Honey Chicken: This recipe combines crispy, golden-brown chicken with a honey glaze that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of garlic and soy. Each bite bursts with flavor—sticky, tender, and utterly satisfying. Serve it with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried veggies for a meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Tangy Flavor: The honey glaze combines sweetness with a hint of tangy soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Adapt the recipe to your taste with variations like spicy honey chicken or healthier air-fried options.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Honey Chicken
- Choose the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, but chicken breast works just as well for a leaner option.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Have your honey glaze ready before cooking the chicken for a seamless process.
- Use Cornstarch for Crispiness: For crispy fried honey chicken, dredge the chicken pieces in cornstarch before frying. It creates a light, crunchy coating.
- Don’t Overcook the Sauce: Simmer the honey glaze until thickened but avoid overcooking, as it can caramelize and turn too sticky.
Variations of Honey Chicken
- Spicy Honey Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat.
- Honey Garlic Chicken: Double the garlic for a stronger flavor profile.
- Lemon Honey Chicken: Substitute half the vinegar with fresh lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
- Air-Fried Honey Chicken: Skip the oil and use an air fryer to achieve a crispy texture with less fat.
How to Serve Honey Chicken
Honey chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a versatile dish for any meal:
- Rice: Jasmine or fried rice complements the rich sauce.
- Noodles: Toss honey chicken with lo mein or soba noodles for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or stir-fried veggies add balance and nutrition.
- Salads: Serve on a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option.
How to Store and Reheat Honey Chicken
- Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make honey chicken gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure any cornstarch or other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Is honey chicken spicy?
The traditional recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily add heat with chili flakes, sriracha, or hot sauce.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as bone-in pieces take longer to cook.
What can I substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a substitute, but note that it will alter the flavor slightly.
Can I meal prep honey chicken?
Yes! Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead, but store them separately to maintain the chicken’s texture. Combine and reheat before serving.
Honey Chicken
Honey Chicken: This recipe combines crispy, golden-brown chicken with a honey glaze that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of garlic and soy. Each bite bursts with flavor—sticky, tender, and utterly satisfying. Serve it with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried veggies for a meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Breast 2 medium-sized, cubed
For the Batter:
- All-Purpose Flour (Maida) ½ cup
- Corn Flour (Cornstarch) ½ cup
- Baking Powder 1 tsp
- Salt To taste
- Water As needed
- Oil For deep frying
For the Sauce:
- Tomato Ketchup ½ cup
- Sugar 2 tbsp
- Honey 3 tbsp
- Water 3 tbsp
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix tomato ketchup, sugar, honey, and water. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, corn flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add water to form a semi-thick batter.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Deep fry until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Heat the prepared sauce in a pan. Cook on medium heat until it thickens and becomes glossy.
- Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until evenly coated. Serve hot for the ultimate sweet and savory experience.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 343Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 588mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 2gSugar: 26gProtein: 22g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Honey chicken is a delightful dish that checks all the boxes: easy, versatile, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or impressing guests, this recipe is guaranteed to please. Try it today, and don’t forget to experiment with the variations to make it uniquely yours!
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