Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying dish that combines crispy chicken with a sweet and tangy sauce, this recipe is perfect for you. This dish not only delivers an explosion of flavors but also offers a delightful crunch in every bite. Ideal for a family dinner or a special occasion, this chicken dish will impress everyone at the table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Chicken:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 egg white
– ½ cup all-purpose flour, sifted
– ¼ cup cornstarch
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ cup ice-cold water
– 1 tablespoon oil
– 1 pinch salt
– Oil for deep-frying
For the Sauce:
– ⅓ cup pure honey
– 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
– ½ tablespoon ketchup
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– ½ cup water
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Prep Time
Preparation time for this dish is approximately 20 minutes.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is around 15 minutes, bringing the total time for this recipe to about 35 minutes. This dish yields 4 servings, making it ideal for sharing with family or friends.
Enjoy making this delightful chicken dish that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Batter
In a bowl, combine the egg white, sifted flour, cornstarch, baking powder, ice-cold water, oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth to form the batter.
Coat the Chicken
Dip the chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Deep-Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep fryer or a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove the fried chicken and drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the honey, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, and salt until well combined.
Cook the Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce until they are evenly coated.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the coated chicken. Serve immediately, optionally over steamed rice or with vegetables.
Notes
Oil Temperature
Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) is crucial for achieving crispy chicken. Use a cooking thermometer for accuracy.
Batter Consistency
The batter should be smooth and thick enough to stick to the chicken pieces. If too thin, add a little more flour or cornstarch.
Frying in Batches
Avoid overcrowding the frying pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Cook Techniques
Preparing the Batter
In a bowl, mix the egg white, sifted flour, cornstarch, baking powder, ice-cold water, oil, and a pinch of salt until smooth to create a batter.
Coating the Chicken
Dip the chicken pieces into the prepared batter, ensuring that each piece is coated evenly for a crispy texture.
Deep-Frying the Chicken
Heat oil in a fryer or deep pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry the batter-coated chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
Preparing the Sauce
Combine honey, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, and salt in a bowl, mixing until well combined for a flavorful sauce.
Cooking the Sauce
Sauté minced garlic in a skillet until fragrant, then add the sauce mixture, stirring continuously until it thickens.
Combining Chicken and Sauce
Add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce, tossing them until they are fully coated.
Garnishing and Serving
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken before serving immediately, optionally with rice or vegetables.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
What type of oil is best for deep-frying?
Neutral oils like vegetable oil or canola oil are great choices for deep-frying.
How can I make the batter extra crispy?
Using ice-cold water in the batter helps create a crispy texture when fried.
Can I prep the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar?
You can substitute it with rice vinegar or white vinegar if needed.
Conclusion
This dish of crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and tangy honey sauce is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The light batter contributes to a satisfying crunch, while the sauce adds a rich, aromatic sweetness that is sure to please. Serve it hot, paired with steamed rice or crunchy vegetables for a complete meal that the whole family will enjoy.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Honey Garlic Shrimp
Use shrimp instead of chicken, following the same batter and sauce recipe. Change the frying time based on the size of the shrimp for a quick and delicious seafood alternative.
Sweet and Sour Tofu
Replace the chicken with tofu cubes. Fry until crispy, then coat with the same honey sauce for a vegetarian version bursting with flavor.
General Tso’s Cauliflower
Substitute cauliflower florets for chicken, and then batter and fry them. Toss in the honey sauce for a plant-based take on a classic Chinese dish.
Spicy Chicken Wings
Add chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist. Toss with crispy chicken wings for a zesty appetizer.
Chicken Tenders with Mustard Sauce
Use a mustard-based sauce instead of honey sauce for a tangy alternative. Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or BBQ for variety.
