Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe

Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken is a classic Chinese-inspired dish featuring lightly battered chicken pieces deep-fried until golden, then tossed in a glossy honey sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and brown sugar.

The result? Tender chicken inside, crispy coating outside, and a sticky-sweet glaze that clings to every bite.

If you’ve ever craved that restaurant-style Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken — the one with a golden, crunchy crust coated in sticky-sweet honey sauce — this recipe is for you!

I’ve made this countless times in my kitchen, and every time, the plate is wiped clean. The combination of tender chicken bites, crisp coating, and glossy honey glaze makes it a total family favorite. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but is easy enough for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Orange Chicken Recipe?

I know, this is about honey chicken, but if you love orange chicken, this one will win your heart too! Here’s why you’ll keep this recipe in your dinner rotation:

• The chicken stays crispy even after tossing in the sauce.
• The honey flavor gives the perfect balance of sweetness and umami.
• It’s quick, fuss-free, and uses simple pantry staples.
• You can make it faster than ordering takeout!

How To Make Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken?

Recipe Overview

Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken is an easy homemade version of your favorite takeout-style chicken — crispy on the outside, tender inside, and coated in a glossy honey sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Course: Main Course
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Around 480 kcal
• Serving Size: 1 cup

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Wok or deep skillet
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Paper towels or wire rack
• Saucepan

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 400 g chicken leg meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)
• 1.5 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 egg white
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• Oil for frying
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)
• Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Honey Sauce

• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Starch Water

• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and egg white. Mix well and let sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

2. Prepare the Batter:

In another bowl, mix all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Lightly coat each marinated chicken piece in this dry mixture.

3. Heat the Oil:

Pour enough oil into a wok or deep skillet for frying. Heat to 350°F (175°C). You can test by dropping in a small piece of batter — if it bubbles instantly, it’s ready.

4. Fry the Chicken:

Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crisp, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel to drain.

5. Make the Honey Sauce:

In a saucepan, heat vegetable oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add chicken bouillon, water, Shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and brown sugar. Stir and bring to a light simmer.

6. Thicken the Sauce:

Mix cornstarch and water to make starch water. Slowly pour it into the sauce while stirring until it thickens slightly.

7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Add fried chicken pieces to the pan, tossing quickly to coat evenly. The sauce should cling beautifully to each piece.

8. Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve hot!

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugar: 23g
• Sodium: 720mg

Tips and Variations

✅Baked Version: For a lighter twist, bake chicken pieces at 400°F for 20 minutes, then toss in the sauce.

✅Extra Crunch: Double fry the chicken for an even crispier texture.

✅Add Veggies: Stir-fry broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas in the sauce before adding chicken for more color and nutrition.

✅Make Ahead: Fry and cool the chicken, then store it in the fridge. Reheat and toss in the sauce before serving.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving crispy honey chicken with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice. You can also pair it with stir-fried vegetables or chow mein noodles. For a fun twist, serve it over lettuce leaves for crispy honey chicken wraps.

Storing Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving — it softens the coating.

• Use chicken thigh for juicy texture.
• Double fry if you want extra crunch.
• Warm the honey sauce before mixing — it coats better.
• Garnish right before serving to keep the crunch intact.

What Makes Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken So Flavorful and Perfectly Crunchy?

The secret is all in the batter and sauce balance. The chicken is first marinated in egg white, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine — this tenderizes the meat.

Then, it’s coated in a mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch, giving it that signature crunch. Finally, it’s tossed in a silky honey sauce made with brown sugar, garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar for that addictive sweet-tangy glaze.

Can I Make Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Ahead of Time and Still Keep It Crispy?

Yes! You can fry the chicken ahead and keep it uncovered on a wire rack to stay crunchy. When ready to serve,

quickly reheat it in a hot oven and toss it in the warm honey sauce just before plating. This trick keeps your chicken crunchy without becoming soggy.

What Type of Honey Works Best for Preparing Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken at Home?

I like using mild clover honey — it’s sweet but not overpowering. If you prefer a deeper flavor, try wildflower honey. Avoid strong-tasting honey like buckwheat; it can mask the delicate balance of the sauce.

FAQ For Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken

Conclusion

Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken is one of those dishes that never fails to impress — crunchy, sweet, and full of comforting flavor. Once you try it, you’ll see how easy it is to make at home without needing fancy tools or ingredients.

Give it a try tonight and let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments or see your version — tag me if you post it on social media!