Craving chinese? try this effortless honey chicken recipe easy chinese

Honey chicken is a beloved Chinese dish that tantalizes taste buds with its irresistible combination of sweet and savory flavors. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through the steps of creating this delectable dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry (optional)

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)

For Coating:

• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For Garnish (optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, soy sauce, and rice wine (if using). Toss to coat evenly.

2. Coat the Chicken: In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the coating mixture, shaking off any excess.

3. Fry the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

4. Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is heated through.

6. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the honey chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips:

• For a crispier chicken, double-coat the chicken by dipping it in the cornstarch mixture twice before frying.
• If you don’t have Chinese rice wine, you can substitute dry sherry or even white wine.
• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of spiciness.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
• Serve the honey chicken immediately to prevent the coating from becoming soggy.

Health Benefits of Honey Chicken

While honey chicken is not the healthiest Chinese dish, it does offer some nutritional benefits:

• Protein: Chicken is a lean protein source that supports muscle growth and repair.
• Carbohydrates: The cornstarch coating provides carbohydrates for energy.
• Honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants and antibacterial properties.

Variations:

• Spicy Honey Chicken: Add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier version.
• Honey Garlic Chicken: Add minced garlic to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Sesame Honey Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish for a nutty crunch.
• Pineapple Honey Chicken: Add chopped pineapple to the sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use turkey, pork, or beef instead of chicken.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

3. How do I store leftover honey chicken?
Store leftover honey chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

4. Can I freeze honey chicken?
Yes, you can freeze honey chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

5. What are some good side dishes to serve with honey chicken?
Steamed rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or egg rolls are all great pairings with honey chicken.