I tried this in Thailand and fell in love with it.
I knew I had to make this recipe for myself!
That golden, crunchy coating drenched in a sticky, sweet, and slightly tangy honey sauce is pure comfort food. Every bite is a perfect balance of crispiness and rich flavor, making it one of the best homemade takeout-style dishes.
Each piece is crispy on the outside yet tender inside, coated in a glossy sauce that had just the right touch of sweetness.
After countless trials, I’ve finally nailed down the ultimate recipe that’s easy, foolproof, and incredibly delicious.
The secret to the best honey chicken lies in the batter and the sauce.
A light and airy batter ensures a crisp coating that stays crunchy even after being coated in the sauce.
The sauce itself is a simple but powerful mix of honey, soy sauce, and a hint of acidity to balance the sweetness.
Trust me, once you try this homemade version, you’ll never want takeout again! Plus, it’s quick to make and uses simple pantry ingredients.
Let’s dive in!
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Before we dive in, here are some of my favorite kitchen tools and ingredients for making the best crispy honey chicken:
- A high-quality honey for rich, natural sweetness
- The best wok or deep pan for frying
Tips for the best crispy honey chicken:
- Double-frying the chicken gives it an extra crunch that holds up even after being coated in sauce.
- For a lighter version, you can air-fry the chicken at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature—it should stay around 350°F for perfect frying.
- Adding a little lemon juice or chili flakes to the sauce can balance the sweetness with a slightly tangy or spicy kick.
- To keep the chicken crispy longer, toss it in the sauce just before serving rather than letting it sit too long.
Crispy Honey Chicken
Course: Lunch, DinnerDifficulty: Easy2
servings15
minutes20
minutesIngredients
⅓ cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Sesame seeds for garnish
Green onions for garnish
Directions
- Start by preparing the batter. In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Add in the egg and water, stirring until you have a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the chicken but still slightly runny. Toss in the chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
- Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. For an extra crispy texture, fry the chicken a second time for 1-2 minutes.
- While the chicken rests, prepare the honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue stirring until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the crispy chicken to the pan with the sauce and toss until every piece is well coated. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
- You can make this dish once a week, it’s so easy and quick!
Variations & Substitutions
Want it spicier? Add some red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the honey sauce.
Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
If you’re out of rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice works as a substitute.
For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free flour blend in the batter.
Chinese Honey Chicken is one of those dishes that brings pure joy to the table.
Whether you love it just as it is or prefer to tweak it with spice, extra crunch, or even a different protein, this recipe is endlessly adaptable to your taste.
Cooking at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients and adjust flavors to your liking.
Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about making your favorite restaurant-style meals from scratch.
I hope this recipe brings as much happiness to your kitchen as it does to mine.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to experiment with the variations to make it truly your own.
If you do make this, I’d love to hear how it turned out—let me know in the comments or share your version on social media!
