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- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup honey - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika Gather these simple ingredients. The chicken thighs give a juicy base. Buttermilk tenderizes the meat, making it soft. Honey brings sweetness and a sticky glaze. The dry mix of flour and cornstarch creates a crunchy coat. Garlic and onion powder add rich flavor. Paprika gives a nice color and mild spice. With just these items, you can create a delightful dish. Each bite bursts with flavor and crunch. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to combine buttermilk and ginger. In a big bowl, mix 1 cup of buttermilk and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. This mix gives the chicken a nice flavor and helps make it tender. Add a pinch of salt for extra taste. Next, place your 1 lb of chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces, in the bowl. Make sure all the pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the chicken to soak up all the good flavors. Now, let’s make the coating. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. You will need 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Mixing these well is key. The coating gives the chicken its crispy texture. Without a good coat, your chicken will not get that nice crunch. It's time to fry! Heat oil in a large skillet or wok. Make sure it’s about 2 inches deep. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C). To check the temperature, you can drop a small bit of batter in. If it sizzles, the oil is ready. Carefully add the marinated chicken in small batches. Fry them for about 5 to 7 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color. When done, use a slotted spoon to take out the chicken. Place it on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil. This step is crucial for keeping the chicken crispy. To get that perfect crunch, follow these tips: - Proper frying techniques: Use a deep skillet or wok. Heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C). This helps the chicken fry quickly and evenly. Fry in small batches to avoid crowding the pan. Too much chicken at once will lower the oil temperature, making it soggy. - Importance of drying chicken pieces: After marinating, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This step removes excess moisture, allowing the coating to stick and crisp up nicely. A dry surface leads to a crunchier finish. Want to boost the taste of your crispy honey chicken? Here’s how: - Enhancing the marinade: Add more spices to the buttermilk. Try a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of black pepper. These little additions can elevate the flavor of your chicken. - Alternate seasonings: Experiment with different herbs and spices. Try adding cayenne pepper for heat or fresh herbs like thyme for a new twist. Each change gives a unique taste to your dish. The honey sauce is key to this recipe. Here are some tips: - Adjusting sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, add more soy sauce or rice vinegar. You can find the right balance according to your taste. - Tips on combining flavors: Stir the sauce over low heat to blend the flavors. Add minced garlic or chili flakes for a savory kick. This step ensures everything mixes well and tastes great when you coat the chicken. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Tenderness: If time permits, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight. This will enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken, making it even more delicious. Double-Dip for Extra Crispiness: For an ultra-crispy coating, dip the floured chicken pieces back into the buttermilk and then coat them again in the flour mixture before frying. Temperature Check for Perfect Frying: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at 350°F (175°C) before frying. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden brown color. Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the sauce according to your sweetness preference. You can also add a splash of chili sauce for a spicy kick! {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Feel free to use chicken breast if you prefer. If you want a different taste, try pork or shrimp. Both options work well with the honey sauce. For a vegan version, use tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu to remove water. Then, cut it into bite-sized cubes. Marinate just like the chicken. This gives you the same tasty crunch. To add some heat, mix in chili flakes or hot sauce with the honey sauce. This gives your dish a sweet and spicy kick. If you want fruity notes, try adding pineapple or mango. Just chop the fruit and toss it in with the chicken. This will brighten up the flavors. For sides, pair the chicken with jasmine rice or quinoa. You can also serve it alongside a fresh vegetable stir-fry. This adds color and crunch to your meal. When it comes to presentation, place the crispy honey chicken on a large platter. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color. This makes it look as good as it tastes! To keep your crispy honey chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours after cooking. This prevents bacteria growth and keeps the chicken safe to eat. - Refrigeration tips: Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil for added protection. This helps maintain its flavor and moisture. - Shelf life: Leftover chicken lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. After that, it may lose quality and taste. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them properly to keep that crispy texture. - Best methods for reheating: Use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for about 10 to 15 minutes. In an air fryer, cook at 350°F (175°C) for around 5 to 7 minutes. - Keeping it crispy: Avoid using the microwave. It makes the chicken soggy. For the best results, cover the chicken loosely with foil while reheating to keep it warm without drying it out. If you want to save some chicken for later, freezing is a great option. - Can you freeze the chicken? Yes, you can freeze crispy honey chicken. Just make sure it is fully cooled before freezing. - Proper freezing techniques: Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date. The chicken can stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. You can make crispy honey chicken by baking or using an air fryer. - Baking method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After coating your chicken, place it on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will give you a crispy texture without frying. - Air fryer options: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. This method keeps it crispy and is quick. For the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. - Recommended marination time: If you want deeper flavor, marinate for 1 to 2 hours. - Effects of longer marination: Marinating longer can make the chicken more tender. However, too long can make it mushy. Aim for a balance to keep it juicy. Yes, different honey types can change the flavor. - Flavor variations with different honey types: Use clover honey for a mild taste. Wildflower honey has a stronger flavor. Orange blossom honey adds a citrus hint. - Health benefits of raw honey: Raw honey has more nutrients and antioxidants. It can help with digestion and has natural healing properties. Always choose high-quality honey for the best results. This blog post covered essential ingredients for crispy honey chicken, including chicken thighs, buttermilk, and honey. I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating, coating, and frying. Tips for achieving the perfect crispiness and flavor were offered, along with fun variations and storage tips. In short, enjoy making this dish your own. With simple steps and smart techniques, you can create something special at home. Happy cooking!

Crispy Honey Chicken

A deliciously crispy chicken dish coated in a sweet honey sauce, perfect for any meal.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, minced ginger, and a pinch of salt. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika until well mixed.
  • Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. In small batches, remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk and dredge them in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess coating.
  • In a large, deep skillet or wok, heat enough oil (about 2 inches) to fry the chicken over medium-high heat until hot (about 350°F/175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.
  • In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil over low heat, stirring until heated through and well combined (about 5 minutes).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy chicken with the warm honey sauce. Toss gently until the chicken is evenly coated.
  • Transfer the honey chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

Serve over steamed jasmine rice or alongside a fresh vegetable stir-fry.
Keyword chicken, crispy, fried, honey