Name: Chinese Honey Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 cup cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 large egg, beaten; 1/4 cup water; Vegetable oil, for frying; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/4 cup water; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Cooked white rice; Sesame seeds, for garnish; Chopped green onions, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’re seeking the perfect blend of crispy, juicy chicken and a gloriously sticky-sweet glaze, look no further than Chinese Honey Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken bites that are fried to golden perfection and tossed in an addictive honey sauce that’s equal parts savory and sweet. Whether you’re cooking for your family or trying to impress dinner guests, this recipe never fails to delight—no takeout required!

Chinese Honey Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Chinese Honey Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide is how effortlessly the ingredients come together, each playing a major role in the final flavor, texture, and color of the dish. From juicy chicken thighs to a touch of ginger and a finishing sprinkle of sesame seeds, every ingredient counts!

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1.5 lbs): Thighs stay tender and juicy during frying, making every bite succulent.
Cornstarch (1 cup): This creates that essential crisp, light coating on each chicken piece.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the natural flavor of the chicken and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a whisper of warmth and depth to the breading.
Large egg, beaten (1): Helps the cornstarch adhere for extra crunch and sealing in moisture.
Water (1/4 cup, plus 1/4 cup for sauce): Used in both breading and sauce to achieve just the right consistency.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil for high-heat frying and ultra-crispy results.
Honey (1/2 cup): The star of the show—provides the irresistible sticky sweetness in the sauce.
Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Balances the honey and adds an unmistakable umami depth.
Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): Brightens the glaze with gentle acidity for a well-rounded sauce.
Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Adds tang, color, and the classic “takeout” flavor profile.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, for sauce): Thickens the honey glaze to the ideal clingy texture.
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Finishes the sauce with nutty richness and unmistakable aroma.
Garlic, minced (1 clove): Lends a subtle background heat and fragrance to the glaze.
Ginger, grated (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a fresh zing that cuts through the sweetness of the honey.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a gentle kick in every bite.
Cooked white rice (for serving): The classic, fluffy base for soaking up every drop of sauce.
Sesame seeds (for garnish): Add crunch, nutty notes, and visual appeal.
Chopped green onions (for garnish): Provide freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make Chinese Honey Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Step 1: Coat and Prep the Chicken

This is where your chicken transforms into crispy, golden bites. In a large bowl, combine your chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper, tossing thoroughly until each piece is well coated—don’t rush this step! In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water. Dip each chicken chunk into the egg wash, then press it back into the cornstarch to create a double-layered, textured breading that crisps up beautifully once fried.

Step 2: Fry to Perfection

Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok until it reaches 350°F (175°C), the perfect temperature for frying without greasiness. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry your chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per batch, turning occasionally. Each piece should become deeply golden and reach an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer to a wire rack lined with paper towels for that extra-crunchy finish—no soggy bottoms here!

Step 3: Make the Legendary Honey Sauce

The soul of Chinese Honey Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide lies in this glossy, aromatic sauce. In a saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, cornstarch, and water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Stir in the sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using), then gently bring it all to a simmer over medium heat. It’ll thicken up in 3 to 5 minutes; if the sauce becomes too thick, add water by the tablespoon until you hit the perfect texture.

Step 4: Toss and Meld the Flavors

Add your freshly fried chicken directly to the honey sauce. Gently toss to coat every piece evenly, letting them simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes—just long enough for all those rich, sweet-savory flavors to soak into the crunchy chicken crust. The kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly right about now.

Step 5: Serve Up Happiness

Spoon generous helpings of Chinese Honey Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide over bowls of hot, steamed white rice. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a scattering of chopped green onions for the ultimate balance of flavor, texture, and color. Grab your chopsticks and dig in while it’s piping hot!

How to Serve Chinese Honey Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Garnishes

The classic finishing touches truly elevate the final dish. A snowfall of toasted sesame seeds brings toasty depth and extra crunch, while a generous handful of chopped green onions delivers fresh zing and vibrant color. Feel free to add a few slices of fresh red chili or a drizzle of chili oil if you love a fiery twist on your Chinese Honey Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide!

Side Dishes

Pairing is half the fun when serving Chinese Honey Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide! Fluffy white rice is a timeless choice, but you could switch it up with jasmine, brown, or even cauliflower rice for something lighter. For veggies, try simple stir-fried bok choy, garlicky broccoli, or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the sweet-savory richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, turn this recipe into bite-sized appetizers by skewering the chicken pieces on cocktail sticks—great for dipping in extra honey sauce! You can also make Chinese Honey Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide into lettuce wraps for a fresh, crunchy twist, or pile it into bao buns for a playful, crowd-pleasing hand-held option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Chinese Honey Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide (lucky you!), store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The coating will soften but the flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more irresistible.

Freezing

For longer storage, let your chicken cool completely and lay pieces out on a parchment-lined tray until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. The sauce can be frozen separately, making it simple to heat and toss together just before serving for fresh flavor any night of the week.

Reheating

To revive the magic, reheat chicken in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until sizzling hot and slightly crisp. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, simply warm it gently on the stove with a splash of water and toss everything together—your Chinese Honey Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide will taste just as good as day one.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and double-check that your ketchup and rice vinegar are gluten-free brands. The rest of the ingredients in Chinese Honey Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide are gluten-free friendly.

Can I substitute chicken breast for thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works wonderfully if you prefer a leaner cut. Just be cautious not to overcook the chicken, as breast meat dries out faster than thighs—keep your pieces small for the juiciest results!

Can I bake or air fry instead of deep frying?

You can absolutely bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18-22 minutes (flip once halfway), or air fry in a single layer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. It won’t be quite as crisp as frying, but it will still taste fantastic with the honey glaze.

Is Chinese Honey Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide spicy?

The base recipe is sweet and savory without heat, but you can add the optional red pepper flakes or extra chili oil to suit your spice level. Make it mild or turn up the heat—totally your call!

What makes Chinese Honey Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide unique compared to other honey chicken recipes?

This version is all about balance: twice-coated, perfectly crisp chicken blended with a sweet, garlicky honey sauce and bright finishing touches. Each step is thoughtfully crafted so you enjoy contrast and harmony in every single bite.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to fall in love with Chinese Honey Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide—every bite is a joyful combination of crunch, sweetness, and savory perfection. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it a new favorite in your home. Let’s make something delicious tonight!

Chinese Honey Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 23 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chinese Honey Chicken recipe combines crispy fried chicken with a sweet and savory honey sauce, creating a delicious dish that’s perfect served over steamed white rice. The chicken is coated in a crunchy cornstarch mixture and then tossed in a flavorful honey glaze, making it a popular choice for any night of the week.

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Ensure each piece is well-coated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then dredge again in the cornstarch mixture, pressing gently.
Frying the Chicken: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok to a depth of 1 inch. Heat over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
Making the Honey Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
Combining Chicken and Sauce: Toss the fried chicken in the honey sauce until evenly coated. Cook briefly to meld flavors.
Serving: Serve the chicken over white rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Frying, Simmering
Cuisine: Chinese