Name: Honey Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 eggs, beaten; Salt and pepper, to taste; Oil for frying; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar; 2 tbsp water; Optional: red pepper flakes or chili sauce, to taste

This honey chicken recipe is the perfect combination of crispy fried chicken and a sweet, sticky, and savory honey sauce. It’s a dish I love to whip up when I want something that feels a little indulgent but still easy enough for a weeknight dinner. The balance of flavors in the sauce—sweet honey, savory soy, and a touch of garlic—is simply irresistible. Honey Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe turns simple ingredients into something that tastes restaurant-worthy. The crispy chicken pieces coated in a glossy honey sauce hit all the right notes—sweet, salty, crunchy, and satisfying. It’s incredibly versatile, pairing well with steamed rice, noodles, or even in a wrap. Plus, it’s family-friendly and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cornstarch
All-purpose flour
Eggs
Salt and pepper
Oil for frying
Honey
Soy sauce
Garlic (minced)
Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
Water
Optional: red pepper flakes or chili sauce for a spicy kick

Directions

I start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Then I coat them first in a mixture of cornstarch and flour, dip them in beaten eggs, and again dredge in the dry mix for extra crispiness.
I heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer and fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy.
While the chicken drains on a paper towel, I prepare the honey sauce by combining honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and a splash of water in a pan.
I simmer the sauce until slightly thickened.
Finally, I toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until well coated and serve it immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. Frying time may vary depending on the size of your chicken pieces and how many batches I cook, but it’s usually quick once the oil is hot.

Variations

When I’m in the mood for a healthier version, I sometimes bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep-frying it. I’ve also added a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for some heat. Swapping chicken for tofu makes this recipe vegetarian-friendly without losing any of the flavor. And for a tangier version, I like to add a splash of orange juice to the sauce.

Storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I prefer using an oven or air fryer to keep the chicken crispy. Microwaving works too, but the coating softens a bit. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, I stir in a splash of water while reheating.

FAQs

How do I keep the chicken crispy after saucing it?

I serve the dish immediately after tossing the chicken in the sauce to keep it crispy. If I need to hold it a bit longer, I keep the sauce separate and combine right before serving.

Can I make honey chicken ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the sauce and fry the chicken in advance, then store them separately. When ready to serve, I reheat both and toss together.

What’s the best type of chicken to use?

I use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. Thighs are more flavorful and juicy, while breast gives a cleaner bite.

Is honey chicken spicy?

Not by default. But I can easily make it spicy by adding chili flakes, hot sauce, or sriracha to the honey sauce.

Can I freeze honey chicken?

I recommend freezing the fried chicken separately without the sauce. When reheating, I bake or air fry the chicken and then toss in freshly made sauce.

Conclusion

Honey chicken is one of those go-to meals that always hits the spot. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and endlessly customizable to suit whatever I’m craving. Whether I’m cooking for the family or just treating myself, this dish never disappoints.