Name: Honey Walnut Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 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, for deep frying; 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; Sesame seeds, to garnish; Chives, to garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 61 reviews

If you have ever craved that perfect balance of sweet and savory, the Honey Walnut Chicken Recipe is your new go-to dish. Picture crispy, tender chicken cubes enveloped in a luscious honey-soy glaze, studded with crunchy toasted walnuts that add the perfect nutty crunch. This popular Chinese-inspired recipe is surprisingly simple to make at home and brings the magic of takeout straight to your table. Each bite offers a delightful harmony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds, making it an absolute family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl lined with brown parchment paper holds many small pieces of raw chicken, pale pink and slightly glossy. Around this bowl are small white dishes and clear glass bowls containing various ingredients: a white powdery flour, a bowl of mixed spices in red, light brown, pale yellow, dark brown, and black, walnut halves in a white bowl, white sesame seeds in a clear bowl, reddish-orange chili flakes, a thick golden honey-like liquid, a pale yellow oil, a clear measuring cup with a cloudy white liquid, and a dark brown soy sauce in a small white bowl. All of this rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Honey Walnut Chicken Recipe lies in its blend of simple yet essential ingredients, each carefully contributing to the dish’s irresistible flavor, crispiness, and vibrant color. With pantry staples like all-purpose flour and buttermilk to keep the chicken tender and crispy, and a sauce made from honey and soy sauce for that perfect sweet-savory glaze, these ingredients make the cooking process straightforward and fun.

Chicken breast (1 ½ lb, cut into 1-inch cubes): Choose fresh, boneless chicken for juicy, tender pieces.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides the perfect coating for fluffy, crispy chicken.
Red chili powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick to balance the sweetness.
Ground coriander (½ teaspoon): Offers a hint of citrusy warmth that complements the sauce.
Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances savory depth without overpowering.
Ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Lends a mild spiciness to each bite.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Brings all flavors to life.
Buttermilk (1 cup): Keeps the chicken moist and tender while providing a tangy counterpoint.
Vegetable oil: Ideal for deep frying to golden, crispy perfection.
Honey (½ cup): The star sweetener offering natural richness and shine.
Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Adds an umami kick and saltiness to the sauce.
Water (3 tablespoons): Balances sauce thickness and flavor intensity.
Rice wine vinegar (2 tablespoons): Brings a gentle tang to cut through sweetness.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon + 1 tablespoon water): Creates the perfect glossy, thickened sauce.
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Provides nutty aroma and depth to the sauce.
Walnuts (1 cup, toasted): Crunchy and nutty, they add texture and a wonderful contrast.
Sesame seeds (for garnish): Add a subtle crunch and pretty finishing touch.
Chives (for garnish): Fresh and mild onion flavor to brighten the dish.

How to Make Honey Walnut Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Coating Mixture

Start by combining the all-purpose flour with red chili powder, ground coriander, onion powder, black pepper, and salt in a medium bowl. This spice mixture will give the chicken a flavorful crust that’s packed with subtle heat and aromatic notes once fried.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Pieces

Take each chicken cube and dredge it first in the flour-spice mixture. Then, dunk it into the buttermilk for moisture and tenderizing magic. After that, press the pieces back into the flour mixture to ensure every nook and cranny is coated for that perfect crispy bite. This double coating step is essential for a light yet crunchy texture.

Step 3: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to the right frying temperature. Cook the chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding, until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Once fried, drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil, keeping the pieces crisp and light.

Step 4: Make the Honey Walnut Sauce

While the chicken is cooling, combine honey, soy sauce, water, and rice wine vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Mix cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce to thicken it up. Finish by stirring in sesame oil for an irresistible aroma.

Step 5: Toss the Chicken in Sauce and Walnuts

Place your crispy fried chicken in a large bowl and pour the luscious sauce over it. Add the toasted walnuts and gently toss everything together until every piece is perfectly coated with the shiny, flavorful glaze. The walnuts add a wonderful crunch and nutty contrast that elevates this dish beyond ordinary.

How to Serve Honey Walnut Chicken Recipe

A white bowl filled with many small, golden brown pieces of chicken coated in a shiny, sticky sauce. On top of and mixed in with the chicken are light brown walnut halves, white sesame seeds sprinkled all over, and small pieces of chopped green onion. A woman's hand holding two dark brown chopsticks is picking up one piece of chicken near the center. The background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped chives over the honey walnut chicken for a stunning presentation. The sesame seeds add a satisfying crunch while the chives bring a fresh, mild onion flavor that balances the sweet sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines alongside simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy fried rice, which soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. Pair it with a crisp cucumber salad or sautéed bok choy for a refreshing contrast and a complete meal that feels special yet familiar.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Honey Walnut Chicken Recipe in lettuce cups for a light and handheld option. Alternatively, arrange the chicken over a bed of stir-fried noodles or quinoa to add texture and variety. Garnish with edible flowers or extra toasted walnuts for an elegant touch at dinner gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover honey walnut chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a convenient and tasty lunch or dinner option when you’re short on time.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken separately before tossing it in sauce to maintain the best texture. Store pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist, and toss in fresh walnuts if desired to maintain crunch. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crispiness of the coating.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts besides walnuts?

Absolutely! While walnuts are traditional for this recipe, pecans or cashews can be excellent substitutes. Each nut brings its own unique texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment.

Is it necessary to deep fry the chicken?

Deep frying ensures the chicken is ultra-crispy, but you can also bake or air fry the pieces for a lighter version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and make sure to coat the chicken well for maximum crunch.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Warm it gently before tossing with the fried chicken to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.

What type of honey works best in this recipe?

Use a mild, runny honey like clover honey for the best balance of sweetness without overpowering other flavors. Avoid very strong or dark honeys, which can dominate the taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. You can substitute with gluten-free flour blends for the coating and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free to make this dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Honey Walnut Chicken Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic that combines crispy textures, sweet and savory sauces, and nutty crunch in every bite. It’s perfect for weekday dinners or when you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy making this tasty dish a new family favorite.