Crispy Honey Chicken

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Crispy Honey Chicken
4. How To Serve Crispy Chinese Chicken
5. Why You'll Love This Chinese Fried Chicken Recipe
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. Chinese Dinner Recipes
10. JUMP TO RECIPE
11. More Recipes 

Crispy honey chicken brings sweet, sticky, and crunchy all in one easy dinner. Every bite packs golden-brown coating and rich honey sauce. Serve it with rice or veggies to make a fast, family-friendly meal everyone loves. You’ll want to make this again and again!

This crispy honey chicken recipe is simple to follow, and the full guide is just below. We included step-by-step photos, easy directions, and helpful pro tips. You’ll also find answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you nail it every time.

This honey chicken comes packed with sweet, sticky flavor and a crunchy coating that stays crisp from skillet to plate. It works great for weeknight dinners, family get-togethers, or even weekend takeout-style meals at home.

You’ll coat tender chicken bites in a homemade honey sauce that tastes better than any restaurant. Plus, you can make it fast using simple pantry ingredients.

What you'll need to make this Chinese honey chicken recipe:

For The Chicken:

• Vegetable oil for frying, it should be about 2 to 3 inches deep in your skillet
• 3 cups of flour
• 2½ teaspoons of cumin
• 2½ teaspoons of chili powder
• 1½ teaspoons of ground coriander
• 1½ teaspoons of onion powder
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 2½ cups of buttermilk
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch square pieces

For The Sauce:

• ¾ cup of honey
• 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons of water
• 2 teaspoons of sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons of water

For The Garnish:

• 4 to 5 green onions, chopped
• Toasted sesame seeds
• White rice, cooked

Switch up your crispy honey chicken recipe with fun ingredient swaps and extras! These simple changes add your own personal touch. Try these top substitutions and additions:

• Substitute Chicken Breasts: Use boneless chicken thighs for extra juicy bites in your crispy honey chicken.
• Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty crunch and restaurant-style finish.
• Substitute Cornstarch: Use arrowroot powder in place of cornstarch for the same crispy texture in the chicken coating.
• Add Green Onions: Toss sliced green onions on top for a fresh bite that pairs well with the sticky honey sauce.
• Substitute Vegetable Oil: Use peanut oil for frying if you want a deeper, slightly roasted flavor.

Follow our step-by-step instructions and photos to make the best Chinese crispy chicken at home. Check out the tips and tricks below to get it just right. Let’s get started!

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

SECOND STEP:  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.

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

FOURTH STEP: 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.

FIFTH STEP: 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.

SIXTH STEP: 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.

SEVENTH STEP: 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.

EIGHTH STEP: 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.

NINTH STEP: When all 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.

You can serve crispy honey chicken in fun and easy ways all year long. It works for family meals, holidays, or casual get-togethers.

• Great for weeknight dinners: Kids and adults love honey sauce for fried chicken because it’s sweet, and filling. Pair crispy asian chicken with fried rice or egg roll in a bowl.
• Perfect for parties or game nights: Serve chicken in bite-sized pieces with toothpicks for easy sharing. Add crab rangoon or chicken parmesan sliders to round it out.
• Fun for special occasions and holidays: This dish feels extra special but stays easy to make. Serve it with sweet potato casserole or cheesy bacon ranch potatoes.

• Crispy honey chicken has earned a spot on our readers’ favorite list for good reason. It’s sweet, crunchy, easy to make, and always gets rave reviews from families.
• Crispy and Sweet: The golden coating stays crunchy, while the honey sauce adds just the right amount of sticky sweetness.
• Kid-Approved: Kids always ask for seconds, so it’s a win for busy families who need quick and fun dinner ideas.
• Perfect Anytime: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal, this recipe works for any day of the week.
• Pantry Friendly: You can make it without running to the store because it uses ingredients you already have at home.
• Big Flavor Fast: You get that sweet, sticky flavor without spending hours in the kitchen or using a bunch of tools.

This recipe checks every box, and that’s why readers keep coming back to make it again and again!

Do I need to cut the chicken into small pieces for crispy honey chicken?
Yes, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and stays crispy with the honey sauce.

Can I use a pan instead of a deep fryer for crispy honey chicken?
Yes, you can fry crispy honey chicken in a deep skillet with enough oil to fully cook each piece.

Should I coat the chicken in flour before frying?
No, use cornstarch instead of flour for a lighter, crispier texture in this crispy honey chicken recipe.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should be golden brown and reach 165°F in the center when tested with a meat thermometer.

What’s the best way to thicken the honey sauce?
Let the honey sauce simmer until it bubbles and thickens slightly. Stir often so it doesn’t stick or burn.

Can I double the sauce for extra honey flavor?
Yes, double the sauce ingredients if you want more to drizzle over rice or mix with the crispy chicken.

Do I need to season the chicken before coating it?
Yes, season the chicken with salt and pepper first so it holds flavor even before adding the honey sauce.

What oil should I use to fry crispy honey chicken?
Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil that heats well and keeps the coating light and crispy.

Can I make the sauce while the chicken cooks?
Yes, prepare the honey sauce while the chicken fries to save time and keep everything hot and ready to serve.

How thick should the cornstarch coating be on the chicken?
Make sure the chicken has a light, even coating so it turns golden and crisp without clumping in the oil.

What’s the best way to serve crispy honey chicken at a family dinner?
Serve crispy honey chicken hot from the skillet over rice or noodles so it soaks up the sweet sauce.

Can I serve crispy honey chicken in smaller portions for a party?
Yes, serve it in small bowls or on skewers for bite-sized portions that are easy to grab and enjoy.

Is crispy honey chicken good for a kids’ meal?
Yes, kids love the sweet sauce and crunchy chicken. Just cut the pieces small and skip any added spice.

Can I plate crispy honey chicken for special occasions?
Yes, plate it neatly with a drizzle of extra sauce and sprinkle of sesame seeds for a restaurant-style feel.

What season is best to serve crispy honey chicken?
Crispy honey chicken works all year but feels extra fun during cooler months when warm, sticky meals hit the spot.

Will crispy honey chicken work for casual get-togethers?
Yes, this dish fits perfectly at casual dinners or weekend hangouts when you want a fun, takeout-style option at home.

Follow the tips, tricks, and directions below to keep your crispy honey chicken fresh and full of flavor. These easy storage steps help you save leftovers without losing that signature crunch.

Can I prepare crispy honey chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce separately, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge until you're ready.

What’s the best way to store leftover crispy honey chicken?
Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. Keep the chicken and sauce separate so it stays crisp.

Is it possible to freeze crispy honey chicken?
You can freeze honey chicken for two to four months for a quick and easy meal.Just 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. 

How do I reheat crispy honey chicken for best results?
Use a skillet or oven to reheat the chicken. Warm the sauce separately and pour it on top.

Can I reheat crispy honey chicken in the microwave?
Yes, you can microwave it, but the coating may turn soft. Heat in short bursts and stir the sauce between each round.

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