Honey Chicken The Best Recipe Ever

Published Oct 20, 2019 Updated Oct 02, 2024

Sweet And Sticky Honey Chicken

Honey chicken is a popular Chinese recipe that’s become a favorite for many. It starts with crispy, golden chicken that’s deep fried to perfection and then coated in a sweet and savory honey glaze. This tasty combination makes it a delicious treat! My easy honey chicken recipe brings you crispy chicken coated in a deliciously sweet, sticky, and it’s way better than takeout. With a homemade honey sauce made from just 5 simple ingredients, this dish comes together in only 5 easy steps. Ready in no time, it’s perfect for a quick and tasty meal! If you love Chinese food and want a simple yet scrumptious meal, this Chinese honey chicken recipe is definitely worth a try! Looking for more similar recipes? Check out my Honey Sesame Chicken, Honey Lemon Chicken and Honey Garlic Chicken Bites recipes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy goodness. The chicken gets perfectly crispy and golden, thanks to my secret light batter recipe that gives it a satisfying crunch in every bite. Sweet and sticky glaze. The homemade honey sauce is a perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors, giving each piece of chicken a deliciously sticky coating. Quick and easy. With just 5 easy steps, this recipe is super straightforward and fast—ideal for busy weeknights or a quick dinner fix. Perfect for beginners. The easy-to-follow steps make this honey chicken recipe foolproof, even if you are new in Chinese cooking. My recipe guarantees delicious results every time! Save money and healthier. Homemade version of this favorite restaurant dish is cheaper, healthier, and less greasy than takeout.

Crispy Honey Chicken Ingredients

Chicken breast – I used chicken breast for this honey chicken recipe, but you can definitely use chicken thighs if you prefer. Garlic – Adds a great punch of flavor to the dish. Toasted sesame seeds – Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Corn starch – Corn starch mixture helps thicken the honey sauce, and in the frying batter, the corn starch keeps the batter light and crunchy. Egg white – Keeps the frying batter light and crispy while helping to bind the other ingredients together. Baking powder – Helps the batter puff up a bit for extra crispiness. Water – Ice cold water is used in the frying batter to keep it cold, which helps it stay crispy when frying.

Honey Sauce

Honey – Gives the sauce its sweet, sticky goodness. Salt – Balances out the sweetness. Chinese cooking wine (or dry sherry wine): Boosts the flavor of the sauce by adding a subtle, savory richness that complements the sweetness. Apple cider vinegar – Gives a touch of tang to balance out the sweetness. Water – Helps thin out the sauce to the perfect consistency.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.

Cooking Tips For Home Cooks

Make sure your batter is smooth and lump-free. This way, the chicken gets a nice, even coating and stays crispy. Keep the batter cold before you use it. It helps the coating stay crispier when frying. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. If it’s not, the chicken can turn out greasy. Test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil. It should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly. Don’t throw all the chicken in at once. Fry it in batches so it cooks evenly and stays golden and crispy. If the honey sauce is too thick, add a bit more water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken up.

What To Serve With Honey Chicken

You can enjoy this Chinese honey chicken as an appetizer by serving the chicken with the honey sauce on the side for dipping. As a main entree, it pairs perfectly with a bowl of steamed rice, chow mein, or fried rice. For a wholesome meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.