Crispy Honey Chicken with White Acacia Honey
Wondering how to use white acacia honey in your cooking without losing its healthy benefits? Look no further! This simple yet irresistible recipe for Crispy Honey Chicken will show you how to create a perfectly glazed, golden dish that will inspire your cooking ideas and have everyone asking for more.
While many honeys can be used in cooking, I specifically chose White Acacia honey for this recipe. Unlike the strong, earthy notes of buckwheat or the pungent, bitter taste of heather honey, white acacia honey has a remarkably mild and delicate floral flavor. This subtle sweetness enhances the natural taste of the chicken without overpowering it, ensuring the honey glaze is a perfect complement to the crispy texture, not the main event.
Beyond adding sweetness, honey is also believed to help tenderize meat, contributing to a more succulent texture. It also helps create a beautiful, caramelized crust as the chicken cooks, giving the dish a rich, golden color.
Beyond adding sweetness, honey is also believed to help tenderize meat, contributing to a more succulent texture. It also helps create a beautiful, caramelized crust as the chicken cooks, giving the dish a rich, golden color.
INGREDIENTS
Chicken & Marinade:
✅ 300g boneless/skinless chicken thighs (thighs re juicier and more tender, but chicken breasts work great too! 😊)
✅ 1 tbsp light soy sauce
✅ 1 tbsp sesame oil (or any oil you have on hand that you like!)
✅ Salt and pepper to taste
For Dredging:
✅ 4 tbsp cornstarch
For Frying:
✅ Enough oil to create a 3-4cm layer in your pot
For Honey Source:
✅ 5-6 tbsp white acacia honey
✅ 1-2 tbsp soy sauce
✅ Optional – chopped garlic
✅ Optional – sweet chili sauce or chili flakes (if you like a bit spicy)
For Garnish:
✅ Chopped Green Onions
✅ Toasted Sesame Seeds
How to Make Crispy Honey Chicken
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine the chicken pieces, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good shake to make sure the chicken is well-coated. Pop it in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to marinate.
- Dredge & rest: Add the cornstarch to the marinated chicken and toss until each piece is fully coated. Let the chicken rest for 20 minutes at room temperature before frying. This little rest helps the coating stick perfectly for that extra crispiness.
- Crisp the chicken: Fill a small pot or large saucepan with enough oil to reach a depth of 3-4cm. Heat the oil to medium-high heat (you’ll know it’s ready when a tiny piece of chicken sizzles immediately!). Carefully place the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry in batches until they’re golden and crispy.
- Toss the chicken with honey sauce: Remove the oil from the pan and add the chicken back to the pan. While the pan is still warm, add the honey, soy sauce, and any optional ingredients you’re using into the pan. Stir and toss the chicken until all pieces is coated with the sauce. Garnish and Serve: Pile the chicken over crispy noodles or rice, or just serve as a dish on its own. Sprinkle with green onion and sesame seeds. Ready to serve!
It’s easy, isn’t it? 😊
This recipe was inspired by and adapted from the following sources:
“Butter be Ready”; “RecipeTin Eats”; “Dash of Sanity”
Photo Credit: “RecipeTin Eats”; “Dash of Sanity”