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how to makechinese honey chicken

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
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Bowl
  • Skillet

Ingredients
  

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
  • cup 100g pure honey
  • 2 teaspoons Chinese cooking wine or soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • tablespoons 25g light corn syrup or glucose

Dredging:

  • ½ cup fine cornflour or cornstarch

Garnish/Serving Suggestions:

  • Finely sliced spring onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions
 

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 3: Heat the Oil

  • In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to around 350°F (175°C). It’s important to maintain this temperature to achieve that perfect crispiness.

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.

Step 7: Serve

  • Transfer the honey chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with finely sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot and watch it disappear!

Notes

 
  • Keep the Oil Hot: If the oil cools down too much, the chicken will absorb more oil and lose its crispiness.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the honey ratio based on your taste preferences. Add more vinegar for a tangier kick.
  • 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.
  • Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. The longer it sits, the less crispy it becomes.
  • Experiment with Spice: For a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 15gFiber: 1g
Keyword chinese honey chicken
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