Honey Sriracha Chicken

Crispy honey sriracha chicken is a delightful dish that packs a punch of flavor. This recipe offers the perfect balance of sweetness and heat, making it ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or an impressive meal any night of the week. With its sticky sauce and tender chicken, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Flavorful Combination: The sweet honey mixed with spicy sriracha creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the chicken.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone.
• Kid-Friendly: The mild spice level makes it suitable for kids, while adults will appreciate the complex flavors.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything at hand makes cooking more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Deep Fryer or Large Pot: Essential for achieving that perfect crispy texture when frying the chicken.
• Mixing Bowls: Necessary for combining dry ingredients and mixing sauces without mess.
• Whisk: Helps blend ingredients smoothly, especially when preparing your batter and sauces.
• Cooking Thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked to perfection without being underdone.

Ingredients

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)

For Serving

• Cooked Rice
• Sesame Seeds
• Spring/Green Onion

How to Make Honey Sriracha Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. Plain flour
2. Cornstarch
3. Baking powder
4. Salt and white pepper

Whisk together until well blended.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs.
2. Then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

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

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully add the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Prepare Honey Sriracha Sauce

In another bowl, whisk together:
1. Honey
2. Sriracha
3. Soy sauce
4. White grape juice vinegar
5. Cornstarch
6. Garlic powder
7. Salt and pepper

Mix until smooth.

Step 7: Combine Chicken with Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the honey sriracha sauce. Add fried chicken pieces and toss until they are well coated in sauce.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your honey sriracha chicken over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions for added flavor and crunch!

How to Serve Honey Sriracha Chicken

Serving Honey Sriracha Chicken is a delightful way to impress your family and friends. This dish’s balance of sweet and spicy flavors makes it versatile, complementing various side dishes and garnishes.

With Cooked Rice

• The classic pairing of tender chicken with fluffy rice absorbs the delicious sauce.

Over Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Serve atop vibrant stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for added crunch and nutrition.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Create fresh lettuce wraps by placing the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves, adding a fun, low-carb twist.

With Noodles

• Serve alongside or over noodles for a comforting and filling meal that’s easy to prepare.

As Part of a Salad

• Combine chopped Honey Sriracha Chicken with greens, cucumbers, and carrots for a hearty salad option.

Topped with Sesame Seeds and Spring Onions

• Garnish the dish with sesame seeds and sliced spring onions for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

How to Perfect Honey Sriracha Chicken

To get the best results with your Honey Sriracha Chicken, here are some helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken breast ensures tenderness and enhances flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the amount of Sriracha based on your heat preference; add more for a fiery kick!
• Double Coat for Extra Crispiness: For even crunchier chicken, use two coats of flour and cornstarch before frying.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F/175°C) for frying to achieve that perfect golden crust.
• Let It Rest After Frying: Allow your chicken pieces to rest on paper towels after frying; this helps to keep them crispy by removing excess oil.
• Experiment with Sauces: Feel free to mix in additional sauces or spices to create your own signature taste!

Best Side Dishes for Honey Sriracha Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Honey Sriracha Chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fragrant rice that pairs perfectly with the sticky sauce.
2. Garlic Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed in garlic butter add a delicious crunch.
3. Crispy Roasted Potatoes: Golden-brown roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side.
4. Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing complements the spicy chicken well.
5. Edamame Pods: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt offers protein-rich snacking alongside your meal.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with veggies provides a healthy grain alternative.
7. Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice with peas and carrots adds another layer of texture to the dish.
8. Miso Soup: Warm miso soup serves as a comforting starter or side that balances the spiciness of the chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Honey Sriracha Chicken, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your dish and ensure a perfect outcome.

• Skipping the Marination: Not letting the chicken marinate in the sauce can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to marinate for at least 30 minutes for the best taste.
• Using Too Much Oil: Overloading your frying pan with oil can result in soggy chicken. Use just enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan for crispiness.
• Neglecting Temperature Control: Cooking on too high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Maintain a moderate temperature for even cooking.
• Not Coating Properly: Failing to coat the chicken evenly may result in uneven crispiness. Ensure each piece is well-coated in flour and cornstarch before frying.
• Ignoring Cooking Time: Overcooking can dry out the chicken, while undercooking poses health risks. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F (75°C).

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Honey Sriracha Chicken in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Honey Sriracha Chicken

• Place cooled chicken pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Honey Sriracha Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Honey Sriracha Chicken?

Honey Sriracha Chicken is crispy fried chicken coated with a sweet and spicy sauce made from honey and sriracha.

How spicy is Honey Sriracha Chicken?

The spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of sriracha used. For milder flavor, use less sriracha or add more honey.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and cook Honey Sriracha Chicken ahead of time, then store it in the fridge or freezer until ready to serve.

What can I serve with Honey Sriracha Chicken?

This dish pairs well with cooked rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Honey Sriracha Chicken is a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors that make it an appealing choice for dinner. Its crispy texture combined with customizable spice levels allows you to cater it to your taste preferences. Try experimenting with side dishes or garnish options like sesame seeds or green onions for added flair!

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