Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe
Crispy, golden, and irresistibly saucy, Chinese Honey Chicken is the kind of dish that makes everyone reach for seconds! Imagine tender bites of chicken wrapped in a crunchy coating, then drenched in a glossy, sweet-savory honey sauce that’s just the right mix of sticky and creamy. Whether you want to wow dinner guests or simply treat your family to a homemade takeout favorite, Chinese Honey Chicken delivers pure comfort and restaurant-quality flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe so delightful is how little it asks of you: just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients come together for maximum impact. Each ingredient adds its own magic, from crisp texture to rich, sweet notes, building the unforgettable taste and signature look of Chinese Honey Chicken.
- Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless, and cut into 1-inch pieces for the perfect crispy, juicy bite every time.
- Egg whites: Whisk until foamy to ensure a light and delicate batter that clings beautifully to each chicken morsel.
- Cornstarch or Mochiko Sweet Rice Flour: The essential secret to shatteringly crisp chicken – don’t skip or skimp here!
- Water: Just enough to bring the batter together so it’s smooth and not too thick for dipping.
- Mayonnaise: The backbone of that rich, creamy sauce that coats every piece in luscious flavor.
- Honey: Classic sweetness that gives Chinese Honey Chicken its iconic glaze and sticky-finger appeal.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for deep frying, as it heats cleanly and helps the chicken pieces crisp up without absorbing too much oil.
- Sweetened condensed milk: A little goes a long way, adding velvety body and a gentle milky sweetness to the sauce.
How to Make Chinese Honey Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Batter
Start by whisking your egg whites in a large bowl until they turn foamy and light, taking about 1 to 2 minutes by hand. Whisk in your cornstarch (or Mochiko flour) and water until you have a smooth, thick mixture. This method ensures your Chinese Honey Chicken will have a crunchy, airy shell that holds up against the sauce. Gently fold in the chicken chunks so each piece gets thoroughly coated.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Pour around three inches of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer and heat to 350°F. Fry the chicken pieces in two batches; crowding the pot will lower the oil temperature and make the coating soggy. Cook each batch for 2 to 3 minutes, until the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown and feels crisp to the touch. Use a slotted spoon or spider to transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a large, clean bowl, combine the mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk. Whisk until everything is smooth and the sauce is velvety with no lumps. This dreamy sauce is what sets Chinese Honey Chicken apart, balancing creaminess and sweetness without being heavy.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
When you’re ready to eat, add the freshly fried chicken to the sauce and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated, gleaming, and fragrant. Serve immediately for the ultimate crispy-tender contrast; the sooner it hits the table, the better!
How to Serve Chinese Honey Chicken
Garnishes
Let your Chinese Honey Chicken shine with a pop of freshness! Sprinkle on sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a dusting of chili flakes for a bit of heat. These simple toppings add color, crunch, and a hit of brightness that balance out the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish loves company! Serve Chinese Honey Chicken with steamed jasmine rice to soak up every drop of sauce. Lightly sautéed broccoli or snap peas add a welcome burst of green and make the meal feel complete. For something extra, a chilled cucumber salad or classic fried rice rounds things out perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your kitchen flair by skewering the saucy chicken bites on appetizer sticks for parties, serving it on lettuce cups for a fresh, crunchy wrap, or tossing with rice noodles for a fusion-inspired noodle bowl. Chinese Honey Chicken is as versatile as it is delicious, so don’t hesitate to get playful with presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (lucky you!), place cooled Chinese Honey Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken and sauce separate helps preserve some crispness, but if they’re already coated, it will still be tasty.
Freezing
For longer storage, arrange the cooked, uncoated chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and keep for up to two months. Freeze the sauce separately in a small container. Defrost both in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To recapture that just-fried magic, reheat the chicken in a hot oven (about 375°F) or a toaster oven until it’s crisp outside and heated through. Warm the sauce gently in the microwave, then toss the chicken with sauce just before serving. Avoid microwaving coated chicken, as this can lead to a soggy result.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully here, staying juicy and flavorful even after frying. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and proceed with the recipe as written.
Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
You can swap in regular milk with a teaspoon of sugar or a splash of cream for a lighter sauce, though the result won’t be as rich or thick. Sweetened condensed milk really gives Chinese Honey Chicken its signature texture, but don’t let that stop you from making your own twist!
How can I make this gluten-free?
Just be sure to use Mochiko Sweet Rice Flour instead of cornstarch, and double-check that all your condiments are certified gluten-free. The results are just as crispy and delightful.
Why is my chicken coating falling off?
The most common culprit is either wet chicken or an oil temperature that’s too low. Make sure your chicken pieces are patted dry before battering and that your oil holds steady at 350°F while frying for the crispiest results.
Can I make Chinese Honey Chicken in an air fryer?
Yes! Spray battered chicken pieces with oil and cook in a preheated air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. While the results are slightly different from deep-fried, it’s still a delicious and lighter option.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely joyful about making Chinese Honey Chicken at home: the aroma, the sizzle, and the first bite of that shimmering, saucy crust. This recipe is a true weeknight hero and party-pleaser in one. Give it a try, share it with friends, and watch it disappear — you might just have found your new favorite homemade treat!
Print
Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Chinese Honey Chicken is a popular dish that features crispy chicken pieces coated in a deliciously sweet and savory honey sauce. Perfect for family dinners, takeout-style nights, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breast (cut into 1 inch thin chunks)
Batter:
- 4 large egg whites
- 3/4 cup cornstarch or substitute Mochiko Sweet Rice Flour
- 1/3 cup water
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
Others:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Batter Preparation: In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites until they become foamy, about 1-2 minutes. Then, whisk in the cornstarch and water until well combined. Finally, gently fold in the chicken, coating it thoroughly.
- Frying: In a large pot, heat three inches of oil over medium-high heat to 350°F. Fry the chicken pieces in two batches, cooking each batch for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
- Sauce Mixing: In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Coating: Just before serving, toss the freshly fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Chinese Honey Chicken, Honey Chicken Recipe, Chinese Chicken Recipe
