Honey Chicken

Honey chicken is one of those takeaway classics that disappears from the table faster than anything else. Crunchy golden chicken coated in a sweet, sticky honey glaze — it's no wonder it's a family favourite across Australia.

The secret to that shattering crunch is a light cornflour batter and a quick double fry. The sauce itself couldn't be simpler: honey, a splash of soy and a little butter to make it glossy.

Making it at home means the chicken stays properly crispy under the sauce, and you can have it on the table in about half an hour. Serve it with steamed rice and some greens and dinner is sorted.

Servings
4
Prep Time
15
mins
Cook Time
20
mins
Ingredients
14
Total Time
35
mins

Pantry bits

  • Wok or deep saucepan
  • Cooking thermometer
  • Wire rack
  • Slotted spoon or spider strainer
  • Mixing bowls

Ingredients

  • 600g chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup (150g) cornflour
  • 1/2 cup (75g) plain flour
  • 1/2 cup (125ml) cold soda water
  • Vegetable oil, for deep frying
  • 1/3 cup (115g) honey
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds, toasted
  • 2 spring onions, finely sliced

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, white pepper and soy sauce. Set aside for 10 minutes while you make the batter.
  2. Whisk together 1/2 cup of the cornflour, the plain flour, egg and soda water until you have a smooth batter about the thickness of pouring cream.
  3. Heat 5cm of vegetable oil in a wok or deep saucepan to 170C. Toss the chicken pieces in the remaining cornflour, shake off the excess, then dip into the batter.
  4. Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes until pale golden. Drain on a wire rack.
  5. Increase the oil to 190C and fry the chicken a second time for 1-2 minutes until deep golden and very crisp. Drain again.
  6. In a clean wok or frypan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the honey and light soy sauce. Simmer for 1 minute until glossy and slightly thickened.
  7. Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss quickly until every piece is coated.
  8. Pile onto a serving plate, scatter with sesame seeds and spring onion, and serve straight away with steamed rice.

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