PF Chang’s Crispy Honey Chicken Recipe

PF Chang’s crispy honey chicken has that perfect crunch on the outside and a sticky, sweet glaze that clings to every piece!

The secret to that crunch is cornstarch in the batter—it fries up light and crispy without feeling greasy.

I always double-fry the chicken for the best texture, letting it rest a few minutes between fries.

A mix of honey, soy sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar keeps the sauce balanced, so it’s sweet without being overpowering.

I like to serve it over jasmine rice, which soaks up all that sauce without getting soggy!

How to Make PF Chang’s Crispy Honey Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken Breast (cubed)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Cornstarch
• 1 Egg
• 1 cup Water
• 1 cup Vegetable Oil
• 1/2 cup Honey
• 1/4 cup Rice Vinegar
• 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
• Salt
• Pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 2:

In another bowl, whisk together egg and water until well combined.

Step 3:

Dip chicken pieces in the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture.

Step 4:

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, and fry chicken until golden brown.

Step 5:

In a saucepan, combine honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a cornstarch slurry.

Bring to a boil and stir until the sauce thickens.

Step 6:

Toss fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.

Serve hot.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Frying Temperature

Make sure the oil is hot before adding chicken to fry to ensure a golden and crisp coating.

Flavor Balance

Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce by varying the amount of honey and vinegar according to your tasting preferences.

Crispy Texture

For an extra crispy texture, double fry the chicken by letting it cool after the first fry and frying it again briefly before adding it to the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar if you don’t have it on hand, but reduce the amount slightly to balance the flavor.

Serving Suggestion

Serve this dish over steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce and make it a complete meal!

What to Serve with PF Changs Crispy Honey Chicken Recipe

Steamed Jasmine Rice

You can’t go wrong with steamed jasmine rice to accompany the crispy honey chicken.

Its subtle flavor and fragrant aroma perfectly complement the sweetness of the honey glaze.

The rice will soak up the sauce, which is a fun contrast to the crispy chicken pieces.

Sauteed Garlic Green Beans

Another classic side to consider is sautéed garlic green beans.

You just need to toss green beans in a pan with a bit of oil and minced garlic.

These beans add a bright green color and a garlicky punch that pairs beautifully with the chicken.

Sesame Garlic Vegetables

Experiment with sesame garlic vegetables to add a twist.

Use a mix of broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas, lightly sautéed with sesame oil and garlic.

Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for an extra touch.

Vermicelli Noodles

For something unique, try serving vermicelli noodles as a base.

Their thin structure makes them perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

Top the noodles with the crispy chicken and sprinkle some chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

For a surprising twist, roasted sweet potatoes make a great addition.

Simply cut them into cubes, toss with olive oil, sea salt, and a touch of paprika, and roast until golden.

Their natural sweetness complements the honey in the chicken while adding heartiness to your meal.

Variations and Substitutions

Adjusting Spice Levels

You can modify the spice level to suit your preference by adding more or fewer chili flakes.

If you love a bit of heat, throw in additional red pepper flakes.

For a milder version, just stick with the base amount or exclude them entirely.

Sweetness Alternatives

Honey is a star in this recipe, but if you’re out, try agave syrup or maple syrup for a unique twist.

Each offers a slightly different texture and flavor that can change up your dish.

You’ll find each brings its own special touch to the mix without drastic changes to the outcome.

Protein Swaps

For a different take, substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp.

These options work beautifully with the sauce.

This keeps things exciting and varied.

Sauce Thickness

If you find the sauce too thick or too thin, adjust the cornstarch amount.

A little more will thicken it up; reducing it will make it lighter.

A simple tweak can dramatically alter the sauce’s texture.

How to Store Leftover PF Chang’s Crispy Honey Chicken

Airtight Containers

When storing your leftover PF Chang’s Crispy Honey Chicken, an airtight container is essential to maintain freshness.

You want to place the chicken in these containers to prevent any moisture loss or absorption of other flavors.

It keeps the chicken tasting as delicious as the day you made it!

Refrigerate Promptly

Don’t leave your chicken sitting out too long.

You should refrigerate it ideally within 1.5 hours of cooking to maintain its quality.

This step helps in preserving the flavor and texture that makes this dish so amazing.

Freezer Storage

For long-term storage, freeze the chicken in a good-quality freezer bag.

Ensure you remove excess air and write the date on the bag to keep track of how long it’s been stored.

This way, your leftovers are convenient and ready to enjoy whenever you’re in the mood!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Insufficient Coating

When coating the chicken, make sure each piece is thoroughly covered with the mixture of cornstarch, corn flour, and egg whites.

This will give you that perfect crispy texture you’re aiming for!

If you skip this step or rush it, you might end up with a soggy and disappointing result.

Overcrowding the Pan

You’re probably excited to cook everything quickly, but packing too many chicken pieces in the pan can lower the oil temperature.

Lower temperature means your chicken might turn out oily instead of crispy.

Cook them in batches to ensure that golden, crispy perfection.

Sauce Timing

Timing is everything when it comes to adding the sauce to the chicken!

If you add it too early, the coating can become soggy.

Add the sauce just before serving to keep everything nice and crispy.