This Chinese Honey Chicken is the perfect balance of crispy and sweet! Coated in a golden batter and tossed in a luscious honey sauce, it’s a must-try for dinner lovers. If you’re craving chicken stirfry easy recipe ideas, this is a delicious winner. Also great if you’re searching for quick easy healthy recipes, Healthy Thanksgiving alternatives, or protein-packed meals like egg muffin cups and Fajitas Bowls. Inspired by interesting food trends, even Blackstone Chicken Fajita Quesadillas fans will love it!

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe
3) Ingredients for Chinese Honey Chicken
4) How to Make Chinese Honey Chicken
5) Tips for Making Chinese Honey Chicken
6) Making Chinese Honey Chicken Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Chinese Honey Chicken
8) Try these Dinners next!
9) Chinese Honey Chicken
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Quick, crispy, and flavorful Chinese-style honey chicken.
Perfect dinner idea that balances sweetness and crunch.
Made with pantry staples and ready in under 40 minutes.
Ideal for meal prep or weeknight family dinners.

2) Easy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe

This easy Chinese Honey Chicken recipe from Elena of Elena Cooks is your go-to dinner when you need something crispy, sticky, and satisfying in under 40 minutes. The chicken is dipped in a smooth batter and deep-fried to golden perfection before being coated in a luscious, sweet-savory honey sauce. If you’re a fan of chicken stirfry easy recipe ideas, this dish checks all the boxes for simplicity and flavor. It’s especially perfect for busy weeknights or when guests drop in unannounced. This recipe stands out from typical stir-fried dishes thanks to its deep-fried crispiness and signature sauce. Not only does this meal appeal to those hunting for quick easy healthy recipes or Blackstone Chicken Fajita Quesadillas alternatives, but it’s also a game-changer for anyone seeking dinner inspiration that the whole family will devour. Packed with protein and full of flavor, it’s bound to become one of your regular rotation meals.

3) Ingredients for Chinese Honey Chicken

Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these serve as the juicy and tender base of this dish. Use boneless, skinless breasts for quicker prep and more even cooking.

Egg: Helps bind the dry ingredients into a smooth, thick batter that clings perfectly to the chicken pieces during frying.

Cornstarch: This key ingredient gives the batter a light, crisp finish that ensures each piece of chicken stays crunchy even after tossing in sauce.

All-Purpose Flour: Combined with cornstarch, this provides structure and balance to the batter, offering just the right texture once fried.

Baking Powder: Adds a bit of airiness to the batter, helping the coating puff up slightly during frying for extra crunch.

Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the honey in the final sauce.

Water: Used to thin the batter to the right consistency, making it easy to coat the chicken evenly without it becoming too runny or thick.

Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for deep frying, ensuring that the chicken becomes crispy without adding extra flavor.

Honey: The star ingredient of the sauce, honey brings rich sweetness and that beautiful glossy finish that defines this chicken stirfry easy recipe.

Soy Sauce: Provides salty, umami depth to the honey sauce and balances the sweetness perfectly.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy kick to the sauce, cutting through the richness and enhancing all the other flavors.

Garlic Powder: Offers a savory base note without overpowering the other sauce elements.

Ginger Powder: Adds a warm, slightly spicy note that elevates the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Cornstarch Slurry: A mix of cornstarch and water that thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency for coating the fried chicken.

4) How to Make Chinese Honey Chicken

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the egg, cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and water to form a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat chicken without running off. Adjust water as needed.

Step 2: Dip each chicken piece into the batter until fully coated. Lay them aside on a tray, ensuring they’re not sticking together to help with even frying later.

Step 3: In a deep pan, heat enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces. When the oil is hot (about 350°F), carefully drop the chicken in batches and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch.

Step 4: Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and let it drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Set aside while preparing the honey sauce.

Step 5: In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 6: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens to a glaze-like consistency. Stir constantly to avoid burning.

Step 7: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the thickened honey sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately with your choice of rice or stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.

5) Tips for Making Chinese Honey Chicken

If you want the best texture and flavor in your Chinese Honey Chicken, fry the chicken in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures even browning and maximum crispiness. For those using this recipe as a healthier alternative, consider using an air fryer—just be aware that the texture may vary. The honey sauce, a crucial part of this chicken stirfry easy recipe, can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. When reheating, simply warm it gently on the stove. Another key tip? Always serve this dish immediately after tossing in the sauce to maintain that delicious crunch. This recipe pairs well with simple sides like steamed broccoli, jasmine rice, or even lettuce wraps for a fresh twist.

6) Making Chinese Honey Chicken Ahead of Time

This dish is a great option for meal prep lovers or those planning ahead for a busy weeknight. The chicken can be battered and fried ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Simply reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore the crispiness. The honey sauce can also be prepped in advance—just make sure to stir well when reheating. Assemble the dish just before serving by tossing the pre-cooked chicken with the reheated sauce. This method works well if you want to enjoy the taste and texture of fresh Chinese Honey Chicken without the day-of prep. This strategy makes it an ideal addition to your arsenal of quick easy healthy recipes, especially when you’re short on time but still crave something homemade and flavorful.

7) Storing Leftover Chinese Honey Chicken

Leftover Chinese Honey Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to regain some of the original crunch. While microwaving is faster, it may soften the batter. If you know in advance that you’ll have leftovers, consider storing the fried chicken and honey sauce separately to preserve the crisp texture. This dish also makes an excellent lunch option the next day, making it one of those dinner recipes that keeps on giving. Just pair it with fresh rice or greens for a full, balanced meal. Whether you’re making it for dinner or planning a meal prep session, it’s perfect for anyone craving Fajitas Bowls-style flexibility with a sweet Asian twist.

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9) Chinese Honey Chicken