Chinese Honey Chicken

Chinese Honey Chicken is a beloved dish that features crispy fried chicken coated in a rich, glossy honey sauce. It’s a flavorful fusion of sweet, creamy, and savory notes that make it a standout favorite in Chinese-American cuisine. This dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen, making it ideal for casual weeknight meals or special occasions. With its satisfying crunch and deliciously sticky coating, Honey Chicken delivers comfort and indulgence in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch thin chunks
4 large egg whites
¾ cup cornstarch (or substitute with Mochiko sweet rice flour)
⅓ cup water
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Honey Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites until foamy. Add the cornstarch and water, continuing to whisk until a smooth batter forms. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them thoroughly in the batter.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the battered chicken in batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden and crispy. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Prepare the Honey Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Toss and Serve
Add the freshly fried chicken to the honey sauce and toss to coat evenly. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with steamed white rice to soak up the sweet sauce.
Serve with sautéed vegetables like broccoli, bell pepper, or green beans for a more balanced meal.
Add chili flakes or a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce if you prefer a tangy or spicy edge.
For a lighter version, consider air frying or baking the chicken instead of deep frying.

Nutritional Information

Estimated per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: ~450–500 kcal
Protein: 25–30g
Fat: 20–25g
Carbohydrates: 35–40g
Sugar: ~15g
Sodium: ~600mg

These values can vary based on ingredients and preparation method. To make the dish lighter, you can reduce the honey and use light mayonnaise or a yogurt-based alternative.