Best Homemade Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe

I’ve got a confession: I’ve probably eaten more takeout Chinese food than I care to admit. One night, after spending way too much money on greasy orange chicken, I thought, “Why am I paying someone else to make something I can try to screw up at home?”

So I decided to make honey chicken. The goal? Crispy, sticky, sweet, and edible. The reality? A few splatters of oil, some burnt honey here and there, and me staring at a pan like it might tell me what I did wrong.

Somehow, though, it worked. The chicken was crispy on the outside, tender inside, and the sauce? Sweet enough to feel like a treat without giving me a sugar coma. I’ve made it several times since, sometimes perfectly, sometimes with funny little disasters—but always delicious.

Why I Keep Making This Dish (The Real Reasons)

1. Flavorful Profile: The balanced sweetness of honey and the saltiness of soy sauce create a complex and satisfying taste.
2. Crispy Texture: The cornflour coating provides a delightful crunch, ensuring the chicken is both tender and crispy.
3. Quick Preparation: This dish can be made in under 30 minutes, making it suitable for busy schedules.
4. Healthy Option: Utilizing lean chicken breast and incorporating fresh ingredients enhances the nutritional value.
5. Versatile Components: The basic recipe can be adapted with various ingredients, allowing for personalization.
6. Ideal for Meal Prep: The recipe yields enough servings for leftovers, perfect for lunches or quick dinners.
7. Family-Friendly: Its mild flavor profile appeals to both children and adults.
8. Effortless Serving: The dish pairs well with rice, minimizing the need for multiple side dishes.

Tips I Learned the Hard Way:

• Coating Preparation: Ensure the chicken is dry before coating to achieve optimal crispiness.
• Heat Control: Maintain medium heat during frying; too high will burn the coating while the chicken remains undercooked.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and orange juice for the best flavor in the sauce.
• Thickening Consistency: Slowly add the cornflour mixture to the sauce to avoid clumping.
• Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest briefly before adding to the sauce for better crispiness.
• Even Cooking: Cut chicken strips uniformly to ensure even cooking throughout.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches if necessary to maintain the frying temperature and achieve maximum crispiness.
• Adjust Sweetness: Modify the amount of honey according to personal taste preference.

Variations You Can Try:

1. Spicy Honey Chicken: Increase the amount of chili flakes for an extra kick.
2. Citrus Blend: Incorporate lime or lemon juice alongside the orange for a more citrusy flavor.
3. Vegetable Addition: Include vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli in the frying pan for added nutrition.
4. Alternate Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for different protein options.
5. Garlic Influence: Add roasted garlic for a richer garlic flavor.
6. Cashew or Almond Toppings: Incorporate nuts for added crunch and flavor.
7. Sweetener Alternatives: Experiment with maple syrup or agave as a different sweetener.
8. Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil for enhanced freshness.

How to Make the Best Homemade Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken

Ingredients:

• 250 g chicken breast cut into strips
• 3–4 tablespoons cornflour
• 3 tablespoons runny honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped finely
• 1 orange
• 1 teaspoon chilli flakes
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1 spring onion, sliced
• 180 g long-grain rice

Instructions:

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cornflour with a pinch of salt. Add the chicken strips and toss until fully coated.

Step 2: Cook the rice according to the package directions. Once cooked, set it aside and keep warm.

Step 3: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and fry for about 10 minutes, turning as needed, until golden, crispy, and cooked through.

Step 4: While the chicken cooks, make the sauce. In a medium pan over low heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, chilli flakes, and the juice of the orange. Stir until combined.

Step 5: Mix the remaining cornflour with 2 tablespoons of water. Add it to the sauce and stir well. Heat gently until the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and toss until every piece is well coated.

Step 7: Serve over rice and finish with sesame seeds and sliced spring onion on top.

Best Homemade Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe

This homemade crispy chinese honey chicken presents a quick solution for a flavorful meal, combining easy preparation with satisfying results.

By following the outlined steps and tips, the dish can be tailored to suit personal tastes. I encourage you to explore this recipe and enjoy a delightful culinary experience.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Calories: 619

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 250 g chicken breast cut into strips
• 3 –4 tablespoons cornflour
• 3 tablespoons runny honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic chopped finely
• 1 orange
• 1 teaspoon chilli flakes
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1 spring onion sliced
• 180 g long-grain rice

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cornflour with a pinch of salt. Add the chicken strips and toss until fully coated.
2. Cook the rice according to the package directions. Once cooked, set it aside and keep warm.
3. Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and fry for about 10 minutes, turning as needed, until golden, crispy, and cooked through.
4. While the chicken cooks, make the sauce. In a medium pan over low heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, chilli flakes, and the juice of the orange. Stir until combined.
5. Mix the remaining cornflour with 2 tablespoons of water. Add it to the sauce and stir well. Heat gently until the sauce thickens.
6. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and toss until every piece is well coated.
7. Serve over rice and finish with sesame seeds and sliced spring onion on top.

Nutritional Information:

How I Like to Serve This:

1. Serve over a bed of long-grain rice for a complete meal.
2. Pair with steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
3. Top with additional sesame seeds for visual appeal.
4. Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a refreshing contrast.
5. Drizzle extra honey for a sweeter finish if desired.
6. Offer lime wedges on the side to enhance flavor options.

Storage, Leftovers, and Next-Day Notes:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Reheat in a skillet over low heat for best results, ensuring the chicken stays crisp.
• Microwave reheating is possible, but may result in a softer coating.
• Consider freezing the chicken prior to saucing if preparing in bulk.
• Add fresh spring onions and sesame seeds before serving leftovers to revive freshness.

FAQs:

1. Can I substitute the chicken? Yes, shrimp or tofu are excellent alternatives.
2. How do I make it spicier? Increase the amount of chilli flakes to your preference.
3. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time? Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and stored refrigerated.
4. What type of rice is best? Long-grain rice is recommended, but jasmine or basmati may also be used.
5. Is this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
6. How long does the dish last in the fridge? It lasts up to three days in the refrigerator when properly stored.
7. Can I add more vegetables? Yes, bell peppers or carrots can be added for extra nutrition.
8. What is the best way to serve it? It is best served immediately over warm rice for optimal texture and flavor.