Honey Sriracha Chicken

Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. This recipe combines crispy chicken pieces with a sweet and spicy sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. The ease of preparation makes it accessible to cooks of all skill levels, while its bold flavors ensure it stands out on any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey and Sriracha creates a unique blend of sweetness and heat that’s irresistible.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice or as an appetizer; this dish adapts to any occasion effortlessly.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the crispy texture and flavorful sauce, making it a hit among family members.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry items, this recipe is both budget-friendly and easy to whip up.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking experience and ensure great results.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Deep Fryer or Large Pot
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk
• Slotted Spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Deep Fryer or Large Pot: Essential for achieving that perfectly crispy texture when frying the chicken.
• Mixing Bowls: Useful for combining ingredients and preparing the batter efficiently.
• Whisk: Helps mix eggs and dry ingredients thoroughly for even coating on chicken.
• Slotted Spoon: Ideal for removing fried chicken from oil without excess grease.

Ingredients

Crispy pieces of fried chicken wrapped in a sweet, spicy, and sticky sauce. What’s best is it couldn’t be easier to make!

For the Chicken Coating

• 1lb / 500g Chicken Breast
• 1/2 cup / 75g Plain/All Purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup / 75g Cornstarch/Cornflour
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 2 Eggs (beaten)
• Salt & White Pepper (as needed)
• Vegetable Oil (for deep frying)

For the Honey Sriracha Sauce

• 1/2 cup / 140g Honey
• 2 tbsp Sriracha
• 2 tbsp Light/All Purpose Soy Sauce
• 2 tbsp white grape juice Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch/Cornflour
• 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
• Salt & Pepper (to taste)

To Serve

• Cooked Rice
• Sesame Seeds
• Spring/Green Onion

How to Make Honey Sriracha Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispier finish.

Step 2: Create the Coating Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and white pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then coat it evenly in the flour mixture. Set aside on a plate while heating the oil.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In your deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C).

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches. Fry until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Make Honey Sriracha Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, white grape juice vinegar, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until thickened slightly.

Step 7: Toss Chicken in Sauce

In a large bowl, add fried chicken pieces and pour over the honey Sriracha sauce. Toss gently until all pieces are well coated.

Step 8: Serve

Serve your Honey Sriracha Chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions for added flavor and presentation. Enjoy!

How to Serve Honey Sriracha Chicken

Honey Sriracha Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together sweet and spicy flavors, making it perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual family meal, here are some creative serving suggestions.

On a Bed of Rice

• Serve the chicken over fluffy cooked rice for a comforting meal. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce.

In Tacos

• Use soft tortillas to create tasty tacos filled with shredded Honey Sriracha Chicken, topped with fresh veggies and avocado.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair the chicken with a mix of colorful stir-fried vegetables for a healthy and vibrant plate that adds crunch and nutrition.

As an Appetizer

• Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve them with toothpicks as an appetizer at parties or game days.

With Noodles

• Toss the chicken pieces with cooked noodles along with some sesame oil for a quick and satisfying dish.

Over Salad

• Create a refreshing salad by placing strips of Honey Sriracha Chicken on mixed greens, drizzled with your favorite dressing.

How to Perfect Honey Sriracha Chicken

To achieve the best version of Honey Sriracha Chicken, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose the right chicken: Use fresh or thawed chicken breast for optimal texture and flavor.
• Get the coating crispy: Ensure the flour and cornstarch mixture coats the chicken evenly to achieve maximum crispiness.
• Monitor the oil temperature: Keep your frying oil at 350°F (175°C) for even cooking and to prevent greasy chicken.
• Balance flavors: Adjust the honey and Sriracha to suit your taste preferences; add more honey for sweetness or more Sriracha for heat.
• Let it rest: Allow fried chicken to rest on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil while keeping it crispy.
• Garnish wisely: Top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Sriracha Chicken

Pairing sides with Honey Sriracha Chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic side dishes that complement its flavor profile perfectly.

1. Steamed Broccoli
   A healthy option that adds color and nutrients; simply steam until tender-crisp.
2. Fried Rice
   A classic pairing; toss leftover rice in a hot pan with soy sauce, peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs for extra flavor.
3. Coleslaw
   A refreshing crunch; mix shredded cabbage with carrots in a tangy dressing to balance the sweetness of the chicken.
4. Cucumber Salad
   Light and refreshing; slice cucumbers thinly and dress them with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
5. Sweet Potato Fries
   Crispy on the outside and soft inside; bake or fry sweet potato fries seasoned with salt for a delightful side.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   These roasted veggies add depth; toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting until crispy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Honey Sriracha Chicken, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Using Too Much Oil: Overcrowding the frying pan can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Fry in batches for a crispy texture.
• Skipping the Cornstarch: Not using cornstarch can result in a less crispy coating. Mix it with flour for that perfect crunch.
• Ignoring Marination Time: Rushing through marination can affect flavor. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper taste.
• Not Adjusting Spice Levels: Using too much Sriracha can make the dish too spicy. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste.
• Overcooking Chicken: Cooking chicken too long will dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) without overcooking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Honey Sriracha Chicken

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Honey Sriracha Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Honey Sriracha Chicken?

Honey Sriracha Chicken is a delicious dish featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy honey sauce. It’s perfect for dinner or as a main course.

How can I customize this recipe?

You can customize Honey Sriracha Chicken by adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli, adjusting spice levels, or even using different proteins such as turkey or lamb.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

What should I serve with Honey Sriracha Chicken?

This dish pairs well with cooked rice or noodles. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Is Honey Sriracha Chicken spicy?

The level of spiciness depends on how much Sriracha you use. You can easily adjust the heat by modifying the amount added.

Conclusion

Honey Sriracha Chicken is an appealing dish that combines sweet and spicy flavors with crispy chicken. Its versatility allows you to experiment with different proteins and side dishes, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy customizing it to suit your taste!