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crispy honey chicken

crispy honey chicken

This crispy honey chicken recipe is the perfect sweet and savory dish that’s quick to make and full of flavor. With a crunchy golden coating and a sticky honey glaze, it's great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests. Ready in just 35 minutes and budget-friendly at around $5, this easy recipe serves 4 and can be customized with gluten-free, vegetarian, or spicy options.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course, Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine Asian-Inspired, Chinese Fusion, American
Servings 4 people
Calories 720 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs 680g boneless chicken (breasts or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour for GF option
  • 1 egg white or 1 tsp baking powder for egg-free
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • For the Honey Sauce:
  • ½ cup honey or maple syrup for a lighter sweetness
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce use tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • ½ tsp sesame oil optional
  • ¼ tsp red chili flakes optional, for heat
  • Optional Garnishes:
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions
  • Lime wedges

Notes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

  1. Cut the chicken into 1–2 inch cubes.
  2. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
 

Step 2: Make the Coating

  1. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, and egg white (or baking powder) to create a light coating mixture.
  2. Toss each piece of chicken in the mixture until fully coated.
 

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry chicken in small batches for 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Remove and drain on paper towels.
    👉 Pro Tip: For extra crunch, fry again for 1 minute after resting.
 

Step 4: Make the Honey Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and chili flakes.
  2. Simmer over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
 

Step 5: Combine Everything

  1. Add the fried chicken to the saucepan.
  2. Toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated in the sticky honey glaze.
 

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

  1. Transfer to a serving plate.
  2. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
  3. Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies.