Easy Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe – Sweet Glazed Perfection in 30 Minutes
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a glossy honey glaze—Chinese Honey Chicken is one of those dishes that instantly wins hearts. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of crunch and sweetness, making it a favorite for family dinners, takeout nights at home, or when you’re craving something indulgent yet comforting.
This Easy Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken recipe brings restaurant-style flavor to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. Fast, flavorful, and irresistibly sticky, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Why Chinese Honey Chicken Is So Popular
What makes honey chicken so special is the contrast. Light, crispy chicken meets a smooth, sweet glaze that clings to every piece without overpowering it. The sauce is rich but balanced, sweet yet savory, and finished with a shine that makes the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
It’s comfort food with crunch—simple, satisfying, and universally loved.
Recipe Overview
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Difficulty Level: Easy
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Cooking Method: Frying and Glazing
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Estimated Cost: Medium
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Number of Servings: 1 bowl per serving
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Best Season: All seasons
Ingredients
This recipe uses a short list of pantry-friendly ingredients to create a golden, crispy coating and a sweet, sticky honey glaze. The combination delivers bold flavor without complexity, making it perfect for quick home cooking.
Equipment Needed
You’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools to achieve perfect crispiness and a smooth glaze:
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Mixing bowls
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Frying pan or wok
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Slotted spoon
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Paper towels
Simple tools, big results.
How to Make Easy Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
The chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces, ensuring quick cooking and maximum crunch. Each piece is coated evenly to create a light, crisp exterior once fried.
Step 2: Fry Until Golden
Heat oil until hot, then fry the chicken in batches. This keeps the temperature steady and ensures each piece becomes golden, crispy, and cooked through without absorbing excess oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Honey Glaze
While the chicken rests, the glaze is cooked until smooth, glossy, and slightly thickened. The aroma is sweet and inviting, signaling that it’s ready to coat the chicken.
Step 4: Toss and Glaze
The crispy chicken is added to the glaze and gently tossed until each piece is fully coated. The sauce clings beautifully, creating that signature sticky finish.
Flavor and Texture Experience
This dish delivers everything you want from Chinese honey chicken:
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Crunchy, golden coating
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Juicy and tender chicken
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Sweet, glossy honey glaze
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Balanced flavor without heaviness
Each bite is addictive, making it hard to stop at just one serving.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken pairs perfectly with:
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Steamed white rice
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Fried rice
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Noodles
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Stir-fried vegetables
It also works beautifully as a party dish or family-style centerpiece.
Cuisine and Dietary Information
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Cuisine: Chinese
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Course: Main Course
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Cooking Method: Frying
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Dietary Notes:
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Dairy-Free
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Helpful Cooking Tips
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Fry in batches for maximum crispiness
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Let excess oil drain before glazing
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Toss gently to keep the coating intact
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Serve immediately for best texture
Small steps make a big difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Chinese honey chicken crispy?
The light coating and proper oil temperature create a crisp, golden exterior.
Is honey chicken very sweet?
It’s sweet but balanced with savory notes, making it enjoyable and not overpowering.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh for maximum crunch.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild sweetness makes it a favorite for all ages.
Can this be served year-round?
Absolutely. It’s perfect any time of the year.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe delivers everything you love about Chinese takeout—crunchy chicken, sweet sticky glaze, and fast cooking time—all from the comfort of your kitchen. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect go-to recipe when you want something quick, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Once you try it, this dish is sure to become a regular favorite at your table.
Easy Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe – Sweet Glazed Perfection in 30 Minutes
This Chinese Honey Chicken delivers perfectly crispy chicken coated in a glossy sweet honey glaze with notes of garlic and soy. It's comfort food at its finest – crunchy, sweet, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
Instructions
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Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and white pepper.
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Add the cold water and egg to the dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable.
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Add the chicken pieces to the batter and coat well. Let sit for 5 minutes while you heat the oil.
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Heat oil for deep frying to 350°F. Working in batches, carefully add the battered chicken pieces to the oil. Fry for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove chicken to a wire rack. For extra crispiness, let rest 5 minutes then fry again briefly at 375°F for 1-2 minutes.
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While chicken rests, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, and sesame oil.
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Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil, then add the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in the honey sauce mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
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Give the cornstarch slurry a stir and add to the sauce. Cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
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Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss quickly to coat evenly. Work fast to maintain crispiness.
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Transfer to a serving plate immediately. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice..
Note
For the crispiest results, use cold water in the batter and don't overmix. The baking powder creates extra air bubbles for a lighter, crunchier coating. Real honey makes a significant difference in flavor – avoid honey-flavored syrup. Toss the chicken in sauce just before serving to maintain maximum crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay more moist and flavorful. Just adjust the frying time as thighs are slightly thicker. Cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
How can I make this less sweet?
Reduce the honey to 1/3 cup and add an extra tablespoon of rice vinegar for more tanginess. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to balance the sweetness with heat.
What makes the chicken extra crispy?
The combination of flour and cornstarch creates the perfect crispy coating. Baking powder adds lightness, and double-frying ensures maximum crunch. Cold batter and hot oil are also key.
