Crispy Honey Fried Chicken: The Ultimate Sweet and Savory Family Meal
Crispy on the outside and wonderfully juicy on the inside, this Honey Fried Chicken offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, creating an ultimate combination of textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This incredible dish, ready in under 30 minutes, is the ideal choice for your next family dinner, a convenient weeknight meal, or even for entertaining guests. Its irresistible appeal makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will ask for again and again.
At our house, chicken is a beloved staple, appearing on our dinner table several times a week. While I often enjoy it simply grilled or baked, sometimes the craving hits for something a little different – a dish that excites the palate and brings a new dimension to our usual routine. This desire to “switch things up” is precisely how I discovered this fantastic recipe back in 2015, a happy accident fueled by an unexpected gift: a gallon-sized bottle of exquisite raw honey!
My cousin, Shirley, who resides in Northern California, has a unique arrangement with a local beekeeper. He harvests honey from her land, and in return, she receives generous jugs of this liquid gold. It was, without exaggeration, the most delicious honey I had ever tasted – rich, floral, and bursting with natural sweetness. This abundance of amazing honey inspired me to find a recipe worthy of its quality. This Crispy Honey Fried Chicken proved to be the perfect way to both enjoy a new, incredibly simple, yet profoundly flavorful chicken dish and make excellent use of the delightful honey I was so fortunate to receive.
Irresistible Honey Fried Chicken: A Family Favorite
This delightful recipe for Honey Fried Chicken consistently delivers succulent chicken encased in an unbelievably crispy coating, achieving absolute culinary perfection. The magic begins with a meticulous double-dredging process: each piece of chicken is first coated in a seasoned flour mixture, then dipped into beaten eggs, and finally dredged once more in the flour blend. This technique is key to creating that fabulously flavorful and crunchy exterior, while simultaneously sealing in the natural juices, ensuring the inside remains incredibly moist and tender. When served with the accompanying sweet and savory honey soy sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling, this dish truly reaches peak succulence, making it an unforgettable dining experience.
Why This Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe Is a Must-Try
In my culinary repertoire, one can never have too many outstanding chicken recipes, and this sweet honey chicken is undoubtedly a standout. Chicken, in its various forms, is the ultimate go-to for family dinners, offering versatility and universal appeal. But this particular recipe elevates a simple chicken dish into something extraordinary. The combination of its satisfying crunch and the luxurious, sticky honey soy sauce is simply divine. It’s the kind of meal that guarantees smiles around the table, with everyone eagerly asking for second and even third helpings. Its ease of preparation, coupled with its incredible flavor profile, makes it a perennial favorite.
If you find yourself loving the exceptional crispiness and sweet-savory notes of this honey chicken recipe, then you’re absolutely sure to enjoy these other fantastic chicken dishes from our kitchen: Crispy Oven Fried Chicken In a Biscuit Sandwich, which offers a delightful twist on a classic comfort food; our spot-on Copycat KFC Chicken, perfect for satisfying those fried chicken cravings at home; and these incredibly flavorful Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders, a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Quick & Easy Honey Garlic Chicken: Perfect for Weeknights
One of the most appealing aspects of this honey garlic chicken recipe is its remarkable simplicity and speed. Utilizing basic, everyday ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, you can effortlessly pull this entire dish together in approximately half an hour – making it an ideal solution for busy weeknights. Even better, for those who love to plan ahead, you can prepare a larger batch over the weekend and simply reheat portions during the week. Recipes that offer the convenience of advanced preparation are truly a lifesaver, transforming the chaos of weeknight mealtime madness into a much more relaxed and enjoyable experience. So, yes, feel free to make this dish in advance; it reheats beautifully!
We typically enjoy this delicious honey chicken recipe with a comforting side of fluffy brown rice or classic white rice, which perfectly complements the rich flavors of the chicken and sauce. However, if you’re looking to manage your carbohydrate intake, cauliflower rice makes an excellent and equally satisfying substitute. To add a vibrant splash of color and an extra layer of nutrition to your plate, consider serving it with a crisp side of steamed green beans, tender snow peas, or lightly stir-fried bok choy. These additions complete a perfectly balanced and visually appealing meal. Of course, for a more casual and equally delicious experience, it’s also absolutely fantastic served on a soft bun, perhaps with a touch of extra sauce!
Essential Ingredients for Fried Honey Garlic Chicken
Crafting this flavorful Honey Fried Chicken requires a blend of common pantry staples and fresh ingredients. For the precise measurements and detailed instructions, please scroll to the bottom of this post where you’ll find the full printable recipe card. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why these ingredients are key to the dish’s success:
To Make the Crispy Chicken:
- Vegetable oil – Essential for frying, providing that golden-brown, crispy exterior. Any mild-flavored vegetable oil like canola, sunflower, or peanut oil will work wonderfully, as will light olive oil. The key is a high smoke point to prevent burning.
- All-purpose flour – This humble ingredient forms the base of our crispy coating. It creates a light yet sturdy crust that adheres beautifully to the chicken.
- Spices – Our carefully selected spice blend, consisting of dried oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper, adds depth, warmth, and a subtle kick to the flour coating, elevating the chicken’s flavor beyond just plain fried. Paprika also contributes a lovely color.
- Chicken breasts – For this particular fried chicken with honey sauce, we recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, typically cut into thirds for optimal frying and serving portions. Their lean texture cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper – These fundamental seasonings are crucial for enhancing the natural taste of the chicken. Always season generously to taste at each stage of cooking.
- Eggs – Used as a binding agent, the beaten eggs create a sticky surface that helps the flour mixture adhere firmly to the chicken, ensuring a consistent and extra-crispy crust after frying. Four large eggs, beaten until smooth, are usually sufficient.
To Make the Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Sauce:
- Honey – The star of our sauce, providing natural sweetness and a beautiful glaze. Opt for a good quality honey for the best flavor.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic delivers a pungent, aromatic punch that perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey. While fresh is always best, jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
- Soy sauce – This ingredient introduces a crucial umami and savory depth to the sauce, cutting through the sweetness and adding a delightful complexity. Using a low-sodium soy sauce allows you to control the overall salt content of your dish more effectively.
- Cornstarch – Essential for achieving that perfect, glossy, and slightly thick consistency for the sauce. When mixed with water, it creates a slurry that thickens the sauce beautifully as it heats, ensuring it clings to the chicken.
Step-by-Step: How to Make This Delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Preparing this easy honey garlic chicken recipe is a breeze, coming together surprisingly quickly with just a few straightforward steps. Follow these instructions for a perfectly crispy and flavorful meal:
Step One: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until a smooth slurry forms. Once the honey mixture begins to simmer, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to stir constantly until the sauce visibly thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency, which should take only about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. This beautiful, balanced sauce will be served drizzled over your crispy chicken, offering that signature sweet and savory flavor.
Step Two: Prepare the Egg Wash. In a small, shallow bowl, whisk the four large eggs until they are well beaten and homogenous. This will serve as the crucial middle layer for our double-dredging process, helping the flour adhere perfectly. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
Step Three: Create the Seasoned Flour Mixture. In another shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the dried oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Use a fork or whisk to thoroughly mix these ingredients together, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This seasoned blend will give your chicken its initial flavor and crispiness.
Step Four: Heat the Oil. Pour the vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or a cast-iron pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350-375°F (175-190°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a tiny pinch of flour into it; it should immediately sizzle vigorously. Ensure there’s enough oil to come at least halfway up the sides of your chicken pieces for even frying.
Step Five: Dredge the Chicken. Take each piece of boneless, skinless chicken breast and lightly sprinkle it with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. Now, begin the double-dredging process: first, thoroughly coat the chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the flour-coated chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra egg to drip off. Finally, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture one more time, ensuring each piece is fully and evenly coated. This double coating is essential for maximum crispiness and flavor.
Step Six: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in the skillet. Be mindful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to maintain a consistent oil temperature and ensure even cooking. Cook the chicken for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it achieves a beautiful, even golden-brown color and a wonderfully crispy texture. To ensure the chicken is safe to eat and fully cooked, always check that its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
Once cooked, use tongs to transfer the crispy chicken pieces from the skillet to a plate generously lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil, ensuring your chicken stays as crisp as possible.
Step Seven: Serve and Enjoy! Serve your Honey Fried Chicken immediately, while it’s still hot and at its peak crispiness. Drizzle generously with the savory honey garlic sauce you prepared earlier. For an extra touch of freshness and a beautiful pop of color, sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions, if desired. Enjoy this delightful meal!
For storage, allow the cooked chicken to come to room temperature completely before transferring the pieces to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Honey Fried Chicken
Achieving truly outstanding Honey Fried Chicken is simple when you follow a few key tips and tricks:
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Don’t Crowd the Skillet: This is a golden rule for pan-frying. Overcrowding the skillet significantly drops the oil temperature, leading to steaming rather than frying. This results in soggy chicken, not crispy. If your skillet isn’t large enough to accommodate all pieces with ample space, cook your honey chicken in two or even three batches. Patience is key for that perfect crisp.
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Pat Chicken Dry: Before dredging, ensure your chicken pieces are thoroughly patted dry with paper towels. Excess moisture on the chicken prevents the flour mixture from adhering properly and can lead to a less crispy crust.
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Consistent Piece Size: Cut your chicken breasts into relatively uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
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Monitor Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature (350-375°F or 175-190°C) is crucial. Too cool, and the chicken will absorb too much oil and be greasy. Too hot, and the coating will burn before the chicken is cooked through. An instant-read thermometer is your best friend here.
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Double Dredging for Maximum Crisp: Don’t skip the double dredge! The flour-egg-flour method creates layers that result in a thicker, more textured, and ultimately crispier crust that locks in moisture.
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Season Liberally: Ensure you season the chicken with salt and pepper before dredging, and don’t be shy with the spices in your flour mixture. Flavor layers build up to create a truly delicious dish.
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Rest on Paper Towels: After frying, transfer chicken to a plate lined with paper towels (or a wire rack over paper towels). This allows excess oil to drain off, keeping the chicken crispy rather than greasy.
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Garnish for Flavor and Appeal: Sprinkle the crispy chicken with toasted sesame seeds for an added layer of crunch and nutty flavor. Toasting them beforehand in a dry skillet for a few minutes will bring out their deeper aroma. Freshly chopped green onions also add a vibrant color and a mild oniony bite that complements the sweet sauce.
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Control the Spice: To add a touch of heat, stir a pinch of red pepper flakes, extra cayenne pepper, or a dash of chili powder into the flour mixture. Alternatively, for a spicier sauce, whisk a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce into the sticky honey garlic sauce.
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Soy-Free Option: If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos make an excellent soy sauce substitute. You might need to visit a specialty grocery store or health food store to find it, but it offers a similar umami depth with a slightly sweeter profile.
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Invest in a Meat Thermometer: For peace of mind and perfectly cooked chicken every time, invest in a good quality meat thermometer. Cooked chicken should always reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe for consumption.
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Double the Sauce: This delicious honey garlic sauce is so good, you might want extra! Consider doubling the sauce recipe and storing the extra in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It’s fantastic over stir-fries, noodles, or as a dipping sauce for other appetizers.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about This Crispy Honey Chicken
Here are some common questions you might have about making and enjoying this delectable crispy honey chicken:
- What is honey chicken made of? Our specific honey chicken recipe features a crispy fried chicken coating made from all-purpose flour seasoned with oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper. The succulent sauce is a harmonious blend of sweet honey, aromatic garlic, and savory soy sauce, thickened with cornstarch for a perfect glaze. While ingredients for “honey chicken” can vary globally, this recipe offers a distinctly sweet and savory profile.
- Is honey chicken the same as orange chicken? Honey chicken and orange chicken are not the same, though both are popular sweet-savory chicken dishes. Orange chicken typically has a pronounced citrus flavor, often derived from orange juice and orange zest, giving it a bright and tangy note. Honey chicken, as in this recipe, focuses primarily on the rich sweetness of honey paired with garlic and soy, without the citrus element.
- Can I use syrup instead of honey for chicken? While both honey and syrup are liquid sweeteners, they possess distinct flavors, viscosities, and nutritional profiles. Maple syrup or corn syrup will impart a different taste and won’t thicken or glaze in the same way honey does. For the authentic flavor and texture of this specific recipe, we highly recommend sticking with real honey.
- Can I bake or air fry this chicken instead of pan-frying? Yes, you can! For a lighter version, you can adapt this recipe for baking or air frying. To bake, spray the coated chicken pieces generously with cooking spray and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. For air frying, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), spray the chicken with oil, and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the chicken halfway, until crispy and golden. Cooking times may vary, so always use a meat thermometer.
- What are the best side dishes for honey fried chicken? This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Classic choices include steamed white or brown rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even creamy mashed potatoes. For vegetables, consider green beans, snow peas, bok choy, broccoli, or a simple side salad. You could also serve it with Asian-inspired noodles or a light coleslaw.
- Can I make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! The honey garlic sauce can be prepared up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, you can thin it out with a tiny bit of water or chicken broth.
Substitutions & Variations: Make It Your Own!
Remember that when it comes to cooking, creativity is key! Don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions in recipes to suit your personal taste, dietary preferences, or simply what you have on hand. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable:
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Chicken Cuts: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for quick cooking, feel free to use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat or don’t have breasts on hand – they will taste just as delicious and often remain even juicier! Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks will also work, but you may need to increase the cooking time by an additional 5-10 minutes, ensuring they reach 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. Chicken wings, fried in the same manner, make fantastic appetizers!
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Garlic Alternatives: If fresh garlic isn’t available, you can substitute garlic powder. A general ratio is ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for every one clove of fresh garlic, but feel free to adjust to your preference. Garlic granules also work well.
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Gluten-Free Option: To make this delicious crispy chicken gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your soy sauce is also gluten-free (look for tamari or coconut aminos).
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Spice It Up or Down: The spice combination for the flour (oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper) is a suggestion. Feel free to use whatever savory spices you have in your pantry that you enjoy, such as garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, or even a touch of chili powder for a different flavor profile.
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Sweetener Swaps: While honey is central, if you’re in a pinch, a touch of brown sugar or maple syrup could be used in the sauce, though the flavor and consistency will differ slightly. Adjust amounts to taste.
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Citrus Twist: For a hint of brightness, add a teaspoon of fresh lime or lemon juice to the honey garlic sauce. This can lift the flavors beautifully without making it “orange chicken.”
More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Love
If you’re anything like us, you can never have enough chicken recipes in your repertoire. Here are some more of our go-to favorites that we’re sure you’ll enjoy as much as this honey fried chicken:
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Easy Lemon Chicken Recipe: A vibrant, zesty dish that comes together in just 30 minutes.
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Chicken and Rice Cordon Bleu Casserole: A comforting, cheesy, and hearty casserole perfect for family gatherings.
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Sweet and Sticky Grilled Chicken (pictured above): Ideal for grilling season, offering a mouth-watering sticky glaze.
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Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken: A flavorful and impressive dish, perfect for a special occasion or an elevated weeknight meal.
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Lemon Pepper Chicken: Simple yet incredibly flavorful, a classic dish that’s always a hit.
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Easy Sweet & Sour Chicken: A delightful takeout favorite made easily at home with fresh ingredients.
With tender chunks of chicken coated in a golden, crispy breading and generously drizzled with or dipped into a delectable sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, this Honey Fried Chicken is an absolute showstopper. It is truly destined to become a cherished family favorite for any weeknight meal, weekend feast, or special occasion. Prepare to be delighted by the incredible flavors and satisfying textures of this truly amazing dish!
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Print Recipe
Honey Chicken
Equipment
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
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Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thirds
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 large eggs beaten
- For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
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Over medium high heat, combine honey, garlic and soy sauce in a saucepan. Combine cornstarch and 1/4 cup water, stir into the saucepan until thickened. (about 1-2 minutes) Set aside.
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Whisk eggs in a small bowl. Set aside.
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In a bowl, combine flour, oregano, paprika and cayenne pepper.
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Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge piece of chicken in flour mixture, dip into egg, then dredge in flour again, taking care to coat each piece.
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Add chicken to the skillet, (make two batches if your skillet isn’t large enough to not crowd the pieces) and cook until evenly golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate, lined with paper towel.
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Serve immediately, drizzled honey sauce. (or serve sauce on the side.)
Notes
Allow chicken to come to room temperature and then store the chicken pieces in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Chicken needs to have an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe to eat.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on July 16, 2015. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on January 22, 2024.