Looking for a restaurant-style chicken recipe that’s both sweet and crunchy? This Honey Walnut Chicken is perfect! With crispy chicken, a creamy honey sauce, and caramelized walnuts, this dish is better than takeout. Let’s make it at home step-by-step.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Candied Walnuts:
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Creamy Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make Candied Walnuts
- In a saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium heat.
- Stir until sugar dissolves, then add the walnuts.
- Cook for about 2–3 minutes.
- Remove walnuts and place them on parchment paper to dry. Let them harden.
Tip: Don’t overcook the walnuts or they’ll burn.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, crack one egg and beat it.
- In another bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
- Dip the chicken pieces in the egg, then coat them with the flour mix.
- Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the chicken until golden and crispy.
- Place the fried chicken on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Honey Sauce
- In a clean bowl, combine:
- Mayonnaise
- Honey
- Condensed milk
- Lemon juice (optional for tanginess)
- Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
- In a large bowl, combine the crispy chicken and honey sauce.
- Gently toss until all the chicken is coated.
- Top with the candied walnuts for a delicious crunch.
🍽️ Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Honey Walnut Chicken with:
- Steamed white rice
- Fried rice
- Noodles
- Or eat it on its own!
This dish is best served hot and fresh. The mix of sweet, crunchy, and creamy flavors is irresistible.
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh chicken breast for the best texture.
- Don’t skip the condensed milk – it adds the signature sweetness.
- For extra crunch, double-fry the chicken.
- You can add a few sesame seeds or chopped green onions for garnish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make at home
- Tastes just like your favorite Chinese restaurant
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Final Thoughts
This Honey Walnut Chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s crispy, creamy, sweet, and totally satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll skip the takeout menu!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.
Q2: What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
You can try plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, but the taste will be slightly different.
Q3: Can I air-fry the chicken instead?
Yes! Spray the chicken with oil and air-fry at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Q5: Is this dish spicy?
Nope! It’s sweet and creamy. You can add a little chili sauce if you like it spicy.
