Honey Chicken
Crispy, bite-sized chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and savory honey-garlic sauce. This Chinese-American takeout classic is incredibly easy to make at home and will be a guaranteed family favorite.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.Pat the chicken cubes completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a crispy coating.
- c.In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, salt, and white pepper. Toss well to coat.
- d.Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare Batter and Sauce
- b.In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, and the beaten egg.
- c.Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of cold water until you have a smooth, thick batter, similar to pancake batter. Set aside.
- d.In a small bowl, prepare the sauce by whisking together the honey, the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and minced garlic.
- e.In a separate very small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create the slurry. Set both the sauce and slurry aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shallow-Fry the Chicken
- b.Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or wok. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
- c.Working in 2-3 batches to avoid overcrowding, dip each piece of marinated chicken into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off.
- d.Carefully place the battered chicken into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- e.Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack to drain. This keeps the bottom from getting soggy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Make the Sauce and Finish
- b.Carefully pour out all but 1 teaspoon of the hot oil from the skillet.
- c.Return the skillet to medium heat. Pour in the prepared honey-garlic sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- d.Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir and whisk it into the simmering sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- e.Remove the skillet from the heat. Immediately add the crispy fried chicken and toss quickly to coat every piece evenly in the sauce.
- f.Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for the best texture.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy chicken, double fry it. Fry for 2-3 minutes, remove from oil for a minute, then return to the hot oil and fry for another 1-2 minutes until deep golden brown.
- 2Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature (350°F / 175°C). If it's too cool, the chicken will be greasy; if it's too hot, the batter will burn before the chicken cooks.
- 3Do not overcrowd the pan. Frying in batches maintains the oil temperature, ensuring a crispy result.
- 4Patting the chicken dry before marinating is a critical step for helping the batter adhere properly.
- 5For a juicier alternative, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- 6Have all your sauce components ready before you start frying, as the final steps happen very quickly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Honey Chicken
Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a sweet and spicy kick.
Honey Sesame TofuHoney Sesame Tofu
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with 1 block (14 oz) of extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed. Follow the same battering and frying process.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Stir-fry some sliced bell peppers, onions, or steamed broccoli in the skillet before adding the sauce to make it a more complete one-pan meal.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken breast is a lean source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Provides Quick Energy
The honey and carbohydrates in the batter provide a quick source of energy, making this a satisfying and energizing meal.
Contains Allicin
Garlic is a key flavor component and contains allicin, a compound known for its potential immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently asked questions
Honey Chicken is a delicious treat but is best enjoyed in moderation. It is high in protein from the chicken, but also contains significant sugar from the honey and fat from the frying process. To make it healthier, you can try baking or air-frying the chicken and serving it with plenty of steamed vegetables.