Crispy honey chicken dish garnished with herbs, perfect for dinner.

Honey Chicken – STAYS CRISPY for Hours!

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Honey Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the sweet and savory flavors we all love. What makes this recipe stand out is its incredible crunchiness. Even hours after cooking, it retains that crispy texture, making it perfect for meals or parties. Whether you want a comforting dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, Honey Chicken is sure to please everyone.

How to Make Honey Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)

Directions:

  1. Prep Chicken: Start by patting the chicken dry. Season the pieces with salt and pepper.

  2. Coat Chicken: In one bowl, combine flour and cornstarch. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each piece of chicken first in the eggs, then roll it in the flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess coating.

  3. Fry Until Crispy: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in small batches until they become golden and crispy, which should take about 4–5 minutes. Once cooked, drain them on a rack or paper towels.

  4. Make Honey Sauce: In a saucepan, mix together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Then add the cornstarch slurry and keep simmering until the sauce thickens.

  5. Toss & Serve: In a large bowl, toss the crispy chicken in the warm honey sauce until each piece is well-coated. You can serve it immediately or keep it warm in the oven without covering it. The chicken will stay crispy for hours!

How to Serve Honey Chicken

Honey Chicken is best served hot and fresh. You can present it over a bed of steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables. Adding some sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top not only enhances the look but also adds flavor!

How to Store Honey Chicken

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in an oven at a low temperature to help bring back some crispness, rather than microwaving.

Tips to Make Honey Chicken

  1. Use High-Quality Oil: Using the right oil for frying will help achieve that perfect crispy texture. Vegetable oil or peanut oil works well.

  2. Maintain Oil Temperature: Be sure to keep the frying oil at the right temperature. If it’s too low, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy.

  3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Variation

For a spicy twist, you can add a bit of chili sauce or crushed red pepper to the honey sauce. This gives the dish a nice kick that balances the sweetness of the honey.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but they might not be as juicy as thighs. Just be careful to not overcook them.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Fry the chicken just before serving to keep it crispy.

3. What can I serve with Honey Chicken?
Honey Chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with steamed broccoli or other vegetables.