Indian Style Honey Chicken
Indian Style Honey Chicken is a intermediate Indo-Chinese recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Cost: $10.65 total, $2.66 per serving
Ingredients
- 500 grams Chicken (boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces) (Preferably thigh or breast, skinless)
- 3 tablespoons Cornflour (cornstarch) (For coating chicken)
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour (maida) (For coating chicken)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (To taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper powder
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder (Adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce (Dark or light, as preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 500 ml Oil (for frying) (Vegetable or sunflower oil)
- 1 piece Green chili (optional) (Finely chopped, for extra heat)
- 2 stalks Spring onion (for garnish, optional) (Chopped)
Instructions
Prepare Chicken Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces with cornflour, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, red chili powder, and ginger-garlic paste. Mix well to coat all pieces evenly. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Heat Oil for Frying
Pour oil into a deep frying pan or wok and heat on medium-high until it reaches about 180°C (test by dropping a small piece of batter; it should sizzle immediately).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 180°C
Fry Chicken
Add marinated chicken pieces in batches. Fry on medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 180°C
Prepare Honey Sauce
In a clean pan, add 1 tablespoon oil. Add green chili (if using), soy sauce, vinegar, tomato ketchup, and honey. Stir and cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Toss Chicken in Sauce
Add fried chicken pieces to the sauce. Toss well to coat evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until chicken is heated through and sauce is sticky.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium heat
Garnish and Serve
Transfer honey chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped spring onion. Serve hot.
Time: PT2M
Cleanup
Dispose of used oil safely. Wash all utensils, pans, and surfaces with hot soapy water.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 22g
- Carbohydrates
- 28g
- Fat
- 16g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Not gluten-free, Not vegan, low-calorie
Allergens: Soy, Gluten (wheat flour, soy sauce), Egg (if used in marinade, not in this recipe)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken (boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces): Paneer (for vegetarian), Tofu
- Instead of Cornflour (cornstarch): Rice flour
- Instead of All-purpose flour (maida): Whole wheat flour
- Instead of Red chili powder: Paprika, Cayenne
- Instead of Ginger-garlic paste: Fresh grated ginger and garlic
- Instead of Soy sauce: Tamari
- Instead of Vinegar (white or apple cider): Rice vinegar
- Instead of Tomato ketchup: Tomato sauce + sugar
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup
- Instead of Oil (for frying): Canola oil
- Instead of Spring onion (for garnish, optional): Cilantro
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Deep frying pan or wok
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels (optional)
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and chopping board
- Serving plate (optional)
- Stove
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Marinate chicken properly for flavor and coating adhesion.
- Maintain correct oil temperature for frying.
- Do not overcrowd pan during frying.
- Stir sauce constantly to prevent burning honey.
- Coat chicken evenly in sauce.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra crunch, double-fry the chicken pieces.
- Add bell peppers or onions for more texture and flavor.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for best taste.
Troubleshooting
Chicken coating is soggy.
Ensure oil is hot enough before frying and do not overcrowd the pan.
Sauce is too runny.
Cook sauce a bit longer to thicken, or add a slurry of 1 tsp cornflour mixed with 1 tbsp water.
Chicken is undercooked.
Fry pieces a bit longer; cut one open to check doneness.
Sauce is too sweet.
Reduce honey or add a splash of vinegar.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in oven or pan for best texture.
Freezer: Not recommended; coating loses crispness.
Room temperature: Consume within 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate chicken up to 8 hours in advance and refrigerate.
- Fry chicken ahead, but toss in sauce just before serving for crispiness.
Last updated: August 21, 2026






