Best Homemade Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe

This crispy Chinese honey chicken is one of those meals that feels like a treat without leaving the house.

The chicken turns golden and crunchy, then gets coated in a sweet and sticky honey sauce with just a little heat.

I like making this on busy weeknights when everyone wants something comforting but fun. It comes together faster than takeout and always feels like a win at the table.

Why You’ll Love Homemade Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken

1. It’s faster than ordering delivery
2. Uses simple, everyday ingredients
3. The chicken stays crispy with a sticky sauce
4. Sweet with a gentle kick of heat
5. Easy to make for weeknights
6. Leftovers are great for lunch

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Chicken breast works really well here because it cooks quickly and stays tender when fried. I usually cut it into even strips so everything cooks at the same time.

Chicken thighs also work if you like a juicier bite. Fresh chicken is best, but thawed frozen chicken is fine too.

Options for Substitutes

• Chicken thighs instead of chicken breast
• Cornstarch instead of cornflour
• Bottled orange juice if you don’t have a fresh orange
• Green onions instead of spring onion
• Any long grain rice you have on hand

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Make sure your oil is hot before adding the chicken so it fries instead of steaming. Try not to crowd the pan, or the chicken won’t get crispy.

When thickening the sauce, keep the heat low and stir gently so it stays smooth and glossy.

What to Serve With Best Homemade Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken?

1. Steamed long grain rice
2. Stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or peppers
3. A simple cucumber salad
4. Fried rice using leftovers
5. Extra orange slices on the side

Storage Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Freezing is not recommended since the chicken loses crispiness
• Reheat on the stovetop for best texture
• Microwave reheating works, just heat gently

How To Make Best Homemade Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken

Ingredients

• 250 g chicken breast cut into strips
• 3–4 tablespoons cornflour
• 3 tablespoons runny honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped finely
• 1 orange
• 1 teaspoon chilli flakes
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1 spring onion, sliced
• 180 g long-grain rice

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large bowl, mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cornflour with a pinch of salt. Add the chicken strips and toss until fully coated.

Step 2:
Cook the rice according to the package directions. Once cooked, set it aside and keep warm.

Step 3:
Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and fry for about 10 minutes, turning as needed, until golden, crispy, and cooked through.

Step 4:
While the chicken cooks, make the sauce. In a medium pan over low heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, chilli flakes, and the juice of the orange. Stir until combined.

Step 5:
Mix the remaining cornflour with 2 tablespoons of water. Add it to the sauce and stir well. Heat gently until the sauce thickens.

Step 6:
Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and toss until every piece is well coated.

Step 7:
Serve over rice and finish with sesame seeds and sliced spring onion on top.

Best Homemade Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken Recipe

This crispy Chinese honey chicken is sweet, savory, and easy to make at home. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a takeout-style meal without the wait.

Serve it over rice for a simple and satisfying dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Calories: 619

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 250 g chicken breast cut into strips
• 3 –4 tablespoons cornflour
• 3 tablespoons runny honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic chopped finely
• 1 orange
• 1 teaspoon chilli flakes
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1 spring onion sliced
• 180 g long-grain rice

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cornflour with a pinch of salt. Add the chicken strips and toss until fully coated.
2. Cook the rice according to the package directions. Once cooked, set it aside and keep warm.
3. Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and fry for about 10 minutes, turning as needed, until golden, crispy, and cooked through.
4. While the chicken cooks, make the sauce. In a medium pan over low heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, chilli flakes, and the juice of the orange. Stir until combined.
5. Mix the remaining cornflour with 2 tablespoons of water. Add it to the sauce and stir well. Heat gently until the sauce thickens.
6. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and toss until every piece is well coated.
7. Serve over rice and finish with sesame seeds and sliced spring onion on top.

Nutritional Information

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Emma Parker

I’m Emma Parker, the writer and founder behind Emma’s Home Guide. This blog was created to share practical ideas, honest experiences, and helpful guidance for everyday living. My goal is to make home life feel easier, warmer, and more enjoyable, without pressure or perfection.