If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with sweet, savory, and tangy flavors all at once, this Honey Chicken (Asian Style) Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken pieces coated in a lightly crispy cornstarch crust, then tossed in a glossy, sticky honey-based sauce that clings to every bite. This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests, yet it still feels special enough to impress anyone at your table. Once you make this, it might just become your go-to comfort food whenever you want a taste of Asia from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, this Honey Chicken (Asian Style) Recipe comes to life effortlessly. Each component plays a crucial role, from giving the chicken its perfect texture to creating that irresistible sweet and savory sauce.
- Chicken breasts: The star protein here, tender and easy to cut into bite-size pieces for quick cooking.
- Cornstarch: Adds a light crunch to the chicken coating, helping it crisp up beautifully when seared.
- Honey: The natural sweetener that creates the luscious, sticky glaze making this dish so addictive.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and balances sweetness while keeping the sauce silky smooth.
- Soy sauce: Brings that essential salty umami punch characteristic of Asian cuisine.
- Apple cider vinegar: Provides a hint of tanginess that brightens up the sauce, preventing it from being too sweet.
- Garlic powder: A subtle earthiness that rounds out the flavor profile without overpowering.
- Olive oil or vegetable oil: For searing the chicken to a golden perfection, adding richness and texture.
- Chopped scallions (optional): Fresh, colorful garnish that adds a mild onion crunch and bursts of green.
How to Make Honey Chicken (Asian Style) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Chicken
Before you dive into cooking, make sure you have everything measured and ready — this recipe moves quickly. Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, perfect for quick searing and easy eating. Toss the chicken with cornstarch thoroughly; this thin coating is what gives each piece that satisfying crust that locks in juices and holds onto the sauce beautifully.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
Mix honey, chicken broth, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder in a separate bowl. Whisking these ingredients until well combined ensures the sauce will be smooth and balanced in flavor. This concoction is the magic behind the rich yet tangy taste that makes this Honey Chicken (Asian Style) Recipe so memorable.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a skillet with oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Place the chicken pieces in the skillet without crowding, letting them cook until golden brown on each side, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Don’t rush this step! Patience gives you that perfect sear which adds texture and flavor. If needed, cook the chicken in two batches and add a little more oil for the second round to keep that gorgeous crust intact.
Step 4: Create the Sauce and Combine
Once the chicken is seared and resting on a plate, remove the skillet from heat and pour in the prepared sauce. Use a spatula to scrape any flavorful browned bits off the bottom — these bits boost flavor enormously. Return the chicken to the pan, reduce the heat to medium, and mix everything together, letting the sauce slightly thicken and coat all the chicken pieces perfectly.
Step 5: Finish Cooking and Serve
Let the chicken simmer momentarily in the sauce until fully cooked through and the sauce achieves that ideal sticky consistency. Spoon the sauce over the chicken frequently as it cooks to keep each bite flavorful. Serve this dish piping hot, garnished with chopped scallions if you like, which add a fresh pop of color and mild sharpness that elevates the entire experience.
How to Serve Honey Chicken (Asian Style) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped scallions on top is a simple way to brighten the dish both visually and in taste. You might also consider sprinkling sesame seeds if you have them handy — they add a lovely nutty finish that complements the honey glaze beautifully.
Side Dishes
Honey Chicken shines alongside fluffy steamed jasmine rice or fragrant basmati rice, as the grains soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. For some crunch and freshness, a crisp Asian slaw or steamed bok choy pairs wonderfully, balancing richness with vibrant veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken over crispy fried rice or toss it with stir-fried noodles for a wholesome one-pan meal. Presenting the dish family-style on a large platter with sides surrounding it encourages sharing and makes the meal feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem. Store your cooked Honey Chicken (Asian Style) Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will absorb even more flavor overnight, so it actually tastes great the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze some for later, place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label it so you remember this treasure in your freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally so the sauce doesn’t stick or burn. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps loosen the sauce for that perfect smooth texture again. Microwaving works too but stirring halfway through keeps things even.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving when cooking, and they’ll work wonderfully in this Honey Chicken (Asian Style) Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, swap the soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and make sure your cornstarch and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free. This way, you keep all the delicious flavors safely gluten-free.
Can I make the sauce spicier?
Definitely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha when whisking together the sauce to give it a spicy kick without overpowering the sweet honey flavor.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce thickens more than you like, simply stir in a little chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. This makes spooning it over rice or noodles a delight.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Honey Chicken (Asian Style) Recipe is fantastic for meal prep. It stores well and reheats nicely, giving you quick, flavorful lunches or dinners throughout the week without extra fuss.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Chicken (Asian Style) Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory makes it a crowd-pleaser, yet it’s so simple and quick to prepare. If you haven’t tried making this at home yet, what are you waiting for? You’re just a few steps away from creating a new favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Print
Honey Chicken (Asian Style) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Asian-style Honey Chicken recipe features tender chicken pieces coated in a lightly crispy cornstarch layer and glazed with a sweet and savory honey sauce. Quick to prepare and cook, it’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner served with rice or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2.5 tablespoons cornstarch
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Cooking Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, plus more as needed
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped scallions, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-size pieces. Place them into a bowl and sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated, which will help achieve a slight crispiness during cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine honey, chicken broth, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and well blended.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Cook the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, allowing about 3 to 5 minutes per side until they are browned and slightly crispy. Use tongs to turn pieces and ensure even browning. Add more oil if needed for the second batch. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat before pouring in the prepared sauce. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Return the chicken pieces to the skillet and stir to coat them in the sauce.
- Simmer to Finish: Place the skillet back on medium heat. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is fully cooked through. Spoon some sauce over the chicken to ensure it is well glazed.
- Serve: Serve the honey chicken immediately, garnished with chopped scallions if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or vegetables.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken; this ensures proper browning.
- If the chicken sticks to the pan, wait a little longer before turning as it will release when properly seared.
- You can substitute olive oil with vegetable or canola oil depending on your preference.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess by modifying the honey and vinegar amounts to taste.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
