How to make honey chicken like a pro: impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering recipe
What To Know
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
- Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the honey sauce.
- Yes, you can make the honey sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of this delectable recipe honey chicken recipe. With its crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
For the Honey Sauce:
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the beaten egg and stir to coat.
Fry the Chicken:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and fry for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the pan and drain on paper towels.
Make the Honey Sauce:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
1. Return the fried chicken to the saucepan with the honey sauce.
2. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
3. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the honey chicken immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or chopped peanuts for extra flavor.
Tips:
- For a crispier chicken, double-coat the chicken with the cornstarch and flour mixture before frying.
- If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
- To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free cornstarch and flour.
Variations:
- Pineapple Honey Chicken: Add 1 cup of chopped pineapple to the honey sauce for a tropical twist.
- Spicy Honey Chicken: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the honey sauce.
- Sesame Honey Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken before serving.
Benefits of Honey Chicken:
- Rich in protein from the chicken.
- Contains antioxidants from the honey and garlic.
- Provides energy from the carbohydrates in the rice or noodles.
- Can be customized to suit different dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts:
This recipe honey chicken recipe is a culinary delight that will tantalize your taste buds. With its crispy, juicy chicken and sweet and savory honey sauce, it’s a dish that will impress your family and friends. So gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just thaw it completely before cooking.
2. What can I substitute for rice or noodles?
You can serve the honey chicken with mashed potatoes, quinoa, or vegetables.
3. How long can I store leftover honey chicken?
Leftover honey chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
4. Can I make the honey sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the honey sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before using.
5. What are some other ways to cook honey chicken?
You can bake, pan-fry, or air-fry honey chicken. Adjust the cooking times and temperatures accordingly.