Get ready for a deliciously sweet and spicy experience with Crispy Honey Chili Chicken! This dish combines crispy, golden-fried chicken tossed in a sticky honey-chili sauce that’s just the right balance of heat and sweetness. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish with rice or noodles, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Honey Chili Chicken
- Sweet and Spicy: The honey chili sauce adds an irresistible glaze with the perfect flavor kick.
- Perfectly Crispy: The chicken is fried to golden-brown perfection for a crunchy bite.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Ingredients for Crispy Honey Chili Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Honey Chili Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (for color and slight tang)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (red and green), thinly sliced (optional, for added flavor and crunch)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Large skillet or wok
- Tongs or slotted spoon for frying
- Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
How to Make Crispy Honey Chili Chicken
- Coat the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg, then dredge each piece in the cornstarch-flour mixture to coat evenly. - Fry the Chicken
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and drain on paper towels. - Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, sriracha, and vinegar. Heat a separate skillet or wok over medium heat and add the bell peppers (if using). Sauté them for about 2 minutes until slightly softened. - Combine Chicken and Sauce
Pour the honey chili sauce over the bell peppers in the skillet. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. - Add the Crispy Chicken
Toss the fried chicken pieces into the skillet with the sauce, stirring until they’re well-coated with the sticky, spicy glaze. - Serve and Garnish
Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and enjoy warm!
Tips for the Best Crispy Honey Chili Chicken
- Double-Coat for Extra Crispiness: If you love extra crunch, coat the chicken twice with cornstarch and flour before frying.
- Adjust the Heat: Add extra sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce if you like it spicier!
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best served right after cooking to keep the chicken crispy.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Rice or Noodles: Serve over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried noodles for a complete meal.
- As a Party Appetizer: Skewer each piece for easy finger food, perfect for parties!
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to keep it crispy, rather than microwaving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
A: Yes, bake the coated chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Q2: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Absolutely! Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat and toss with the chicken when ready to serve.
Q3: Can I use bone-in chicken?
A: Boneless chicken works best, but you can try it with bone-in wings. Just adjust the frying time as needed.
Conclusion: A Sweet and Spicy Treat You’ll Love
This Crispy Honey Chili Chicken is a delicious blend of flavors and textures that’ll keep you coming back for more. Each bite has the perfect balance of crispy coating, tender chicken, and sticky honey-chili sauce. Try it tonight and make your meal unforgettable!
