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Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken

Tender chicken pieces are enveloped in a crunchy batter and tossed in a sweet and savory honey glaze. This dish combines the essence of Chinese-American cuisine with a luscious sauce of soy, garlic, and ginger. Mixing a light batter and frying to golden perfection ensures a satisfying balance of textures in every bite.
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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon white pepper
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for batter
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 0.33 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water for slurry
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottomed Pot
  • Slotted spoon or tongs
  • Saucepan
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. In a mixing bowl whisk together the flour cornstarch baking powder salt and white pepper.
  2. Add the water egg and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and mix until the batter is smooth.
  3. Dip the chicken pieces into the batter ensuring every piece is well-coated.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F.
  5. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 5 to 6 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
  6. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  7. In a saucepan over medium heat combine the honey soy sauce vinegar sesame oil ginger garlic and pepper flakes.
  8. Bring the sauce to a simmer and stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken it.
  9. Add the crispy chicken to the saucepan and toss until every piece is evenly coated in the glaze.
  10. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions and serve immediately over steamed rice.

Notes

Maintaining the oil at a steady 350°F is essential for a crisp coating that isn't greasy.
Avoid overcrowding the pan during frying to ensure each piece of chicken cooks evenly and stays crunchy.
Serve the dish promptly after tossing with the sauce to preserve the integrity of the crispy batter.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated in an air fryer.