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Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken

A perfect balance of tender, juicy chicken coated in a crispy crust and tossed in a sweet, sticky honey sauce, ideal for a satisfying and healthy meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Great source of lean protein.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adds a touch of heat.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Introduces flavor without extra calories.
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika Adds color and mild sweetness.
  • 1 egg beaten Acts as a binder.
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch Secret for extra crispiness.
  • Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil Has a high smoke point.
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup honey Main sweetener of the sauce.
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce Opt for low-sodium for a heart-healthy option.
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar Adds acidity to balance sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic For a robust flavor.
For Garnish
  • to taste sesame seeds Add crunch and nutty flavor.
  • to taste chopped green onions Adds freshness and color.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. In another bowl, beat the egg and place the cornstarch in a separate dish.
Coating and Frying
  1. Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then into the beaten egg, and finally coat with cornstarch.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C).
  3. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry until golden brown for about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove the fried chicken and let it drain on paper towels.
Preparing the Sauce
  1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic. Heat over low flame until warmed through.
Serving
  1. Pour the honey sauce over the fried chicken in a large bowl and toss to coat.
  2. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

For a lighter option, consider air frying the chicken instead of deep frying. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer to regain crispiness.