Honey Chilli Chicken
When you think about Honey Chilli Chicken, you might picture a dish that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors, but there’s more to it than just taste. This dish has roots steeped in Southeast Asian tradition and has evolved into a beloved favorite for many. You’ll appreciate how quickly you can whip it up, yet the customization options allow you to tailor it precisely to your liking. Curious about how this dish became so popular and what makes it stand out? Let’s explore its history and recipe next.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you try this Honey Chilli Chicken recipe, you’ll quickly discover why it’s a favorite for so many. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, taking just 30 minutes with simple ingredients you likely have at home, such as honey and chilli sauce. The dish balances sweet and spicy flavors, and you can adjust the heat to your liking by adding cayenne pepper. This recipe is versatile; serve it with rice, veggies, or even in a salad. Plus, it’s low in calories and fat, making it a healthier choice. It’s gluten-free and dairy-free, catering to various dietary needs. Additionally, it serves 4 individuals at just 3 Syns per serving, making it a great option for family meals or gatherings. With options like hot honey halloumi for vegetarians, you can enjoy this dish in multiple ways.
History
Although the exact origins of Honey Chilli Chicken aren’t clearly defined, its roots are deeply intertwined with the culinary traditions of both Asian and Western cuisines.
This dish draws inspiration from sweet and spicy dishes common in Southeast Asian cooking. You’ll find various versions across the globe, particularly in Nasi Kandar restaurants. Early recipes often featured fried or grilled chicken, highlighting the cultural exchange of cooking techniques and ingredients, like honey and chili. Over time, the dish has evolved, incorporating diverse flavors and healthier adaptations using quick preparation methods.
Today, you can discover numerous recipes online, thanks to the sharing culture on blogs and social media, which has helped spread the popularity and innovation surrounding Honey Chilli Chicken.
Recipe
Honey Chilli Chicken
Honey Chilli Chicken is a delightful fusion dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the heat of chillies, creating a tantalizing flavor profile that’s sure to please any palate. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying. The crispy chicken coated in a luscious honey chilli sauce isn’t only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great option for entertaining as well. The beauty of Honey Chilli Chicken lies in its versatility. You can adjust the spice levels to suit your taste, add vegetables for extra nutrition, or even modify the sauce based on what you have on hand. Whether you choose chicken breasts or thighs, this dish is simple to prepare and can be served with a variety of side dishes like boiled rice, egg fried rice, or noodles. The incorporation of cornstarch or potato starch can enhance the crunchiness of the chicken, making it even more delightful.
Let’s plunge into the recipe and discover how easy it’s to create this delightful meal at home.
Ingredients
– 350g chicken breast or 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
– Arrowroot powder or cornflour
– Avocado oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil
– Fresh ginger
– Chilies
– Garlic paste
– Soy sauce
– Sesame oil
– Honey
– Apple cider vinegar
– Chilli sauce (or sriracha)
Cooking Instructions
1. Begin by marinating the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with garlic paste, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of white pepper. Allow it to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes for maximum flavor.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare your frying oil. Heat a sufficient amount of avocado oil or vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Once the chicken has marinated, take it out and coat each piece with arrowroot powder or cornflour, ensuring that they’re evenly covered for a crispy texture.
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil and shallow fry them until they’re golden brown and crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes on each side. Remove them from the pan and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic paste, sriracha, and apple cider vinegar to create the honey chilli sauce.
- Once the chicken is fried, add it to the bowl with the honey chilli sauce and toss until all the pieces are well-coated in the sauce.
- Serve the Honey Chilli Chicken hot, garnished with chopped spring onions, sesame seeds, and sliced red chilies.
For extra tips, it’s important to adjust the spice level of the dish according to your preference. You can easily make it milder by reducing the amount of chillies or opting for a sweeter sauce like ketchup.
Additionally, incorporating some colorful vegetables like bell peppers or baby corn not only enhances the flavor but also adds a nutritious element to the dish. Enjoy your culinary creation!
Final Thoughts
As you explore the delightful world of Honey Chilli Chicken, you’ll find it’s not just a meal but an experience that brings together a perfect balance of flavors. This dish offers a versatile range of preparations, making it suitable for various tastes and dietary needs. With a moderate energy content and a good protein level, it can fit into many meal plans. The chicken is made from sliced chicken (60%), ensuring tenderness and flavor in every bite. Remember to choose quality ingredients, like gluten-free soy sauce, to cater to specific dietary restrictions.
Also, when storing leftovers, make certain they’re kept in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Whether you prepare it as a quick weeknight dinner or a special treat, Honey Chilli Chicken is sure to satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.
FAQ
Exploring the frequently asked questions about Honey Chilli Chicken can help you master this flavorful dish and tailor it to your preferences.
First, you’ll need ingredients like chicken, cornstarch, sweet chili sauce, and lime juice. For a crispy coating, use cornstarch or arrowroot powder and fry in vegetable oil. Cook the chicken in batches until golden brown.
As for the sauce, whisk together sweet chili sauce, honey, and lime juice, then simmer until thick. You can adjust the spice level by adding more chili or using different sauces. Additionally, consider using vegetarian alternatives like tofu if you want to cater to different dietary preferences.
After cooking, garnish with fresh chili, spring onions, and coriander. Store leftovers in airtight containers and remember to reheat thoroughly to guarantee food safety.
Enjoy your cooking experience!
Honey Chilli Chicken
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- - 350g chicken breast or 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- - Arrowroot powder or cornflour
- - Avocado oil vegetable oil, or canola oil
- - Fresh ginger
- - Chilies
- - Garlic paste
- - Soy sauce
- - Sesame oil
- - Honey
- - Apple cider vinegar
- - Chilli sauce or sriracha
Instructions
- Cooking Instructions
- Begin by marinating the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with garlic paste, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of white pepper. Allow it to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes for maximum flavor.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare your frying oil. Heat a sufficient amount of avocado oil or vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Once the chicken has marinated, take it out and coat each piece with arrowroot powder or cornflour, ensuring that they're evenly covered for a crispy texture.
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil and shallow fry them until they're golden brown and crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes on each side. Remove them from the pan and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic paste, sriracha, and apple cider vinegar to create the honey chilli sauce.
- Once the chicken is fried, add it to the bowl with the honey chilli sauce and toss until all the pieces are well-coated in the sauce.
- Serve the Honey Chilli Chicken hot, garnished with chopped spring onions, sesame seeds, and sliced red chilies.
- For extra tips, it's important to adjust the spice level of the dish according to your preference. You can easily make it milder by reducing the amount of chillies or opting for a sweeter sauce like ketchup.
- Additionally, incorporating some colorful vegetables like bell peppers or baby corn not only enhances the flavor but also adds a nutritious element to the dish. Enjoy your culinary creation!