What To Know
- Can honey chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey sauce.
- The exact origins of can honey chicken are unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century.
- Can honey chicken Bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey sauce .
Can honey chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey sauce. The chicken is typically fried until crispy and then tossed in a sauce made with honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and other seasonings. It is often served with white rice or noodles.
History of Can Honey Chicken
The exact origins of can honey chicken are unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The dish became popular in Chinese restaurants in the 1950s and 1960s, and it has since become a staple of Chinese-American cuisine.
Ingredients in Can Honey Chicken
The main ingredients in can honey chicken are:
- Chicken breast
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetable oil
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar
- Garlic
- Ginger
How to Make Can Honey Chicken
Making can honey chicken is relatively easy. Here are the steps:
1. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain it on paper towels.
7. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
8. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
9. Add the chicken pieces to the sauce and cook until they are evenly coated.
10. Serve the can honey chicken over white rice or noodles.
Variations on Can Honey Chicken
There are many variations on can honey chicken, including:
- Spicy can honey chicken: Add chili peppers or Sriracha sauce to the honey sauce for a spicy kick.
- Sesame can honey chicken: Add sesame seeds to the honey sauce for a nutty flavor.
- Orange can honey chicken: Add orange juice or zest to the honey sauce for a citrusy flavor.
- Pineapple can honey chicken: Add pineapple chunks to the honey sauce for a tropical flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Can Honey Chicken
Here are some tips for making the best can honey chicken:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results.
- Make sure the chicken pieces are evenly coated in the flour mixture before frying.
- Fry the chicken pieces in hot oil to prevent them from becoming greasy.
- Don’t overcook the chicken, or it will become tough.
- Simmer the honey sauce until it thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
- Serve the can honey chicken immediately for the best flavor.
Health Benefits of Can Honey Chicken
Can honey chicken is not particularly healthy, but it can be a good source of protein and energy. The honey in the sauce can provide some antioxidants, and the garlic and ginger can help to boost the immune system.
Can Honey Chicken vs. Other Chinese-American Dishes
Can honey chicken is one of the most popular Chinese-American dishes, but there are many other delicious options to choose from. Here is a comparison of can honey chicken to some other popular dishes:
| Dish | Description |
| — | — |
| Can honey chicken | Bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey sauce |
| General Tso’s chicken | Bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce |
| Sesame chicken | Bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce |
| Orange chicken | Bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a sweet and citrusy orange sauce |
| Kung Pao chicken | Bite-sized pieces of chicken stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and a spicy sauce |
Takeaways
Can honey chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your own taste preferences. Whether you like it spicy, sweet, or savory, there is a can honey chicken recipe out there for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to cook can honey chicken?
A: The best way to cook can honey chicken is to fry it in hot oil until it is golden brown and crispy.
Q: What is the best sauce for can honey chicken?
A: The best sauce for can honey chicken is a sweet and savory sauce made with honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
Q: What can I serve with can honey chicken?
A: Can honey chicken can be served with white rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Q: Can I make can honey chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make can honey chicken ahead of time and reheat it when you are ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze can honey chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze can honey chicken for up to 3 months.
