Introduction
Discover a delicious blend of flavors with this chicken dish coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe combines crispy fried chicken with a sticky, tangy glaze that will tantalize your taste buds. Follow along to create this culinary masterpiece!
Detailed Ingredients
For the Sauce:
– ⅓ cup raw honey
– 3 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– ½ cup cold water
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– ½ teaspoon salt
For the Chicken:
– 1 ¼ teaspoons salt, divided
– ¾ teaspoon garlic powder, divided
– 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 egg
– ¾ cup all-purpose flour
– ½ cup cold water
– ½ cup cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons avocado oil
– 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
– Peanut oil for frying
– ½ tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Prep Time
Preparation for this dish will take about 20 minutes. This includes preparing the sauce and seasoning the chicken.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cook time is approximately 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to be fried until golden brown and cooked through. The total time needed for the entire recipe is about 35 minutes and yields 4 servings.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
– In a medium bowl, combine ⅓ cup raw honey, 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
– In a separate bowl, mix ½ cup cold water, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon salt until the mixture is smooth.
– Pour the cornstarch mixture into the honey mixture, stirring well to combine. Set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
– In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
– Season the chicken breast pieces with this salt and garlic powder mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
– In another large bowl, whisk together 1 egg, ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup cold water, ½ cup cornstarch, 2 tablespoons avocado oil, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon each of salt and garlic powder until the batter is smooth.
– Dip the seasoned chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring they are well-coated on all sides.
Fry the Chicken
– Heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to a temperature of 375°F (190°C).
– Carefully place the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
– Fry the chicken until they are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch.
– Remove the fried chicken pieces from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Combine and Serve
– In a large skillet, heat the prepared sauce over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
– Add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing them to coat evenly with the sauce.
– Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and adhere to the chicken.
– Once done, garnish with ½ tablespoon toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Equipment Needed
– Medium bowls
– Small bowls
– Large skillet
– Whisk
– Deep fryer or large saucepan
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Paper towels
Serving Suggestions
– This dish goes well with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage
– Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Sauce
To create a flavorful sauce, first combine the honey, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, Sriracha sauce, and sesame oil in a medium bowl. Then, in a separate bowl, mix cold water with cornstarch and salt until smooth. This mixture will help thicken the sauce when combined with the honey mixture.
Seasoning the Chicken
For an enhanced flavor, season the chicken pieces by mixing salt and garlic powder in a bowl. Coat the chicken pieces evenly with this mixture to ensure each piece is well-flavored before dipping into the batter.
Making the Batter
To prepare a crispy batter, whisk together egg, flour, cold water, cornstarch, avocado oil, baking powder, and additional salt and garlic powder until smooth. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the chicken pieces adequately without dripping excessively.
Frying the Chicken
Heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to a precise temperature of 375°F (190°C) for optimal frying. Add the battered chicken in small batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes for each batch.
Combining Chicken and Sauce
After frying the chicken, prepare to coat it in sauce by heating the sauce mixture in a large skillet. Once it simmers, add the fried chicken, tossing gently to coat. Continue cooking for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and cling to the chicken.
Garnishing
For an added touch of flavor and presentation, garnish the finished dish with toasted sesame seeds before serving. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a subtle crunch.
FAQ
Can I substitute the peanut oil for another type of oil when frying?
Yes, you can use oils with high smoke points, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, as alternatives.
What can I use if I don’t have Sriracha sauce?
You can use other hot sauces or a mix of chili paste and vinegar as substitutes for Sriracha sauce.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown on the outside.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Just reheat it before combining with the chicken.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving again.
Conclusion
This crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and tangy sauce is a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors and satisfying textures. The combination of honey, Sriracha, and sesame oil provides a unique twist, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete dining experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Sweet and Spicy Shrimp
Use a similar sauce with shrimp, sautéing them until tender and tossing them in the honey-Sriracha mixture for a quick and flavorful dish.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Create a colorful vegetable stir-fry using bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, adding the sauce for an exciting flavor boost.
Honey Garlic Tofu
Replace chicken with cubed tofu, frying until golden and crisp, then coating with the sauce for a satisfying vegetarian option.
Asian-Inspired Meatballs
Form meatballs from ground chicken or beef, bake or fry them, and then toss in the sweet and spicy sauce for a delicious appetizer.
Rice Bowl with Chicken and Veggies
Serve the crispy chicken over a bed of steamed rice with sautéed vegetables and drizzle the sauce on top for a tasty rice bowl.
Fried Cauliflower Bites
Use the batter recipe to coat cauliflower florets, fry them until crispy, and toss with the same sauce for a fun, healthy snack.
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Shred the fried chicken and mix with the sauce to create a flavorful BBQ filling for sandwiches or sliders, served with coleslaw.
Salad Toppers
Use the fried chicken pieces as a topping on fresh greens, drizzling some sauce over for added flavor and crunch.
