Name: Crispy Honey Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 2 large eggs, beaten; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying); For the Honey Sauce:; 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat); 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken); Optional Garnishes:; Sliced green onions; Sesame seeds; Special Tools:; A large skillet or wok for frying; A whisk for the sauce

Crispy Honey Chicken

If there’s one dish that gets my family gathered around the dinner table faster than you can say “what’s for dinner?”, it’s this Crispy Honey Chicken.

I stumbled upon this recipe on a whim one busy weeknight when I needed something quick, comforting, and a little bit special—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! From the first bite, we were hooked. The chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and that honey glaze? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just the tiniest hint of heat.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up without sacrificing any of that restaurant-quality taste. It’s become our go-to for everything from busy weeknights to lazy Sunday dinners. My kids devour it (always asking for seconds!), and even my picky eater gives it two thumbs up—a rare feat in our house!

But the best part? Watching everyone light up as they take that first bite. It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar without spending hours over the stove.

And let’s be honest—isn’t that what we all need sometimes? This Crispy Honey Chicken has quickly earned a permanent spot in our family recipe rotation, and once you try it, I have no doubt it’ll become a favorite in your household, too!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option and tend to be even juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they might take a little longer to cook through.

Is this recipe very sweet?
The honey adds a lovely sweetness, but it’s balanced by the savory sauce ingredients. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the honey by a tablespoon or two.

Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh to keep the chicken crispy. However, you can prep the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the chicken and a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the sauce.

What sides go well with Crispy Honey Chicken?
We love serving it with steamed white rice or jasmine rice and a side of stir-fried veggies. A simple green salad also pairs beautifully.

What You Need to Make Crispy Honey Chicken

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

2 large eggs, beaten

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Honey Sauce:

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)

Optional Garnishes:

Sliced green onions

Sesame seeds

Special Tools:

A large skillet or wok for frying

A whisk for the sauce

How to Make Crispy Honey Chicken

Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another, mix the flour and cornstarch.

Dredge the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then coat it in the flour-cornstarch mixture. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.

Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in batches, frying until golden and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and drain on paper towels.

Make the Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).

Coat the Chicken: Toss the crispy chicken in the honey sauce until well coated.

Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice.

Tips for Making the Best Crispy Honey Chicken

Double-Coating for Extra Crisp: For an even crispier texture, double-dip the chicken: egg, flour, egg again, then flour.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to keep the oil temperature steady and the chicken crispy.

Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the honey or soy sauce to your preference.

Keep it Warm: If making large batches, keep the cooked chicken warm in the oven at 200°F while frying the rest.

Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.

Reader Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This is hands down my new favorite chicken recipe! It was so crispy and flavorful—my whole family loved it! Definitely making this again.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Super tasty and easy to follow. I added a bit more spice because we like it hot, but it was perfect!”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Wow! Better than takeout and way healthier. The honey sauce was just the right amount of sweet and savory.”

⭐⭐⭐ “Good, but next time I might try baking the chicken to cut down on the oil. Still delicious though!”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Absolutely loved it! The kids devoured it, and my husband asked if we could have it again next week.”

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