PF Chang’s Crispy Honey Chicken Recipe

Let’s talk about a dish that’s both crispy and sweet—what I call P.F. Chang’s (irresistible) Crispy Honey Chicken.

It’s a unique blend of crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a luscious honey glaze. Yummers!

From my experience, starting with a perfectly balanced batter ensures the chicken stays crunchy, even when it’s drizzled with the delicious sauce.

If you love a little bit of heat, don’t forget to sprinkle in some chili flakes; they add an exciting twist.

Now, let’s get cookin’!

How to Make PF Chang’s Crispy Honey Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken Breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Cornstarch
• 2 Eggs (beaten)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• Oil for frying
• 1/2 cup Honey
• 1/4 cup Rice Vinegar
• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
• 1 tsp Chili Flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Begin by preparing the chicken.

Mix salt and black pepper with chicken pieces in a bowl.

Coat each piece with all-purpose flour and cornstarch mix for the perfect crust.

Step 2:

Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.

Dip chicken pieces in beaten eggs and carefully place them into the hot oil.

Fry until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch.

Step 3:

Once fried, drain the chicken on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Move on to the sauce while the chicken rests.

Step 4:

In a saucepan, combine honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and chili flakes.

Heat over medium heat while stirring.

Add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

Step 5:

Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the thickened sauce until well-coated.

Serve immediately for best results.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Perfecting the Batter

For extra crispiness, let your batter rest in the fridge for an hour before using it.

This helps the batter bind better to the chicken pieces and ensures a crunchy texture.

Sauce Consistency

If your sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Always stir constantly to prevent burning.

Oil Temperature Matters

Keep the oil at the right temperature throughout the frying process by using a kitchen thermometer.

This ensures even cooking and a beautifully golden crust.

Balancing Flavors

Taste the sauce before coating the chicken and adjust the sweetness or acidity levels by adding more honey or vinegar to match your preference.

What to Serve with PF Chang’s Crispy Honey Chicken

Fried Rice

One of the best traditional sides to serve with crispy honey chicken is fried rice.

You’ll enjoy how the savory notes of the rice balance the sweet glaze on the chicken.

Try adding vegetables like peas and carrots for extra flavor.

Asian Coleslaw

If you’re looking for a lighter side, Asian coleslaw is a great choice.

It’s crunchy and fresh, providing a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Sesame seeds and a tangy dressing can make it even more delicious.

Grilled Asparagus

For something a bit unusual but tasty, consider serving grilled asparagus.

The charred, earthy flavors complement the sweetness of the chicken in an unexpected way.

This side is both healthy and simple to prepare.

Mango Salsa

Offering a unique twist, mango salsa pairs wonderfully with crispy honey chicken.

The burst of mango sweetness and a hint of lime offer an exciting flavor combination.

This adds a refreshing, tropical element to your meal.

Garlic Noodles

For a slightly different take, garlic noodles can be a perfect pairing with this dish.

The garlic brings an aromatic element that works well with the honey glaze.

It’s a comforting and flavorful combination that’s hard to resist.

Variations and Substitutions

Spice it Up

If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the honey sauce.

You can also try a drizzle of sriracha to kick things up a notch.

These spicy additions pair nicely with the chicken’s natural sweetness.

Gluten-Free Options

For those avoiding gluten, you can substitute cornstarch for flour in the batter.

Make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce for the marinade to keep everything safe and delicious.

These easy swaps maintain the flavor while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Vegetarian Twist

You can replace chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian version.

These options absorb the honey sauce well and provide a satisfying texture as they crisp up.

Serve with steamed rice or a vegetable stir-fry for a complete meal.

Sweet Variations

Experiment with different honeys like wildflower or clover for unique flavor profiles.

For additional sweetness, try adding a tablespoon of brown sugar to the sauce.

Each type of honey lends a distinct character to the dish, showcasing versatile flavors.

How to Store Leftover Crispy Honey Chicken

Use an Airtight Container

When storing leftover crispy honey chicken, it’s important to use an airtight container to maintain its flavor and texture.

This prevents any unwanted odors from seeping into the chicken pieces while they’re in the fridge.

You should only put the chicken in the container once it is completely cooled to room temperature.

Refrigeration is Key

To keep the chicken fresh, place the container in the refrigerator rather than leaving it out at room temperature.

Consistent cool storage helps maintain the quality of the dish and keeps it safe to eat.

Typically, your leftovers should be good to consume for about three to four days when stored properly.

Avoid Freezing

Freezing the crispy honey chicken might cause the batter to become soggy upon thawing and reheating.

This dish is best enjoyed when its texture is at its optimal state, so refrigeration is usually preferred.

If you must freeze, you may need to re-crisp the chicken when you plan to eat it later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Batter Consistency

Make sure your batter isn’t too thick or too thin.

If it’s too thick, the chicken won’t cook evenly.

If it’s too thin, it won’t stick well to the chicken.

Oil Temperature

Check that your oil is at the right temperature before frying.

Too hot, and the chicken burns; too cool, and it becomes oily.

An ideal frying temperature is around 360°F.

Sauce Preparation

Avoid adding cornstarch directly to hot liquid.

This can form clumps.

Try mixing cornstarch with cold water first for a smooth sauce.