Prepare to embark on a delectable culinary journey with “Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken,” a dish that perfectly blends the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine with the irresistible sweetness of honey. This beloved dish has become a staple in Chinese-American restaurants, capturing the hearts and taste buds of diners worldwide. Get ready to experience the crunch of perfectly fried chicken paired with a tantalizing honey sauce that will leave you craving more.
Table of Contents
The Origins of Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken
Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken is a product of the dynamic fusion between traditional Chinese cooking techniques and the ingenuity of Chinese-American chefs. As Chinese immigrants arrived in the United States, they began to adapt their beloved dishes to cater to the local palate, giving birth to a new culinary genre known as Chinese-American cuisine. The crispy texture and sweet-savory flavor profile of this dish have become a hallmark of this vibrant culinary tradition.
Ingredients for Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp minced garlic
Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
The Secret to Crispy Perfection
The key to achieving the signature crispiness of Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken lies in the two-step breading process. First, the chicken pieces are coated in a seasoned flour mixture, ensuring a flavorful base. Then, they are dipped in beaten egg and coated with cornstarch, creating a light and crunchy exterior that fries up to perfection. This technique, combined with the right oil temperature, is the secret to unlocking the irresistible crunch that makes this dish so mouthwatering.

Preparing the Crispy Chicken
To begin, prepare the chicken by cutting the boneless breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Set up a breading station with the seasoned flour, beaten egg, and cornstarch in separate bowls. Dip each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then in the egg, and finally coat it with the cornstarch. This triple-dip method is the secret to achieving the perfect crispy exterior.
Frying the Chicken to Perfection
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep frying pan over medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature of around 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry them until they are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring even cooking and optimal crispiness.
Once the chicken is fried to perfection, remove it from the oil and let it drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This step is crucial for maintaining the crispiness and preventing the chicken from becoming greasy.
Preparing the Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is warm and well-combined. The honey sauce will provide a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess that complements the crispy chicken beautifully.
Bringing It All Together
With the crispy chicken and the honey sauce ready, it’s time to bring them together. Place the fried chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the warm honey sauce over them. Gently toss the chicken to ensure it is evenly coated with the sticky, flavorful sauce.
Serving and Garnishing
To serve, transfer the crispy honey chicken to a serving platter or plate. Sprinkle the top with a generous amount of sesame seeds and chopped green onions. These vibrant garnishes not only add a visually appealing touch but also enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Chinese get their chicken so crispy?
The secret to achieving the signature crispiness of Chinese-style fried chicken lies in the two-step breading process. First, the chicken pieces are coated in a seasoned flour mixture, then dipped in beaten egg and coated with cornstarch. This technique creates a light and crunchy exterior that fries up to perfection.
What are the ingredients in PF Chang’s crispy honey chicken?
The key ingredients in PF Chang’s crispy honey chicken are similar to the ones used in this recipe: boneless chicken, all-purpose flour, egg, cornstarch, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. The breading process and frying technique are also crucial for achieving the signature crispiness.
What is Chinese honey chicken?
Chinese honey chicken, also known as crispy Chinese honey chicken, is a popular dish that combines the crunch of fried chicken with a sweet and savory honey-based sauce. It’s a beloved item on the menu of many Chinese-American restaurants, offering a delightful fusion of traditional Chinese flavors and American culinary influences.
What is the trick to getting crispy chicken?
The key to getting crispy chicken lies in the breading process and proper frying technique. Coating the chicken in a seasoned flour mixture, followed by a dip in beaten egg and a final coating of cornstarch, creates a light and crunchy exterior. Frying the chicken at the right temperature (around 350°F/175°C) and draining the excess oil are also crucial steps for achieving that coveted crispy texture.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- BBQ Honey Chicken Skewers
- Baked Honey Garlic Chicken
- One-Pan Honey Garlic Kielbasa
Conclusion: Embrace the Crunch and Sweetness of Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken
Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken is a culinary delight that showcases the incredible fusion of flavors and textures. From the irresistible crunch of the fried chicken to the delectable honey-based sauce, each bite is a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re a fan of Chinese-American cuisine or simply love a good crispy chicken dish, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients, master the breading technique, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate crispy and sweet Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken experience.
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Enjoy the Crunch and Flavor of Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken is a culinary delight that showcases the incredible fusion of flavors and textures. From the irresistible crunch of the fried chicken to the delectable honey-based sauce, each bite is a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
1. To begin, prepare the chicken by cutting the boneless breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Set up a breading station with the seasoned flour, beaten egg, and cornstarch in separate bowls. Dip each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then in the egg, and finally coat it with the cornstarch.
2. Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep frying pan over medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature of around 350°F. Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry them until they are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
3. Once the chicken is fried to perfection, remove it from the oil and let it drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
4. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is warm and well-combined.
5. Place the fried chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the warm honey sauce over them. Gently toss the chicken to ensure it is evenly coated with the sticky, flavorful sauce.
6. To serve, transfer the crispy honey chicken to a serving platter or plate. Sprinkle the top with a generous amount of sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Notes
The key to achieving the signature crispiness of Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken lies in the two-step breading process. This technique creates a light and crunchy exterior that fries up to perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 150 milligrams