Looking for a tasty honey chicken recipe that’s quick and simple? You’re in the right spot! This recipe is ready in just 20 minutes. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you need a tasty meal fast.
Discover how to make honey chicken that will wow your loved ones. It only needs 5 main ingredients and is easy to cook. This recipe brings restaurant-quality taste to your home.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to follow. It combines a sweet honey glaze with perfectly cooked chicken. Get set to make your weeknight dinners more exciting with this delicious recipe!
Table of Contents
Introduction to Honey Chicken
Get ready for a culinary adventure with honey chicken. This dish is a mix of sweet and savoury that delights everyone. It’s a favourite around the world, adding a twist to classic chicken recipes.
What is Honey Chicken?
Honey chicken turns regular chicken into a special meal. It’s all about tender chicken smothered in a sweet honey sauce. The secret is the crispy chicken and the sticky honey glaze.
- Crispy chicken pieces
- Sweet and sticky honey sauce
- Perfectly balanced flavour profile
Brief History of the Dish
Honey chicken comes from mixing different Asian cuisines. It started in Chinese-American cooking and now it’s loved everywhere.
“A perfect harmony of flavours that tells a story of culinary innovation!” – Chef Martin Richards
| Nutritional Highlights | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 281 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 23 g |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
The dish is loved for its easy making and tasty flavour. With a few ingredients, anyone can make a meal that wows. Honey chicken is perfect for all, whether you’re new to cooking or experienced.
Ingredients Needed for Honey Chicken
Starting a tasty chicken with honey sauce means picking the right ingredients. My sticky chicken recipe with honey needs each part to be just right. This way, it will wow your family and friends!
Essential Chicken Cuts
Choosing the right chicken cuts is key for honey honey chicken. I suggest using:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1.5 lbs)
- Chicken breasts (alternative cut)
- Fresh, high-quality chicken meat
Sweeteners and Sauces
The sauce is what makes a honey chicken recipe special. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Honey | 3-5 tablespoons |
| Soy Sauce | 1/3 cup |
| Brown Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Sambal Chili Paste | 3-4 tablespoons |
Additional Seasoning and Garnishes
To make your honey chicken even better, add these:
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder (1 tablespoon)
- Minced garlic (4-6 cloves)
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Pro tip: Fresh ingredients make all the difference in creating an authentic and delicious honey chicken dish!
Every ingredient is important for the rich, sticky flavour of this recipe. The mix of sweet honey, savoury sauces, and seasoned chicken makes a meal that’s loved by all.
Preparing the Chicken
Learning how to prepare honey chicken begins with picking the right chicken and doing it well. Crispy honey chicken needs careful prep for the best taste and texture.
Selecting the Perfect Chicken Cuts
For a top honey chicken recipe, go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You’ll need about 500g or 1 lb, which is usually two pieces. Cutting the chicken right is key!
- Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts
- Make sure the chicken is at room temperature before cutting
- Use a sharp knife for precise cutting
Chicken Cutting Techniques
Right cutting ensures even cooking and looks great. Cut each chicken breast into 1-inch pieces for the best results.
| Cutting Step | Technique | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Trimming | Remove excess fat | Improve texture |
| Sizing | Cut into 1-inch cubes | Ensure uniform cooking |
| Uniformity | Keep pieces similar size | Consistent texture |
Seasoning Preparation
Pro tip: Seasoning is key for rich flavours. Mix a simple seasoning blend with:
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
The secret to delicious honey chicken lies in thoughtful preparation and seasoning!
Let seasoned chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking. This lets flavours soak into the meat. It makes a big difference in taste and texture.
Cooking Methods for Honey Chicken
Getting the perfect sticky honey chicken means picking the right cooking method. This choice affects the dish’s crunch and taste. Each method brings its own texture and flavour.
Pan-Frying: The Classic Approach
Pan-frying is the top choice for crunchy honey chicken. It’s all about keeping the oil at 325°F to 350°F. This way, you get a golden outside and a juicy inside.
- Use a medium or large pan
- Drizzle avocado oil
- Heat to precise temperature
- Sauté chicken until golden
Baking: A Healthier Alternative
Baking is a healthier way to cook honey chicken. It uses a hot oven to crisp the outside without too much oil.
| Cooking Method | Cooking Time | Oil Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Pan-Frying | 3-4 minutes per batch | High |
| Baking | 20-25 minutes | Low |
Air Fryer: The Modern Solution
Air frying is changing home cooking. It’s a healthier way to make sticky honey chicken. It uses little oil but gives a crispy result.
“The secret to perfect honey chicken lies not just in the recipe, but in the cooking technique!” – Home Cooking Enthuasiast
Whichever method you pick, remember to control the temperature and timing. This is key to getting that restaurant-quality crunch!
Making the Honey Sauce
Creating the perfect honey chicken sauce is key to a tasty dish. Our recipe mixes sweet and savoury flavours. It will make your cooking stand out.
Crafting the Perfect Honey Mixture
The secret to great honey chicken sauce is the right mix. Our recipe combines:
- ⅓ cup of pure honey
- ¼ cup of water or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 6 fresh garlic cloves, minced
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavour
Want to add more flavour? Try these:
- Crushed red pepper for a spicy kick
- Toasted sesame oil for depth
- Sriracha sauce for heat
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Honey | ⅓ cup | Primary sweetener |
| Garlic Powder | 2 teaspoons | Flavour enhancer |
| Soy Sauce | 1 tablespoon | Umami depth |
The sauce is the base of your honey chicken dish. Pro tip: Simmer the sauce for 5-8 minutes until it thickens to a perfect glaze consistency. This makes the sauce rich and sticky, perfect for your chicken.
“The magic of a great honey chicken sauce is in its balance – sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible!” – Home Cooking Expert
Feel free to adjust the honey chicken sauce to your liking. Experiment with ingredients to find your perfect flavour!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making a simple honey chicken recipe needs precision and care. It turns ordinary chicken into a tasty dish that will wow your loved ones. Let’s explore the steps to make honey chicken that’s crispy, flavourful, and delicious!
Preparing the Pan for Perfect Honey Chicken
For a great chicken honey sauce recipe, start with the right cookware. A heavy-bottomed frying pan is best for that golden-brown crispiness. Heat the pan to 180°C (350°F), the perfect temperature for frying.
- Use a deep, non-stick pan
- Ensure even heat distribution
- Maintain consistent temperature
Mastering the Chicken Cooking Technique
The secret to amazing honey chicken is in the cooking method. Start by placing the chicken pieces into the hot oil carefully. Make sure they’re not too crowded.
| Cooking Stage | Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Frying | 3 minutes | 180°C (350°F) |
| Second Frying | 90 seconds | 190°C (375°F) |
Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. Remove it when it’s slightly below 165°F to avoid overcooking. The chicken will cook a bit more after it’s taken out.
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside – that’s the perfect honey chicken!
- Use more cornflour than regular flour
- Add cold soda water to the batter
- Double-fry the chicken for extra crunch
Cooking time matters! Your total cook time should be around 8 minutes, with a total preparation time of just 12 minutes. This quick and simple honey chicken recipe will become a family favourite in no time!
Honey Chicken
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- whisk
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- Primary Ingredients:
- 600 g boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornflour
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce optional
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Optional Add-Ons:
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- Fresh chopped green onions
- Red chili flakes for added spice
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornflour, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Make the Honey Sauce: In the same pan, combine honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce clings to the chicken.
- Serve: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Tips for Perfect Honey Chicken
Making the perfect honey chicken is more than just a recipe. As a home cook, I’ve picked up key tips to make your honey chicken stand out!
Professional Chef’s Secrets
Choosing the right ingredients is key when making honey chicken. Chefs say:
- Use boneless, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavour
- Butterfly chicken breasts for even cooking
- Keep oil at 180°C (350°F) for frying
Common Cooking Mistakes to Dodge
Learning to cook honey chicken means avoiding common mistakes:
- Don’t use skinless chicken – the skin makes it crispy
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying
- Use cold batter for the crispiest coating
“The secret to perfect honey chicken lies in technique, not just ingredients” – Chef Marcus Wong
Crispy Coating Pro Tips
For a crispy coating, follow these expert tips:
- Mix flour and cornflour for a light batter
- Add baking powder for extra lift
- Double-fry chicken: 3 minutes first, then 90 seconds for crunch
With these tips, you’ll make honey chicken that wows everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions :
What is honey chicken sauce made of?
Honey chicken sauce usually includes honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and sometimes a little ketchup or cornstarch to thicken it. Some recipes add ginger or chili for extra flavor.
How to make honey at home?
Making real honey at home isn’t possible without bees, but you can create a honey-like syrup by simmering sugar and water with a squeeze of lemon until it thickens.
How to make sticky sweet chicken?
To make sticky sweet chicken, cook the chicken until golden, then coat it in a sauce made of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of vinegar. Simmer until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken.
How do you make honey shredded chicken?
Slow-cook or bake chicken until tender, then shred it with forks. Toss it in a sauce made from honey, soy sauce, and garlic, then let it simmer to absorb the flavors.
Is KFC honey sauce just honey?
No, KFC honey sauce isn’t pure honey. It’s a blend of honey, corn syrup, and other sweeteners to make it more affordable and shelf-stable.
Can I use Worcestershire sauce instead of soy sauce?
Worcestershire sauce has a tangier, more complex flavor than soy sauce. It can work in some recipes but isn’t a perfect substitute because it lacks the deep, salty taste of soy sauce.