Crispy Honey Chicken Fried

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Enjoy golden, crunchy chicken pieces fried to perfection and gently tossed in a rich honey-soy glaze. Combining sweet notes of honey with savory hints of soy, sesame, and spices, each bite is flavorful and satisfying. The double-coated chicken delivers that craveable crispy texture, and the thick, glistening sauce clings beautifully. For best results, serve hot over fluffy rice and garnish with sliced green onions. This dish is both family-friendly and ideal for weeknight dinners, delivering takeout-inspired flavor from home. Adjust sauce sweetness or spice as desired for your taste.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:17:08 GMT
A bowl of crispy honey chicken with rice. Save
A bowl of crispy honey chicken with rice. | lilicooks.com

Crispy honey chicken is the kind of dinner that makes everyone hover around the pan before it even hits the table. Each nugget is perfectly golden and crunchy, tossed in a silky sweet honey-soy glaze. I make this when I want that takeout vibe but crave something fresher and made with love.

I first tried this on a whim after a long workday and it instantly became my family’s most requested Friday meal. Anytime I bring a platter to a potluck, the plate is empty in minutes.

Ingredients

  • Honey: brings natural sweetness and creates that sticky craveable sauce
  • Low sodium soy sauce: balances the sweetness with saltiness look for a good quality brand for best flavor
  • Sesame oil: adds subtle nutty depth just a splash really makes a difference
  • Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar: lends a tangy punch to brighten the sauce use whichever you have
  • Red pepper flakes (optional): tiny kick if you like a hint of heat
  • Cornstarch: to thicken the sauce and ensure it clings to every piece of chicken
  • Flour: makes up the crisp crust on the chicken select unbleached all purpose for best results
  • Chili powder and cumin: provide a warm earthy flavor blend these spices fresh for extra bold taste
  • Coriander and onion powder: bring subtle complexity to both breading and finished dish
  • Buttermilk: keeps the chicken juicy and tender during frying whole milk with a little lemon works in a pinch
  • Chicken breasts: cut into large bite size pieces choose fresh boneless skinless for easy prep
  • Canola or vegetable oil: for frying neutral taste and high smoke point are important for that perfect crisp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the Oil:
Pour canola or vegetable oil into a deep frying pan until it is about two inches high. Set over medium high heat. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering which takes about five minutes
Make the Honey Sauce:
Combine honey soy sauce water sesame oil vinegar and red pepper flakes if using in a small saucepan. Whisk over medium heat and bring to a boil
Thicken the Sauce:
Mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water in a separate bowl. Once the sauce is bubbling slowly drizzle in the cornstarch mixture while whisking. Let the sauce return to a gentle boil then reduce to low and simmer around ten minutes until thick and glossy
Prepare the Breading Stations:
In one bowl whisk together flour chili powder cumin coriander and onion powder. In another bowl pour the buttermilk
Coat the Chicken:
Dip chicken pieces two at a time first in the seasoned flour then in buttermilk shake off excess and return again to the flour. This double dipping ensures an extra crisp coating
Fry the Chicken:
Working in batches use tongs to place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil. Fry for five to seven minutes flipping so all sides become golden and cooked through. Transfer cooked pieces to a paper towel lined plate
Finish and Serve:
Place all the hot fried chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour the honey sauce over and gently toss so each piece is coated. Serve right away over steamy rice with sliced green onions
A plate of crispy honey chicken with rice. Save
A plate of crispy honey chicken with rice. | lilicooks.com

My favorite part of this dish is seeing how the honey sauce bubbles and thickens on the stove. I remember the first time I made the sauce it filled the whole kitchen with sweet and savory aroma everyone came running before dinner was ready.

Storage Tips

Store leftover crispy honey chicken in an airtight container in the fridge where it will keep for up to three days. To reheat use an oven or air fryer for five to ten minutes to restore some crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want the breading to stay crunchy

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have buttermilk mix whole milk with a splash of lemon juice and let sit for five minutes. Boneless thighs can be used instead of breasts for extra juicy bites. Tamari or coconut aminos can be swapped for soy sauce if gluten free

Serving Suggestions

Pile the chicken over jasmine or basmati rice so the sauce can soak in. Add a side of steamed broccoli snap peas or a quick cucumber salad. For a party try serving the chicken as an appetizer with toothpicks and extra sauce on the side

A plate of crispy honey chicken with rice. Save
A plate of crispy honey chicken with rice. | lilicooks.com

Cultural or Historical Context

This dish is inspired by popular Chinese American takeout options known for their crispy meat and sticky sauces. While not traditional Chinese cooking the flavors and techniques bring together influences from multiple cultures for a delicious crowd pleaser

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays crispy?

Double-coating the chicken in flour, buttermilk, and flour before frying creates a crispy exterior. Fry in hot oil in batches and coat with sauce just before serving.

→ Can I make this dish less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of honey or increase soy sauce and vinegar for a more balanced flavor profile. Taste and adjust before coating the chicken.

→ What oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable with a high smoke point to achieve the perfect golden crust without overpowering flavors.

→ Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?

For a lighter version, you can bake the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack at high heat until crispy, though texture differs from deep frying.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or simple green onions make great accompaniments to complement the sweet-savory chicken.

→ How do I thicken or thin the sauce?

Adjust cornstarch or add extra water to reach your desired sauce consistency while simmering on the stove.

Crispy Honey Chicken Fried

Crunchy golden chicken in sweet-tangy honey sauce, ideal with rice for a satisfying homemade meal.

Preparation Time
30 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Overall Time
50 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Chinese

Output: 6 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Honey Sauce

01 1/2 cup honey
02 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
03 2 tablespoons water
04 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
05 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar
06 pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
07 1 tablespoon cornstarch
08 1 tablespoon water

→ Crispy Chicken

09 3 large chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs, cut into large bite-sized pieces)
10 1 1/2 cups flour
11 1 teaspoon chili powder
12 1 teaspoon cumin
13 1/2 teaspoon coriander
14 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
15 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
16 canola oil or vegetable oil (enough for 2"-3" depth in skillet)

Steps

Step 01

Pour 2"-3" of canola or vegetable oil into a large frying pan with high sides. Turn the burner to medium-high heat and allow the oil to heat while preparing the sauce and chicken.

Step 02

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, water, sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and vinegar. Whisk and bring to a boil. Mix cornstarch and water in a separate bowl. Gradually whisk the cornstarch mixture into the boiling sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. If the sauce thickens too much, add water, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 03

In a bowl, combine flour, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and onion powder. Stir with a fork until evenly mixed. In a separate bowl, add buttermilk.

Step 04

Dip chicken pieces into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk, and back into the flour mixture. Ensure an even coating on all pieces.

Step 05

Place coated chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes, turning as needed, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 06

Place all cooked chicken pieces in a mixing bowl. Pour the hot honey sauce over the chicken and gently toss until well coated.

Step 07

Serve the crispy honey chicken over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions as desired.

Tips

  1. Adjust the sauce sweetness by doubling or increasing the recipe 1.5 times, but the original recipe achieves optimal balance.

Required Tools

  • Large frying pan with high sides
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Paper towels
  • Fork for mixing dry ingredients
  • Whisk
  • Cooking thermometer

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Wheat (flour)
  • Dairy (buttermilk)
  • Soy (soy sauce)
  • Sesame (sesame oil)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 378
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Proteins: 30 g