Honey chicken is one of the most crave-worthy Chinese takeout dishes. The fried chicken is coated in a glistening honey glaze that balances sweet and salty flavors perfectly. Recreating this restaurant favorite at home is easier than you think.
Luckily, this ultimate crispy honey chicken recipe lets you easily recreate the magic at home. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll have restaurant-quality honey chicken ready in less than an hour.
So grab the ingredients, and let's make the best homemade honey chicken you have tasted!
Ingredients
- Chicken - Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces for tender, juicy meat that fries perfectly crispy.
- Cornstarch - Toss the chicken in cornstarch to coat it before frying for an ultra-crispy, crunchy exterior.
- Vegetable Oil - Fill a pot or Dutch oven with 2-3 inches of neutral vegetable oil like canola or peanut, and heat to 350°F for frying the chicken.
- Honey - Use good quality honey like wildflower or clover for the perfect sticky sweetness in the glaze.
- Soy Sauce - Add savory depth and saltiness to the honey glaze. Use regular soy sauce, not low sodium.
- Rice Vinegar - Helps balance and brighten the flavors in the honey glaze.
- Garlic - Minced or grated garlic adds aromatic flavor to the glaze.
- Ginger - Grated ginger provides subtle spice and pairs perfectly with honey chicken.
- Green Onions - Chopped green onions make a bright, flavorful garnish.
- Sesame Seeds - Toasted sesame seeds add crunch and nutty flavor when sprinkled on top.
Step By Step Guide To Make Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1 - Prep The Chicken
Cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into 1-inch cubes. This ensures the chicken will fry up nice and crispy. Place the cut chicken pieces into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Allow the coated chicken to sit for 10-15 minutes so the cornstarch sticks nicely.
Step 2 - Fry The Chicken
Next, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large wok or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Use a deep fry or candy thermometer to bring the temperature to 350°F. Working in batches, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil.
Fry for 2-3 minutes, flipping once, until evenly golden brown and crispy. Transfer the fried chicken with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining chicken, adjusting heat as needed to maintain 350°F.
Step 3 - Make The Honey Glaze
While the chicken fries, make the honey glaze or honey chicken sauce. Whisk together 1/3 cup honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger in a small bowl. Add 1 teaspoon sesame oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Step 4 - Coat In The Glaze
Once all the chicken is fried, add it back to the wok or pan. Pour the honey glaze over the chicken and gently toss to coat evenly.
Step 5 - Finish And Serve
Finish the crispy honey chicken by garnishing it with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed white rice and vegetables on the side. Enjoy this sticky-sweet chicken straight from your home kitchen!
Tips For Making Perfect Crispy Honey Chicken
Get Ultra Crispy Chicken
After coating the chicken pieces in cornstarch, let them rest for 10-15 minutes before frying. This allows the cornstarch to fully adhere to the chicken, resulting in a crispy exterior when fried. Before adding the chicken to the hot oil, shake off any excess cornstarch.
Fry In Small Batches
Work in small batches of 4-5 pieces when frying the chicken. Overcrowding the pan will cause the temperature to drop and the chicken pieces to stick together. Fry just a few pieces for perfectly crispy, separated chicken.
Add Extra Vegetables
Toss extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or broccoli florets during the last 1-2 minutes of frying. This adds extra flavor, color, and texture. The veggies will soak up some of the delicious honey glaze as well. You can also make it a honey garlic chicken by adding some garlic to the recipe to enhance the taste.
Adjust Sauce To Taste
The honey glaze can be adjusted to suit your preferences. For a sweeter glaze, add a bit more honey. If you want it saltier, add a dash more soy sauce. Taste and adjust the honey and soy sauce amounts until you reach your desired sweet and salty balance.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy honey chicken is best served immediately after frying and tossing in the honey glaze for maximum crispness. Have some steamed white or brown rice ready to serve—the sweet and savory chicken pairs perfectly with the fluffy rice.
You can also try serving it over lo mein or rice noodles. The tender noodles and sticky sauce are a great match.
Add a side of sautéed or steamed broccoli, carrots, snap peas, or other veggies for a complete meal. Some steamed dumplings or egg rolls make great appetizers for a Chinese-themed dinner.
Storage Ideas
Leftover crispy honey chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or the microwave until warmed through. The chicken may lose some crispiness when stored, but it will still taste delicious.
The honey chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months for longer-term storage. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring to freezer bags or containers. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating to serve.
The honey glaze can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems too thick before tossing again with the chicken.
Conclusion
Crispy, juicy homemade honey chicken is a delicious meal for the whole family. With its crunchy fried exterior and sweet, savory glaze, this chicken delivers all the best flavors of a takeout favorite from the comfort of your kitchen.
Served over fluffy rice or noodles and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this easy recipe impresses without requiring hard-to-find ingredients or complicated techniques. Let this honey chicken recipe open a world of sticky fingers, empty plates, and smiles around the dinner table.
