Crispy Honey Chicken Irresistible Recipe Guide

by Sophia on December 12, 2024

Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? My Crispy Honey Chicken recipe is here to impress! With juicy chicken coated in a sweet and sticky sauce, each bite bursts with flavor. I’ll guide you through simple steps to achieve that perfect crunch, along with tips to customize it to your taste. Let’s dive into a dish that’s both easy to make and truly irresistible!

$- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying) For the Honey Sauce: - 1/2 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - 1 teaspoon minced garlic - 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat) Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. Use 2 lbs of chicken thighs for juicy meat. The flour and cornstarch combo gives a crunchy coating. You can swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer. For the honey sauce, feel free to adjust the amount of honey for sweetness. If you want more heat, add extra chili flakes. You can also use rice vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. This helps the chicken cook evenly. After cutting, set the pieces aside in a bowl. This will keep them ready for coating. Next, make the coating mixture. In a large bowl, combine: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Mix these ingredients well. For coating, dip each piece of chicken in beaten eggs. Then, coat it evenly with the flour mixture. Shake off any extra flour. This step is key for that crispy texture. Now, heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan. Keep the heat at medium-high. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken in batches. Don't overcrowd the pan or the chicken won't cook right. Fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown. Then, remove the chicken and drain it on paper towels. While the chicken fries, prepare the honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine: - 1/2 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - 1 teaspoon minced garlic - 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) Heat this mixture over low to medium heat. Stir frequently until it bubbles gently. This helps blend the flavors. Once ready, remove it from heat. After frying, place the crispy chicken in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the warm honey sauce over the chicken. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly. For serving, plate the chicken on a platter. Drizzle any leftover sauce on top. Optionally, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a nice touch. Enjoy your delicious crispy honey chicken! To get that extra crunch on your crispy honey chicken, follow these tips: - Recommended frying techniques: Fry in small batches. This helps the chicken cook evenly. A deep pan or wok works best. It allows for even heat and more oil. - Oil temperature tips: Heat your oil to about 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will soak up oil and become soggy. If it's too hot, it will burn. Once your chicken is crispy, let’s make it shine on the plate: - Ideas for pairing with sides: Serve your chicken with steamed rice or sautéed veggies. It balances the sweet sauce. You can also add a fresh salad for crunch. - Presentation tips for a beautiful dish: Drizzle any extra honey sauce over the chicken. Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. This adds color and a nice touch. Avoid these common errors to ensure your dish turns out perfectly: - Overcrowding the pan: This can lower the oil temperature. Fry in batches to keep the heat steady. - Not heating oil adequately: Always test your oil before frying by dropping in a small piece of chicken. If it sizzles, you’re ready to fry! If it doesn’t, wait a bit longer. Pro Tips Use a Thermometer: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F) for perfectly crispy chicken without absorbing too much oil. Let it Rest: Allow the fried chicken to rest on paper towels for a few minutes to maintain its crunch before tossing in the sauce. Adjust the Heat: Tailor the chili flakes in your honey sauce to your preferred spice level, adding more for an extra kick. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh ginger and garlic for the sauce to enhance the flavor and aroma of your crispy honey chicken. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of crispy honey chicken easily. If you like heat, add chili flakes. A teaspoon gives a nice kick. You can mix them into the honey sauce for warmth. If you want something different, try teriyaki or sesame sauce. These sauces will give a new twist. Just swap them for the honey sauce and coat your chicken. You do not need to stick to thighs. You can use chicken breasts or drumsticks instead. Each cut has its own taste and texture. If you prefer plant-based meals, try tofu or tempeh. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps. You can still enjoy that crispy texture and sweet sauce. To keep your crispy honey chicken fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools before sealing. This method helps maintain its taste and texture. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to three months. Just remember, freezing may change the texture a bit. For the best texture, reheating in the oven works great. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 15 minutes. This keeps the chicken crispy. If you're short on time, you can use the microwave. But note, it may make the chicken softer. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check often to avoid overcooking. You can pair crispy honey chicken with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice - Sautéed vegetables - Fried rice - Garlic bread - Asian-style coleslaw - Mashed potatoes These sides add great flavor and texture to your meal. They also help balance the sweetness of the honey sauce. Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Cut the chicken and coat it a few hours before cooking. - Store the coated chicken in the fridge. This keeps it fresh. - Make the honey sauce early and keep it in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just fry the chicken and toss it in the sauce. Yes, you can bake crispy honey chicken for a healthier option. Here are the steps: - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray. - Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method will give you a crispy finish with less oil. Enjoy a lighter version of this tasty dish! This blog explained how to make crispy honey chicken, from ingredients to serving. I shared tips for achieving the right texture and suggested variations for flavor. Remember not to overcrowd the pan when frying. Storing and reheating properly keeps your meal fresh and tasty. Enjoy experimenting with ingredients and flavors to make this dish your own!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and ginger creates a sweet and savory sauce that perfectly complements the crispy chicken.
Crispy Texture: The unique coating made from flour and cornstarch ensures that each piece of chicken is incredibly crunchy and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
Customizable Heat: The optional chili flakes allow you to adjust the spiciness to your taste, making it suitable for everyone.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 1/2 cup cornstarch

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 2 large eggs, beaten

– 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Honey Sauce:

– 1/2 cup honey

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

– 1 teaspoon minced garlic

– 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

– 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Measurements and Notes

Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. Use 2 lbs of chicken thighs for juicy meat. The flour and cornstarch combo gives a crunchy coating. You can swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer.

For the honey sauce, feel free to adjust the amount of honey for sweetness. If you want more heat, add extra chili flakes. You can also use rice vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Chicken

To start, cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. This helps the chicken cook evenly. After cutting, set the pieces aside in a bowl. This will keep them ready for coating.

Coating and Frying

Next, make the coating mixture. In a large bowl, combine:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 1/2 cup cornstarch

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Mix these ingredients well. For coating, dip each piece of chicken in beaten eggs. Then, coat it evenly with the flour mixture. Shake off any extra flour. This step is key for that crispy texture.

Now, heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan. Keep the heat at medium-high. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan or the chicken won’t cook right. Fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown. Then, remove the chicken and drain it on paper towels.

Preparing the Honey Sauce

While the chicken fries, prepare the honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine:

– 1/2 cup honey

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

– 1 teaspoon minced garlic

– 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

– 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Heat this mixture over low to medium heat. Stir frequently until it bubbles gently. This helps blend the flavors. Once ready, remove it from heat.

Final Assembly

After frying, place the crispy chicken in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the warm honey sauce over the chicken. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly. For serving, plate the chicken on a platter. Drizzle any leftover sauce on top. Optionally, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a nice touch. Enjoy your delicious crispy honey chicken!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Extra Crispiness

To get that extra crunch on your crispy honey chicken, follow these tips:

– Recommended frying techniques: Fry in small batches. This helps the chicken cook evenly. A deep pan or wok works best. It allows for even heat and more oil.

– Oil temperature tips: Heat your oil to about 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will soak up oil and become soggy. If it’s too hot, it will burn.

Serving Suggestions

Once your chicken is crispy, let’s make it shine on the plate:

– Ideas for pairing with sides: Serve your chicken with steamed rice or sautéed veggies. It balances the sweet sauce. You can also add a fresh salad for crunch.

– Presentation tips for a beautiful dish: Drizzle any extra honey sauce over the chicken. Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. This adds color and a nice touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:

– Overcrowding the pan: This can lower the oil temperature. Fry in batches to keep the heat steady.

– Not heating oil adequately: Always test your oil before frying by dropping in a small piece of chicken. If it sizzles, you’re ready to fry! If it doesn’t, wait a bit longer.

Pro Tips

Use a Thermometer: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F) for perfectly crispy chicken without absorbing too much oil.
Let it Rest: Allow the fried chicken to rest on paper towels for a few minutes to maintain its crunch before tossing in the sauce.
Adjust the Heat: Tailor the chili flakes in your honey sauce to your preferred spice level, adding more for an extra kick.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh ginger and garlic for the sauce to enhance the flavor and aroma of your crispy honey chicken.

Variations

Flavor Adjustments

You can change the flavor of crispy honey chicken easily. If you like heat, add chili flakes. A teaspoon gives a nice kick. You can mix them into the honey sauce for warmth. If you want something different, try teriyaki or sesame sauce. These sauces will give a new twist. Just swap them for the honey sauce and coat your chicken.

Ingredient Swaps

You do not need to stick to thighs. You can use chicken breasts or drumsticks instead. Each cut has its own taste and texture. If you prefer plant-based meals, try tofu or tempeh. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps. You can still enjoy that crispy texture and sweet sauce.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your crispy honey chicken fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools before sealing. This method helps maintain its taste and texture. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to three months. Just remember, freezing may change the texture a bit.

Reheating Techniques

For the best texture, reheating in the oven works great. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 15 minutes. This keeps the chicken crispy. If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave. But note, it may make the chicken softer. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check often to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

What can I serve with crispy honey chicken?

You can pair crispy honey chicken with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas:

– Steamed rice

– Sautéed vegetables

– Fried rice

– Garlic bread

– Asian-style coleslaw

– Mashed potatoes

These sides add great flavor and texture to your meal. They also help balance the sweetness of the honey sauce.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips:

– Cut the chicken and coat it a few hours before cooking.

– Store the coated chicken in the fridge. This keeps it fresh.

– Make the honey sauce early and keep it in the fridge.

When you are ready to eat, just fry the chicken and toss it in the sauce.

Is it possible to bake instead of fry?

Yes, you can bake crispy honey chicken for a healthier option. Here are the steps:

– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

– Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

– Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray.

– Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

This method will give you a crispy finish with less oil. Enjoy a lighter version of this tasty dish!

This blog explained how to make crispy honey chicken, from ingredients to serving. I shared tips for achieving the right texture and suggested variations for flavor. Remember not to overcrowd the pan when frying. Storing and reheating properly keeps your meal fresh and tasty. Enjoy experimenting with ingredients and flavors to make this dish your ow

Crispy Honey Chicken

A deliciously crispy chicken dish coated in a sweet and tangy honey sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Make the Coating Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.
Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Make the Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Heat over low to medium heat until it starts to bubble gently. Stir frequently to combine the flavors, then remove from heat.
Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, drizzle the honey sauce over the crispy chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.
Serve: Plate the crispy honey chicken on a serving platter, drizzling any remaining sauce over the top.

Notes

Serve the chicken with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for extra flair. Pair with steamed rice and sautéed veggies for a complete meal!

Keyword chicken, crispy, fried, honey