Indulge in crispy, tangy honey chicken: try this amazing recipe from women’s weekly!
What To Know
- This beloved dish from Women’s Weekly is a harmonious blend of crispy chicken enveloped in a luscious honey sauce, creating an irresistible symphony of sweet and savory.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the honey sauce for a kick of heat.
- Honey chicken is a beloved dish for families, as it’s easy to make and loved by both adults and children.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of honey chicken, a culinary masterpiece that has captivated taste buds for generations. This beloved dish from Women’s Weekly is a harmonious blend of crispy chicken enveloped in a luscious honey sauce, creating an irresistible symphony of sweet and savory.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before embarking on this culinary adventure, gather the necessary ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Cornstarch
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetable oil
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Brown sugar
- Garlic powder
- Ginger powder
Step-by-Step Guide to Honey Chicken Perfection
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then season with salt and pepper.
2. Coat the Chicken:
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and dust them evenly with cornstarch.
3. Fry the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Honey Sauce:
In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
5. Glaze the Chicken:
Return the fried chicken to the pan and pour the honey sauce over it. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the honey chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions. Pair with your favorite side dishes, such as rice or noodles.
Tips for a Perfect Honey Chicken
- Crispy Chicken: Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated in cornstarch before frying to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Balanced Sauce: Adjust the proportions of honey and soy sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and ginger for optimal flavor in the honey sauce.
- Don’t Overcook: Fry the chicken until golden brown, but avoid overcooking it to prevent toughness.
- Serve Immediately: Honey chicken is best enjoyed hot and fresh, so serve it as soon as it’s ready.
Variations on the Honey Chicken Classic
- Spicy Honey Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the honey sauce for a kick of heat.
- Sesame Honey Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken after glazing it with the honey sauce.
- Pineapple Honey Chicken: Add diced pineapple chunks to the honey sauce for a tropical twist.
- Orange Honey Chicken: Substitute orange juice for rice vinegar in the honey sauce for a citrusy flavor.
- Broccoli Honey Chicken: Stir-fry broccoli florets with the chicken and glaze them with the honey sauce.
Honey Chicken: A Culinary Gem for All Occasions
Honey chicken is a versatile dish that can grace any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. Its sweet and savory flavors appeal to a wide range of palates, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Family Favorite: Honey chicken is a beloved dish for families, as it’s easy to make and loved by both adults and children.
- Dinner Party Delight: Impress your guests with honey chicken as the main course, accompanied by a selection of side dishes.
- Potluck Star: Bring a batch of honey chicken to your next potluck and watch it disappear in minutes.
- Game Day Treat: Serve honey chicken as a finger food for game day parties, alongside other crowd-pleasing snacks.
Health Benefits of Honey Chicken
While honey chicken is not a health food, it does offer some nutritional benefits:
- Protein: Chicken is a lean protein source, essential for building and maintaining muscle mass.
- Energy: Honey provides carbohydrates, which give you energy.
- Antioxidants: Honey contains antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dark meat chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use dark meat chicken, but it may take longer to cook.
2. How do I make the honey sauce thicker?
Add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the honey sauce and simmer until thickened.
3. Can I freeze honey chicken?
Yes, you can freeze honey chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
4. What side dishes go well with honey chicken?
Rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, and steamed broccoli are all excellent side dishes for honey chicken.
5. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
6. How do I make gluten-free honey chicken?
Use gluten-free cornstarch and soy sauce.
7. Can I bake honey chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
8. How do I store leftover honey chicken?
Store leftover honey chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
9. What is the best honey to use for this recipe?
Use a mild-flavored honey, such as clover honey or acacia honey.
10. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, add sliced bell peppers, onions, or broccoli florets to the honey sauce.
