Honey Chicken

This crispy honey chicken is an easy recipe that’s full of flavor and perfect for a busy weeknight. The crispy chicken cooks quickly, and the sauce is amazing with its sweet honey and tangy garlic flavors. 

Crispy Honey Chicken Ingredients

Substitutions And Additions

SESAME OIL: If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute olive oil in its place. If you prefer, sunflower oil or avocado oil would work as well.

RICE: Any type of rice would be great served with your crispy honey chicken. I love jasmine rice with any type of Chinese cuisine, so I use that most of the time.

But you could use any type of white or brown rice.

CHICKEN: While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the star of this dish, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.

Just be mindful of cooking time, as chicken breasts may cook a bit faster. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure safe consumption.

HONEY: To adjust the sweetness level, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a sweetener like brown sugar or coconut sugar.

Each option will bring its unique flavor profile to the dish, so choose based on your taste preferences.

RED PEPPER FLAKES: Customize the level of heat in your chicken by adjusting the amount of chili flakes or using different chili-based seasonings like sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes.

How To Make This Honey Chicken Recipe

Let’s dive into making this flavorful sweet and savory chicken dish with our easy-to-follow directions below.

STEP ONE: In a medium pot, cook white rice per package directions. Set this aside once it’s done cooking.

STEP TWO: In a medium saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, three tablespoons of water, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.

Whisk together and bring to a boil.

STEP THREE: In a separate small bowl, combine the cornstarch and three tablespoons of water. Whisk until no lumps remain.

STEP FOUR: Once the sauce is boiling, slowly whisk in the cornstarch. Turn your heat to low and let simmer while you prepare the chicken. Stir occasionally.

STEP FIVE: In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the vegetable oil until it is about two to three inches deep in your skillet.

Turn the heat to medium and let the oil sit until the temperature reaches 350°F. It’s important that you test the oil’s temperature with a thermometer.

If it’s too hot, it will burn the exterior of the chicken.

STEP SIX: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cumin, chili powder, coriander, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together.

In a separate bowl, add the buttermilk.

STEP SEVEN: Work in batches to cook the chicken in the following order.

Take the 1-inch pieces and coat the chicken in the flour mixture. Then, dip them in the buttermilk. Then dip them back in the flour mixture.

Tap the excess flour off of the chicken pieces and add to the hot 350°F oil.

STEP EIGHT: Cook the chicken for five to seven minutes, or until the internal temperature is at least 165°F when tested with a meat thermometer.

Remove the cooked chicken pieces from the hot oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels.

STEP NINE: When all of the chicken is cooked, place it in a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot honey sauce over the top of the chicken.

Use tongs or a large spoon to “toss” the chicken with the honey sauce.

How To Serve

This delicious chicken dish is perfect served over rice and garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

You could add simple sauteed vegetables or, instead of serving it with plain rice, you could make a batch of our better than take-out fried rice for a tasty choice.

For a heartier meal, perhaps some creamy mashed potatoes would be the ideal comforting option.

If you enjoy this delicious crispy honey sesame chicken, be sure to try out these other Chinese-style dishes.

Firecracker chicken and orange chicken are two recipes that are full of Asian-inspired flavor!

Storage

Crispy honey chicken will keep in both the fridge and freezer for later. Here’s how:

MAKE AHEAD: Once you’ve coated and baked the chicken to crispy perfection, allow it to cool to room temperature.

Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two to three days.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in the oven to maintain that wonderful crispiness or use the microwave for a quick and convenient option.

IN THE FRIDGE: Leftover crispy honey chicken should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for three to four days.

IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze crispy honey chicken for two to four months for a quick and easy meal.

Be aware that the chicken may lose a bit of its crunchiness and is definitely better when made fresh. Make sure to thaw before reheating. 

REHEATING: If you’re looking to maintain that delightful crunch, the oven is your best bet.

Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken on a baking sheet, and reheat for about 10-15 minutes or until it’s warmed through.

If you’re in a hurry, the microwave is a quick option.

Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying, and microwave in 30-second increments until it’s hot all the way through.

Why We Love This Recipe

SWEET AND SAVORY: The honey glaze adds a delightful sweetness that complements the savory, crispy chicken, creating an irresistible taste.

CRISPY PERFECTION: The chicken is coated in a crispy, golden-brown crust that’s both satisfying and mouthwatering.

EASY TO PREPARE: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this honey chicken recipe is a breeze to make.

Our crispy honey chicken recipe is the perfect alternative to ordering Chinese takeout. The savory honey sauce is full of flavor, and the chicken has the ultimate crunchiness. This recipe is so simple to make, and it’s a great option for a busy night at home.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• (Not Fried) Fried Chicken Recipe
• Sesame Chicken
• Firecrackers Recipe
• Chicken Fried Rice
• White Queso Dip