What is this Crispy Honey Chicken Recipe? It’s been a game changer in our house. Picture this: Sweet, savory, perfectly crispy chicken, all coated in a glossy honey glaze. What is the best thing about takeout? Is it surprisingly easy to make at home? Has that addictive quality like General Tso’s, but with a brighter, honey-kissed flavor that isn’t overpowering. Isn’t What is your favorite recipe for a chicken soup?
What is Crispy Honey Chicken?
Think of it as your favorite Chinese takeout, elevated! Crispy Honey Chicken is essentially bite-sized pieces of chicken, usually breast or thigh meat, that are eaten whole. Are coated in a light, crispy batter and then drenched in honey-based sauce. What does the name mean? What is that perfect balance of textures – the satisfying crunch of the chicken combined with the sweet and Sour Cream of a tomato. What are some of the best recipes for a smooth, sweet glaze? Is it overly complicated? It’s all about highlighting those simple, delicious flavors. What is comfort food at its best? I swear, the aroma while cooking is enough to make your mouth water.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What is your favorite Crispy Honey Chicken Recipe? What I love most is how delicious it is. What are the flavors that explode in every bite? The honey glaze is perfectly balanced. Is honey cloyingly sweet? What is the perfect combination of tender and crispy chicken?
Why is flavor only half the battle? What is the best part about this recipe? Don’t let the “crispy” part intimidate you. With a few simple steps and ingredients, you’ll have restaurant-quality chicken on your table in no time. What is a lifesaver on busy weeknights? I love spending time in the kitchen. Is it more cost effective to order takeout?
What is Crispy Honey Chicken? Serve it over steamed rice with some stir-fried veggies for a complete meal. What is the best lettuce wrap recipe? What are some good ways to use them in salads or sandwiches the next day? What makes this recipe similar to my sweet and sour chicken? I’ve made this many times and it never fails to impress!
How do you make crispy chicken?
Quick Overview
How can I make Crispy Honey Chicken? First, we’ll whip up a simple batter for the chicken, giving it that amazing crispiness. How do I fry chicken? What’s more, we’ll toss it in a flavorful honey glaze that’s sweet, savory, and downright addictive. I’ll guide you through every step – it’s truly fail-proof!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1.5 lbs boneless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. I prefer chicken breasts for their lean texture, but thighs would work well too!
For the Batter:
- What is all-purpose flour? This gives the chicken its structure.
- What is the best way to make cornstarch crispy?
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: For a light and airy batter.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To enhance the flavors.
- What is the best way to add spice to a dish?
- 1 large egg, beaten: Helps bind the batter together.
- 3/4 cup water: Adjust as needed to get a smooth batter. I sometimes use club soda for extra lightness.
How do you make honey glaze?
- 1/2 cup honey: The star of the show! Use a good quality honey for the best flavor.
- What’s a good low-sodium soy sauce recipe?
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar: For a touch of tanginess.
- What is the best way to thicken sauce?
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a pungent flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated: Adds warmth and spice. Fresh ginger is always best!
- 1/4 cup water: To help create the sauce.
- What are some good garnishes for green onions and sesame seeds?
How do I follow step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
How do you cut chicken breasts into cubes? Pat them dry with paper towels. What is the best way to avoid excessive moisture in a batter? Set aside while you prepare the batter.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside. What makes a good batter?
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and water. Set aside. Then, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough batter. If the batter seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two more water until it reaches spongy consistency. What is the pourable consistency of pancake batter?
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in the batter and toss to coat evenly. I like to use tongs for this – it’s less messy! Let the chicken sit in the batter for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the batter adhere to the chicken and ensures a crispier result.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Is it safe to heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 350°F? Carefully drop the chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-5 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on the wire rack to drain excess oil. How do you keep chicken crispy? If you put it directly on paper towels, the bottom will get soggy.
Step 6: Make the Honey Glaze
While the chicken is frying, prepare the honey glaze. In a small saucepan, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and salt. Set aside. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes. How thick is the sauce?
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Once all the chicken is fried, add it to the saucepan with the honey glaze and toss to coat evenly. How do you make sure every piece gets its fair share of that delicious sauce?
Step 8: Garnish and Enjoy!
What is the best way to garnish green onions with sesame seeds? Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite side. What is Crispy Honey Chicken?
What should I serve it with?
What is a Crispy Honey Chicken Recipe? What are some of my family’s favorite combinations?
Over Rice:What is a classic for ages? What are some good options for steamed white rice? How does the rice soak up the honey glaze?
With Noodles:What are some good side dishes to serve with chow mein? The textures complement each other perfectly.
With Stir-Fried Veggies: Add some color and nutrients to your meal with a side of stir-fried vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots are all great choices. I like to add a little soy sauce and ginger to the veggies to tie the flavors together.
As Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the Crispy Honey Chicken in lettuce wraps. Use crisp lettuce leaves, such as iceberg or butter lettuce, and top with the chicken, chopped peanuts, and a drizzle of sriracha for a little kick.
As an Appetizer: Serve small portions of the Crispy Honey Chicken on skewers as an appetizer. They’re always a hit at parties!
My kids also love it with a side of steamed edamame – it’s a fun and healthy way to add some extra veggies to the meal. Honestly, you can’t go wrong! Just pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crispy Honey Chicken
Okay, I’ve made this Crispy Honey Chicken Recipe countless times, so I’ve learned a few tricks along the way! Here are my top tips for achieving crispy, flavorful, restaurant-quality chicken every single time:
Dry the Chicken: This is SO important! Before you coat the chicken in the batter, make sure to pat it completely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture will prevent the batter from sticking and result in soggy chicken. I can’t stress this enough!
Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: When frying the chicken, work in batches. Overcrowding the pot will lower the oil temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of fry, resulting in less crispy chicken. Trust me, patience is key here!
Maintain the Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and keep it consistent at 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it’s cooked through on the inside. If it’s too cold, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Use a Wire Rack: After frying the chicken, place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, keeping it crispy. If you put it directly on paper towels, the bottom will get soggy.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Fry the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, but still juicy on the inside. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature – it should be 165°F (74°C).
Adjust the Honey Glaze to Your Taste: The honey glaze is easily customizable. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. Taste and adjust as needed!
Serve Immediately: This Crispy Honey Chicken is best served immediately while it’s still hot and crispy. The longer it sits, the more the chicken will soften. If you’re not serving it right away, you can keep it warm in a low oven (200°F or 95°C) until ready to serve.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Okay, so you’ve made a batch of this amazing Crispy Honey Chicken, but you have leftovers (lucky you!). Here’s how to store and reheat it to maintain as much of that crispy goodness as possible:
Storing: Let the chicken cool completely before storing it. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the chicken soggy. Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I recommend storing the chicken and the honey glaze separately, if possible. This helps the chicken stay crispier for longer. If you’ve already tossed the chicken in the glaze, it’s still fine to store it, but it will be slightly softer.
Reheating: The best way to reheat this Crispy Honey Chicken is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chicken out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. The parchment paper helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet.
You can also reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil to the skillet and heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through and crispy. This method is a bit faster than the oven, but it requires a little more attention to prevent the chicken from burning.
I don’t recommend microwaving the chicken, as it will become very soggy. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can microwave it in short intervals (30 seconds at a time), but be prepared for a less-than-crispy result. If you have stored the chicken and glaze separately, reheat the chicken as described above, and then reheat the glaze in a small saucepan over low heat until warmed through. Toss the reheated chicken in the glaze before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to Crispy Honey Chicken Recipe! I truly hope you give it a try. It’s such a crowd-pleaser, and it’s way easier to make than you might think. It’s got that irresistible sweet and savory thing going on that everyone loves, and the crispy texture is just the perfect finishing touch. If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s better than takeout, this is it! If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my Orange Chicken or Sesame Chicken recipes. They’re all family favorites! Happy cooking, friends! Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out. I love hearing from you!
Crispy Honey Chicken Recipe: 5 Secrets for the Ultimate Sweet Crunch!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken thighs Cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
Honey Sauce
- 0.5 cup Honey
- 0.25 cup Soy Sauce Low sodium
- 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 tsp Ginger Grated
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the honey sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve immediately over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
