Crispy Honey Chicken with Sweet Asian Sauce
Crispy Honey Chicken with Sweet Asian Sauce offers a perfect combination of a crunchy texture and a luscious, sweet-savory glaze, featuring tender golden-fried chicken bites coated in a sticky sauce bursting with honey, soy, garlic, and ginger flavors. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or sharing at gatherings, this vibrant Asian-inspired dish delivers bold flavors and irresistible crunch in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitution)
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or rice flour for gluten-free)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups)
Sweet Asian Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey (or dark honey/maple syrup for variation)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if needed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Garnishes
- 2 green onions, sliced diagonally
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into evenly sized bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Set up a dredging station with two bowls: one with beaten eggs and the other with a mixture of cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Dip each chicken piece first into the eggs, then coat thoroughly with the flour and cornstarch mixture to ensure a crispy finish.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches without overcrowding, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels to keep them crunchy.
- Make the Sweet Asian Sauce: While frying, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Warm the sauce gently over low heat until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld beautifully, about 3-5 minutes.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Transfer the fried chicken to a large bowl and pour the warm sauce over it. Toss gently but thoroughly so each piece is evenly coated with the luscious glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the saucy chicken for a fresh flavor contrast and vibrant presentation. Serve immediately for the best crunchy texture and flavor.
Notes
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even and crispy cooking; use a thermometer.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding and soggy chicken.
- Pat chicken pieces dry before coating to ensure the coating sticks well and stays crisp.
- Prepare the sauce ahead of time to let flavors develop and save time.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for a stronger, more fragrant sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 ounces of chicken with sauce)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: crispy honey chicken, Asian sauce, fried chicken bites, sweet savory chicken, honey soy chicken, easy Asian recipe, quick chicken dinner