Ingredients
To make this mouthwatering dish, you'll need:
- 680 grams of boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 125 grams cornstarch
- Oil for frying
- 40 grams green onions, thinly sliced
- 170 grams honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Sliced green onions, for serving
Let's Get Cooking!
Follow these simple steps to create your own crispy battered honey chicken:
Marinate the Chicken
First, coat the chicken pieces in the soy sauce and let them marinate for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix the eggs with the marinated chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated.
Create the Crispy Coating
Combine the salt, pepper, and cornstarch in a shallow dish. Dredge the egg-coated chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are evenly covered.
Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy. Drain any excess oil on paper towels.
Prepare the Honey Sauce
In a saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, water, sesame oil, and vinegar over medium heat. Cook until the mixture begins to bubble.
Cornstarch Slurry
In a small bowl, mix the water and cornstarch until you have a smooth slurry without lumps.
Thicken the Sauce
Once the honey sauce is bubbling, add the cornstarch slurry and continue to mix until the sauce thickens.
Combine and Serve
Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the honey sauce, making sure they are well coated. Serve the chicken on a plate, garnished with sliced green onions.
Nutritional Information
This recipe serves 4, with a serving size of 250 grams per person. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 35 grams
- Fat: 13 grams
- Carbohydrates: 68 grams
- Sodium: 990 milligrams
Side Dishes and Accompaniments
Crispy battered honey chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, such as:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Egg fried rice
- Chow mein noodles
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Asian-inspired slaw
Ingredient Substitutes
If you can't find certain ingredients or have dietary restrictions, consider these substitutes:
- Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option
- Replace chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or pescatarian alternative
- Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetener
Top Tips and Secrets for the Perfect Honey Chicken
- Cut the chicken into similar pieces so that they cook at the same time.
- Ensure to marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or even overnight.
- Ensure to coat each chicken piece with enough cornflour so that they don't stick to each other.
- When frying the chicken pieces, ensure that the oil is at 350 F or 180 C.
- Do not overcrowd the chicken pieces while frying.
- You can double fry the chicken pieces after 2-3 minutes of them resting after the first fry.
What Makes Honey Chicken So Good?
This recipe combines the sweet from honey and the saltiness from the soy sauce into a delicious sticky sauce.
The fried chicken pieces adds a crunchy texture to the dish that makes it even more appealing.
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time. Reheat the chicken in the oven and warm the sauce on the stovetop before combining and serving.
Can I freeze crispy battered honey chicken?
It's not recommended to freeze the dish, as the texture of the chicken and sauce may be affected upon thawing and reheating. However, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat to your crispy battered honey chicken, try adding crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the honey sauce.
What can I do with any leftover honey sauce?
Leftover honey sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, potstickers, or even drizzled over roasted vegetables for a sweet and savory twist.