maintain the best texture when reheating, consider using an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave. Simply preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

To freeze the chicken, ensure it’s completely cooled before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the reheating instructions to restore its delightful crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a complete meal, serve it alongside steamed jasmine rice, which helps soak up the tasty honey sauce. Stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas also make a colorful and nutritious addition to your plate.

For those interested in enhancing the meal further, a simple salad featuring mixed greens and a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the chicken. You might also consider serving some spring rolls or dumplings as appetizers to create a feast that impresses guests and family alike.