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–+ servings

Easy Honey Chicken with Perfectly Crispy Coating

Rose
This easy honey chicken features ultra-crispy, double-fried chicken pieces tossed in a glossy, sweet-savory honey sauce that clings without turning soggy. Inspired by Chinese-style honey chicken, it delivers restaurant-quality crunch and flavor at home using simple, reliable techniques.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • deep frying pot
  • slotted spoon or spider
  • mixing bowls
  • wire rack
  • saucepan

Ingredients
  

  • 700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (for marinade)
  • 1 cup cornstarch (for batter and dredging)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup cold soda water
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup or glucose
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce (for sauce)
  • 1 liter neutral frying oil
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (optional garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and toss with soy sauce and cornstarch until evenly coated. Set aside while preparing the batter.
  • In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, and baking powder. Slowly add cold soda water, mixing until a thick, smooth batter forms. Keep cold.
  • Heat frying oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). The oil should sizzle immediately when batter is dropped in.
  • Dredge chicken lightly in cornstarch, dip into batter, and fry in batches for 3–4 minutes until pale golden and just cooked through. Drain.
  • Return chicken to the oil and fry again for 1–2 minutes until deep golden and very crispy. Remove and drain.
  • Combine honey, corn syrup, and soy sauce in a saucepan. Simmer gently until glossy and slightly thickened.
  • Toss hot crispy chicken with warm honey sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, keep the batter ice-cold and always double fry the chicken. Toss with sauce just before serving to preserve crispiness. Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breast can be used if cooked carefully.

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 26gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 1gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 220IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2.1mg
Keyword Chinese honey chicken, crispy honey chicken, double fried chicken, easy honey chicken
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