Embark on a culinary journey to create the quintessential Chinese takeout experience right in your own kitchen with this irresistible **Honey Walnut Chicken**. This dish is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, featuring tender, crispy pieces of chicken, crunchy candied walnuts, all enveloped in a rich, sweet, and tangy honey sauce. It’s a beloved classic for a reason, offering an unforgettable taste that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
If you’ve ever indulged in the addictive sweet and savory goodness of honey walnut shrimp, then prepare to be captivated by its chicken counterpart. This recipe promises to deliver that same restaurant-quality delight, making it a perfect candidate for your weekly meal rotation or a special family dinner. With just a handful of accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, you can recreate this iconic dish faster than you can order takeout.
Craving more homemade Asian-inspired favorites? Be sure to explore other delightful recipes that bring the vibrant flavors of the East to your table. Consider trying my Crispy Honey Chicken, a sticky and sweet sensation; the bold and balanced Sweet and Spicy Chicken; or the zesty and refreshing Chinese Lemon Chicken. Each offers a unique and satisfying taste of authentic Asian cuisine.
Why You’ll Adore This Honey Walnut Chicken Recipe
Beyond its delicious taste, Honey Walnut Chicken offers several compelling reasons to become a staple in your recipe collection:
- An Exquisite Symphony of Flavors and Textures: This dish is a masterclass in culinary balance. The profound sweetness of honey beautifully complements the rich umami of soy sauce, while a hint of tang from rice vinegar adds brightness. These savory notes are perfectly offset by the earthy, slightly bitter undertones of the walnuts. Texturally, the experience is equally thrilling: each bite delivers the satisfying crispness of perfectly fried chicken, juxtaposed with the delightful crunch of candied walnuts, all coated in a velvety, luxurious sauce. It’s a truly memorable dish that awakens every palate.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home, Effortlessly: Say goodbye to expensive takeout and enjoy the authentic taste of your favorite Chinese restaurant from the comfort of your own kitchen. This recipe simplifies the process of creating a gourmet dish, allowing you to control the quality of ingredients and adjust flavors to your preference. Impress your family and friends with a dish that tastes professionally prepared, without the hassle or the hefty bill.
- Quick and Convenient for Any Occasion: Despite its sophisticated flavor profile, this Honey Walnut Chicken comes together surprisingly quickly. Most of the prep can be done in advance, and the actual cooking time is minimal, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners when you crave something special but lack time. It’s also perfect for last-minute entertaining, as it’s sure to impress without keeping you chained to the stove.
- A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages: This sweet and savory chicken dish has universal appeal. Its approachable flavors and appealing textures make it a hit with children and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning a family gathering, or simply want to treat yourself to something delicious, Honey Walnut Chicken is a dish that consistently draws rave reviews and empty plates. Its beautiful golden-brown presentation and enticing aroma only add to its allure.
- Customizable and Versatile: This recipe serves as a fantastic foundation for culinary creativity. Easily adapt it to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences. You can experiment with different spices, adjust the level of sweetness or tang in the sauce, or even explore alternative proteins. It’s a versatile dish that encourages you to make it your own.
Essential Ingredients for Honey Walnut Chicken
Crafting the perfect Honey Walnut Chicken starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with insights into their role in the dish:
- Walnuts: Opt for high-quality walnut halves. These provide the signature crunchy texture and nutty flavor that defines this dish. Candying them lightly enhances their natural sweetness and prevents them from becoming soggy when coated in the sauce.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken is ideal for frying. Chicken tenderloins are a fantastic choice due to their natural tenderness and uniform size, ensuring even cooking. Alternatively, chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes or even chicken thighs can be used for a slightly juicier result.
- Seasoning: A blend of onion powder, chili powder (for a subtle kick), salt, coriander, and black pepper infuses the chicken with aromatic depth before frying. These spices create a foundational layer of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the crispy coating. It forms the base of the breading, helping the chicken achieve that desirable golden-brown crust.
- Cornstarch: A crucial ingredient for extra crispiness. Adding cornstarch to the flour mixture or as a slurry for the sauce ensures a lighter, crispier coating on the chicken and helps thicken the sauce to a perfect glaze.
- Buttermilk: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat, making it incredibly moist and flavorful. It also helps the flour coating adhere better, resulting in a more consistent and crispy exterior.
- Vegetable Oil: A neutral, high-smoke point oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil is necessary for deep frying the chicken to a perfect golden crisp without imparting unwanted flavors.
- Honey: The star of the sauce, providing its signature sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish. Use good quality honey for the best flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami depth and a touch of saltiness that balances the sweetness of the honey. Light or low-sodium soy sauce is generally recommended to control sodium levels.
- Rice Vinegar: Introduces a crucial tangy counterpoint to the sweet and savory elements, brightening the sauce and preventing it from being cloyingly sweet.
- Sesame Oil: A small dash of toasted sesame oil at the end of cooking the sauce adds a wonderfully fragrant, nutty aroma that is characteristic of many Asian dishes.
- Water: Used to thin the sauce to the desired consistency and create a cornstarch slurry for thickening.
- Garnish (Scallions/Chives & Sesame Seeds): Fresh chopped scallions (green onions) or chives provide a fresh, aromatic finish and a pop of color. Toasted sesame seeds add another layer of nutty flavor and visual appeal.
Ingredient Substitutions and Creative Variations
- Chicken Choices: While chicken tenderloins are recommended for their ease and tenderness, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes for a leaner option, or chicken thighs for a richer, juicier bite. Ensure pieces are uniform in size for even cooking. For a vegetarian or vegan version, consider using firm tofu, pressed and cubed, or florets of cauliflower, breaded and fried similarly.
- Honey Alternatives: If you’re looking for a slightly different flavor profile or have dietary restrictions, maple syrup or agave nectar can serve as excellent substitutes for honey, offering similar sweetness with subtle variations in taste.
- Nutty Alternatives: While walnuts are traditional, if you have allergies or prefer a different nut, pecans or almonds (especially slivered or sliced) can be fantastic alternatives, offering a similar crunch and complementary flavor. Always toast them for enhanced taste.
- Batter Customizations: For a gluten-free preparation, swap regular all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend or use pure cornstarch for the coating. For an even lighter and crispier batter, some prefer using egg whites in place of whole eggs or buttermilk, creating a tempura-like coating.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder to your liking. For more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. For less spice, omit the chili powder entirely from the chicken seasoning.
- Sauce Enhancements: A touch of fresh minced garlic or ginger can be added to the sauce during simmering for an extra layer of aromatic complexity. A splash of orange juice or orange zest can also add a delightful citrusy brightness.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Honey Walnut Chicken
Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly crispy chicken and a luscious honey sauce:
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoned Flour Mixture. In a spacious medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the dried spices: red chili powder, ground coriander, onion powder, ground black pepper, and salt. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until they are uniformly mixed. This seasoned flour will form the base of your crispy chicken coating, infusing it with flavor from the start.
Step 2: Double Dredge the Chicken for Maximum Crispiness. Take each chicken piece and first dredge it generously in the prepared seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the flour-coated chicken into a bowl of buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, return the chicken piece to the seasoned flour mixture for a second coating. Press the flour firmly onto the chicken to ensure an even and thick layer. This double-dredging technique is key to achieving that desirable extra-crispy crust.
Step 3: Prepare Remaining Chicken. Continue the dredging process with all the remaining chicken pieces, placing each fully coated piece onto a clean plate or baking sheet. This ensures all your chicken is ready for frying in an organized manner.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection. Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350-375°F (175-190°C). Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4-6 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, beautifully golden brown, and delightfully crispy. Using tongs, remove the fried chicken and place it on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain any excess oil. Keep the fried chicken warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 5: Craft the Irresistible Honey Sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, cornstarch (pre-mixed with 1 tablespoon of water to form a slurry), and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to cook for 4-5 minutes, or until it visibly thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Be patient; a perfectly thickened sauce is crucial for coating the chicken beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Chicken, Sauce, and Walnuts. In a large mixing bowl or back in the clean skillet (if large enough), add the freshly fried, crispy chicken pieces. Pour the warm, thickened honey sauce generously over the chicken, immediately followed by the toasted or candied walnuts. Using a spatula or tongs, gently toss everything together until each piece of chicken and every walnut is thoroughly and evenly coated with the glistening sauce. Work quickly to maintain the chicken’s crispiness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Immediately. Transfer the glorious Honey Walnut Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish liberally with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped chives or scallions for a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color. Serve this delectable dish immediately with your favorite side dishes and watch it disappear!
Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Honey Walnut Chicken
- Timing is Key – Serve Immediately: For the ultimate experience, Honey Walnut Chicken is best enjoyed the moment it’s finished cooking. The crispy coating of the chicken and the crunch of the walnuts are at their peak freshness right after being tossed in the warm sauce. As it sits, the sauce can soften the crisp exterior, so gather your guests or family and dig in without delay!
- Master the Art of Double-Frying for Unmatched Crispiness: If you desire an exceptionally crispy chicken that holds up well, consider double-frying. First, fry the chicken at a lower temperature (around 325°F/160°C) until it’s cooked through and lightly golden. Remove it and let it rest. Just before serving, increase the oil temperature to 375°F/190°C and quickly fry the chicken a second time for 1-2 minutes until deeply golden and shatteringly crisp. This technique expels more moisture, resulting in a superior texture.
- Always Use Fresh Oil for Frying: The quality of your frying oil significantly impacts the taste of your chicken. Always use fresh, clean oil with a high smoke point. Reused oil can impart off-flavors and may not yield as crispy a result. Ensure you have enough oil for the chicken to be submerged or nearly submerged for even cooking.
- Elevate Flavor with Toasted (or Candied) Walnuts: Don’t skip toasting the walnuts! Lightly toasting them in a dry pan or oven before adding them to the dish brings out their natural oils and deepens their nutty flavor, making them more aromatic and delicious. For an authentic touch, you can even candy the walnuts by briefly cooking them in a light sugar syrup before adding them to the final dish. This creates an extra layer of sweetness and crunch, much like traditional honey walnut shrimp.
- Achieve Sauce Balance for Optimal Taste: The honey sauce should be a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. If you find the sauce too sweet, a small splash of additional soy sauce or rice vinegar can help cut through the richness. Conversely, if it’s too tart, a touch more honey can balance it out. Taste and adjust as needed, as personal preference plays a big role here.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor your oil temperature. Consistent heat is vital for evenly cooked and crispy chicken. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy; if it’s too hot, the exterior will burn before the interior cooks.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying chicken, always work in batches. Overcrowding the pan will drastically lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy, poorly cooked chicken instead of crisp perfection. Give each piece enough space to fry properly.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Honey Walnut Chicken
Complement your delicious Honey Walnut Chicken with these popular and satisfying side dishes:
- Fluffy Steamed Jasmine Rice: The subtle floral aroma and soft texture of jasmine rice make it an ideal accompaniment. It acts as a perfect canvas, soaking up every drop of the sweet and savory honey sauce without competing with the main dish’s vibrant flavors.
- Crisp Garlic Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add a healthy and refreshing contrast with a medley of stir-fried vegetables. Broccoli florets, tender bok choy, vibrant green beans, snap peas, or thinly sliced carrots, quickly stir-fried with fragrant garlic and a dash of soy sauce, provide crunch, essential nutrients, and balance the richness of the chicken.
- Hearty Chinese Vegetable Fried Rice: For a more substantial and comforting meal, serve your Honey Walnut Chicken alongside a homemade Chinese Vegetable Fried Rice. The savory rice, packed with vegetables and egg, makes for a complete and incredibly satisfying feast.
- Savory Garlic Noodles: These irresistible noodles, often tossed in a simple yet potent garlic and soy sauce, offer a fantastic alternative to rice. Their ability to absorb the rich honey sauce from the chicken makes for a truly delightful bite. You might also enjoy pairing it with my zesty Chili Garlic Oil Noodles for an extra kick.
- Light Cucumber Salad: A simple, cool, and tangy cucumber salad, perhaps with a rice vinegar dressing and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the fried chicken and sweet sauce.
- Hot and Sour Soup: Begin your meal with a classic Hot and Sour Soup. Its bold, tangy, and spicy notes awaken the palate and prepare it for the delightful flavors of the main course.
Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Walnut Chicken
While you can certainly prepare some components ahead of time, for the very best texture and flavor, it’s highly recommended to fry the chicken and toss it with the sauce and walnuts just before serving. You can prepare the chicken coating mix, cut the chicken, and even make the sauce a day in advance and store it separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce gently before combining. This approach ensures the chicken remains wonderfully crispy.
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Honey walnut shrimp is a classic variation, and shrimp works exceptionally well due to its quick cooking time and similar texture when fried. For a fantastic vegetarian option, you can substitute chicken with firm tofu (pressed well to remove excess water) or bite-sized cauliflower florets. Both absorb flavors beautifully and crisp up nicely when breaded and fried.
Yes, you can bake the chicken for a lighter version, though the crispiness will be different. To bake, arrange the breaded chicken pieces on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. For extra crispiness, you can lightly mist the chicken with cooking spray before baking. Alternatively, an air fryer can yield excellent results, providing a crispier texture closer to frying with less oil.
Store any leftover Honey Walnut Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, for the best results, avoid the microwave as it can make the chicken soggy. Instead, spread the chicken on a baking sheet and reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crisp again. An air fryer is also an excellent tool for reheating, helping to restore some of its original crispiness.
Explore More Delicious Asian-Inspired Recipes
If you loved this Honey Walnut Chicken, you’re sure to enjoy these other fantastic Asian-inspired dishes:
- Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry: A vibrant and savory dish packed with fresh vegetables and tender chicken in a classic teriyaki glaze.
- Chinese Szechuan Chili Chicken: For those who love a bold and spicy kick, this Szechuan dish is bursting with fiery flavors.
- Easy Mongolian Chicken: A quick and simple recipe for a popular sweet and savory chicken dish, perfect for any weeknight.
- Best Gochujang Chicken Bites: Discover the delicious spicy-sweet-savory profile of Korean gochujang in these addictive chicken bites.
- Honey Chilli Chicken: Another delightful fusion of sweet honey and fiery chili, offering a unique and exciting taste.
This Honey Walnut Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the best of sweet, savory, and crunchy together in one utterly irresistible dish. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual weeknight dinner or making it the star of a special occasion, its perfect balance of flavors and textures guarantees an unforgettable culinary journey. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your preferred ingredients and serve it with a simple, complementary side for a complete meal that every member of your household will undoubtedly adore.
If you try this delightful recipe and are pleased with the results, please consider leaving a star rating and sharing your comments below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated! For my latest culinary creations and daily dose of deliciousness, be sure to follow Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST.
Honey Walnut Chicken
By: Mariam Ezzeddine
A popular Chinese dish, this Honey Walnut Chicken comes together easily in a few simple steps. Crispy, deep-fried chicken tossed with crunchy walnuts and then coated in a delicious sauce, this takeout recipe will be loved by your entire family.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, to fry
Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, + 1 tablespoon water (for slurry)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted
Garnishing
- Sesame seeds, to garnish
- Chives, to garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl with flour add the spices; red chili powder, coriander, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix it until well combined.
- Dredge the chicken into the flour mixture first and then dip it into the buttermilk and then back into the flour mixture pressing to coat evenly.
- Repeat the same with the remaining chicken pieces and keep them on a plate.
- Deep fry the chicken in batches until golden. Drain the excess oil in a kitchen towel and set the chicken aside in a bowl.
- Prepare the sauce by combining the sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Allow the sauce to simmer for 4-5 minutes until thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the crispy chicken along with the walnuts and toss it well until the sauce is evenly coated.
- Garnish the crispy honey walnut chicken with sesame seeds and chives and serve.
Notes
- Serve Immediately: Honey Walnut Chicken is best served immediately after cooking to maintain the crispy texture of the chicken.
- Double-Fry for Extra Crispiness: For the crispiest chicken, try double-frying the chicken pieces.
- Use Fresh Oil: When frying, use fresh oil for the best flavor and to avoid any unwanted taste from reused oil.
- Toast the Walnuts: Toast the walnuts before adding them to the dish for an enhanced nutty flavor.
- Balance the Sauce: If the honey sauce is too sweet for your taste, balance it out with a splash of soy sauce or rice wine vinegar.
Nutrition
Calories: 695kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 1317mg | Potassium: 942mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 305IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 123mg | Iron: 4mg