Chinese Honey Chicken
Before we dive into the mouthwatering world of Chinese honey chicken, let’s think about how to make it shine on your dinner table
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal
Oil for Deep-Frying:
- 2 to 3 cups vegetable oil or neutral oil like canola
Chicken & Marinade:
- 2 teaspoons Chinese Shaoxing wine or more soy sauce as a substitute
- 300 g / 10oz boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2.5cm (1 inch) chunks
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium light soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Crispy Tempura-Style Batter:
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 7 to 8 tablespoons ice-cold soda water or club soda
Sticky Honey Glaze:
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- ⅓ cup 100g pure honey
- 2 teaspoons Chinese cooking wine or soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons 25g light corn syrup or glucose
Dredging:
- ½ cup fine cornflour or cornstarch
Garnish/Serving Suggestions:
- Finely sliced spring onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, mix the Shaoxing wine, low-sodium soy sauce, and cornstarch. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This step helps the flavors penetrate the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
While the chicken marinates, prepare the batter. In a separate bowl, combine flour, kosher salt, cornstarch, garlic powder, and baking powder. Gradually add the ice-cold soda water until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
Step 4: Coat and Fry the Chicken
Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the cornflour, ensuring they are evenly coated. Dip each piece into the batter, letting any excess drip off. Carefully drop them into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
Step 5: Prepare the Honey Glaze
While the chicken is frying, combine the ingredients for the honey glaze in a small saucepan—light soy sauce, honey, Chinese cooking wine, rice vinegar, and corn syrup. Allow this mixture to simmer gently until it thickens slightly.
Step 6: Glaze the Chicken
Once the chicken is crispy and golden, remove it from the oil and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil. In a large skillet over low heat, add the fried chicken and pour the honey glaze on top. Toss until every piece is coated.
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Keep the Oil Hot: If the oil cools down too much, the chicken will absorb more oil and lose its crispiness.
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Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the honey ratio based on your taste preferences. Add more vinegar for a tangier kick.
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Double-Dip for Extra Crisp: For an even crunchier batter, consider double-dipping the chicken pieces in cornflour after the first batter dip before frying.
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Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. The longer it sits, the less crispy it becomes.
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Experiment with Spice: For a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 15gFiber: 1g
Keyword chinese honey chicken