Name: Crispy Honey Chicken: Amazing 30 Min Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon white pepper; ½ cup water; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for batter); Vegetable oil (for frying); ⅓ cup honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (slurry); Sesame seeds (for garnish); Chopped green onions (for garnish)

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Crispy honey chicken has been a game-changer in my kitchen, turning ordinary weeknights into something special. I remember the first time I tried making it at home, hoping to recreate that irresistible takeout magic, and I was absolutely thrilled with the result! The aroma of the sweet glaze caramelizing, the satisfying crunch with every bite – it’s pure comfort food. This easy crispy honey chicken recipe is my go-to for a reason, and I can’t wait to show you how to make crispy honey chicken that’s even better than what you get from your favorite restaurants. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Honey Chicken

You’re going to adore this crispy honey chicken recipe because it hits all the right notes:

Incredible Taste: Perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Quick Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Healthier Homemade: You control the ingredients, making it a lighter option than takeout.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples and affordable chicken cuts.
Family Approved: Even picky eaters will devour this delicious, sweet and crispy chicken.
Versatile: Easily customizable with spice levels or alternative proteins.
Restaurant Quality: Achieve that craveable takeout texture right in your own kitchen.
Simple Steps: I’ve broken down how to make crispy honey chicken so anyone can master it.

Crispy Honey Chicken Ingredients

Gathering the right crispy honey chicken ingredients is the first step to success. Here’s everything you’ll need for both the chicken and the irresistible sauce that makes this dish sing. I’ve found that using boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into uniform pieces ensures even cooking and perfect coating.

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cut into bite-sized pieces for easy coating
1 cup all-purpose flour – the base for our crunchy coating
½ cup cornstarch – essential for that extra crispy texture
1 teaspoon baking powder – helps create a lighter, crispier batter
1 teaspoon salt – enhances all the flavors
½ teaspoon white pepper – adds a subtle peppery bite
½ cup water – to create the batter consistency
1 egg – helps bind the batter to the chicken
2 tablespoons vegetable oil – for a tender, crispier batter
Vegetable oil (for frying) – enough for about 2-3 inches in your pan
⅓ cup honey – the star of our sweet glaze
2 tablespoons soy sauce – for that savory umami depth
1 tablespoon rice vinegar – adds a touch of tanginess
1 teaspoon sesame oil – for authentic flavor
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger – provides a warm, spicy note
2 cloves garlic, minced – for aromatic goodness
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – for a hint of heat
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (slurry) – to thicken the sauce
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Putting together the crispy honey chicken sauce recipe is simple, and these ingredients are key to its glossy finish.

Crispy Honey Chicken: Amazing 30 Min Recipe - Crispy Honey Chicken - main visual representation

How to Make Crispy Honey Chicken

Follow these simple crispy honey chicken cooking steps to achieve that perfect restaurant-style crunch and sweet glaze at home. It’s truly the best way to make crispy chicken you’ll ever taste!

Step 1: Prepare the Batter and Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon white pepper. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ½ cup water, 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until you have a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Now, add your bite-sized chicken pieces to the batter and toss gently until each piece is well coated.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to get the oil to the right temperature for maximum crispiness. Carefully add the battered chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 5–6 minutes, or until the chicken is a beautiful golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 3: Create the Glossy Honey Sauce
While the chicken is frying or draining, prepare the luscious honey glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the ⅓ cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger, 2 cloves garlic, minced, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warm and fragrant.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce and Coat the Chicken
Once the sauce is warm, stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water). Continue to stir as the sauce simmers and thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency. This is where the magic happens! Remove the sauce from the heat. Add the freshly fried, crispy chicken pieces to the saucepan. Gently toss the chicken in the warm honey sauce until every piece is beautifully coated and glistening.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately
Transfer the sauced chicken to a serving platter. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions. Serve your incredible homemade crispy honey chicken immediately while it’s still hot and perfectly crunchy. Enjoy this amazing dish that rivals any takeout!

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Honey Chicken

Achieving that perfect restaurant-quality crunch and flavor at home is easier than you think with these insider tips for your crispy honey chicken.

Double Fry for Extra Crunch: For the ultimate crispiness, fry the chicken pieces once until lightly golden, remove them, then fry them again for another minute or two just before tossing in the sauce. This technique is a game-changer!
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying in batches ensures the oil temperature stays consistent, leading to crispier chicken rather than soggy, greasy pieces.
Sauce Just Before Serving: Toss the chicken in the glaze right before you’re ready to eat to keep it as crispy as possible.
Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics make a huge difference in the depth of flavor for your honey sauce.

What’s the secret to perfect crispy honey chicken?

The secret lies in the batter and the frying technique. A well-balanced batter with cornstarch and baking powder, combined with frying at the correct temperature, creates that irresistible crunch. Making homemade crispy honey chicken means you control these elements perfectly.

Can I make crispy honey chicken ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken pieces and batter ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator. However, frying and saucing should be done just before serving to maintain the best texture and crispiness for your crispy honey chicken.

How do I avoid common mistakes with crispy honey chicken?

Avoid overcrowding the frying pan, which lowers the oil temperature and results in greasy chicken. Also, don’t overmix the batter, as this can make the coating tough. Finally, ensure your sauce is thickened properly before tossing the chicken to prevent it from becoming watery.

Best Ways to Serve Crispy Honey Chicken

This amazing crispy honey chicken is so versatile, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or even a fun weekend dinner party. For a classic pairing, I love serving it over fluffy steamed jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. It also makes a fantastic appetizer, just like you’d get from a honey chicken takeout recipe, especially when served with a side of cooling cucumber salad or some crunchy sesame noodles. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with steamed broccoli or stir-fried mixed vegetables to balance the sweetness and richness.

Nutrition Facts for Crispy Honey Chicken

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delicious crispy honey chicken dish. While this recipe offers a fantastic flavor, it’s good to be aware of the components.

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
Fat: Approximately 25g
Saturated Fat: Approximately 5g
Protein: Approximately 20g
Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g
Fiber: Approximately 1g
Sugar: Approximately 25g
Sodium: Approximately 700mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Crispy Honey Chicken

Even though this crispy honey chicken is best enjoyed fresh, I know sometimes life happens and you have leftovers. If you find yourself with extra deliciousness, proper storage is key to keeping that wonderful texture. Let your crispy chicken cool completely before storing it. I usually put mine in an airtight container, separating the chicken from any extra sauce if possible, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap then foil for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy that amazing crispy chicken with honey glaze again, reheating is important to bring back some of that original crispiness.

To reheat, I’ve found the best method is in the oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to around 375°F (190°C) or your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Reheat for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crisped up again. Microwaving tends to make it soft, so I try to avoid that if crispiness is your goal!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Honey Chicken

What is crispy honey chicken?

Crispy honey chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring bite-sized pieces of chicken that are deep-fried to a golden crisp, then coated in a glossy, sweet, and savory honey-based sauce. It’s known for its irresistible texture contrast between the crunchy exterior and tender chicken, all enveloped in that signature sweet glaze.

Can I make a honey garlic crispy chicken variation?

Absolutely! To create a delicious honey garlic crispy chicken, simply add about 2-3 minced cloves of garlic and an extra tablespoon of soy sauce to the honey sauce mixture before thickening it. This adds a robust garlic flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet honey and savory notes. For more honey-garlic flavor inspiration, check out this garlic honey lime chicken recipe.

What are the best side dishes for crispy honey chicken?

This dish is incredibly versatile! I love serving it with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, which is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. Other great options include steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mixed stir-fry vegetables. For a lighter side, a simple cucumber salad or some seasoned edamame also works wonderfully. You might also enjoy these jerk chicken side dishes for a different flavor profile.

How do I get the chicken extra crispy?

For the ultimate crispiness, I recommend the double-fry method. Fry the battered chicken pieces once until lightly golden, remove them from the oil, and let them rest for a few minutes. Then, fry them again for a shorter period until they are deep golden brown and extra crunchy. This technique ensures a super-crispy coating that holds up even after being tossed in the sauce.

Variations of Crispy Honey Chicken You Can Try

While this classic crispy honey chicken recipe is fantastic, I love experimenting with different twists! If you’re looking for a healthier option, try making air fryer crispy honey chicken. You’ll get a similar crunch with less oil. Simply follow the batter and sauce steps, then air fry at 380°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. For an even simpler approach that’s great for meal prep, consider oven baked crispy honey chicken. Toss the battered chicken pieces with a little oil on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping once, until crispy. You can also play with the sauce flavors – adding a bit of sriracha for heat or swapping rice vinegar for lime juice can create exciting new profiles. For a similar sweet and tangy flavor, try this spicy honey lime chicken recipe.