Honey Walnut Chicken is a delectable fusion of sweet and savory flavors, making it a popular dish in both Asian and Western cuisines. This dish typically features tender pieces of chicken that are lightly breaded and fried to a golden-brown perfection. The star of the dish, however, is the unique sauce that blends the natural sweetness of honey with the earthy richness of walnuts. This combination creates a tantalizing glaze that coats the chicken, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
In addition to the honey and walnuts, ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and sometimes ginger are added to enhance the complexity of the dish. These elements introduce a depth of flavor that balances the sweetness with a subtle savory touch. Honey Walnut Chicken is often garnished with scallions or sesame seeds, adding a fresh and nutty finish.
Honey Walnut Chicken is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visually appealing dish. The glossy glaze gives the chicken a lustrous sheen, while the walnuts add an appealing crunch. This dish is versatile and can be served as a main course with rice or noodles, or as a part of a larger feast, showcasing its ability to harmonize with other flavors. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, Honey Walnut Chicken is a delightful choice that combines simple ingredients to create an extraordinary culinary experience.
Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Course
Main Course
Cuisine
Asian
Servings
3 persons
Ingredients for Honey Walnut Chicken
Chicken
1 lb (about 450 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Marinade
1 egg white
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (optional)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
For the Walnut
1 cup (about 100 grams) walnut halves
1 cup water
½ cup granulated sugar
For the Sauce
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Batter
½ cup cornstarch
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ cup water
1 egg
Pinch of salt
For Frying
Vegetable oil for deep frying
Garnish (optional)
Sesame seeds
Thinly sliced green onions
How to make Honey Walnut Chicken
Preparing the Walnuts
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and ½ cup of sugar. Bring it to a boil.
Add the walnut halves to the boiling syrup, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 2 minutes.
Drain the walnuts and place them on a baking sheet to dry.
Marinating the Chicken
In a bowl, combine 1 egg white, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), and 2 teaspoons cornstarch.
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
Preparing the Batter
In a separate bowl, mix ½ cup cornstarch, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ cup water, 1 egg, and a pinch of salt to create a batter.
Frying the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pan.
Dip the marinated chicken pieces in the batter and then carefully place them in the hot oil.
Fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Making the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
Combining Chicken and Walnuts
In a large bowl, toss the fried chicken with the honey sauce until evenly coated.
Add the candied walnuts to the walnut honey chicken mixture and gently toss again.
Garnishing
Garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions, if desired.
What to serve with Honey Walnut Chicken?
Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice: The subtle fragrance and light texture of jasmine or basmati rice make it an ideal canvas for the bold flavors of Honey Walnut Chicken.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Opt for a mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots. Stir-frying them in a bit of garlic and soy sauce adds a savory contrast to the sweet and nutty taste of the walnut honey chicken.
Chow Mein Noodles: These classic Chinese-style noodles, stir-fried with a hint of sesame oil and mixed with fresh vegetables, offer a delightful textural contrast to the crispy chicken.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar, a touch of sugar, and sesame seeds can cleanse the palate and balance the richness of the honey walnut chicken recipe.
Fried Rice: A side of fried rice, loaded with veggies, eggs, and a light seasoning, can transform your meal into a hearty feast.
Spring Rolls or Egg Rolls: Serve these as an appetizer or side. Their crispy exterior and vegetable filling are a perfect match for the tender, flavorful chicken.
Sauteed Greens: Simple sautéed greens like bok choy, spinach, or kale, flavored with garlic, provide a healthy and earthy complement.
Mantou (Chinese Steamed Buns): These soft, fluffy buns are great for soaking up the extra sauce and add a traditional touch to your meal.
Asian Coleslaw: A slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing can add a crunchy and tangy element, balancing the sweet aspects of the dish.
Fruit Salad: End the meal with a fresh fruit salad, featuring fruits like pineapple, mango, and lychee, to complement the sweet notes of the dish.
Tips for making Honey Walnut Chicken
Quality of Chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts or thighs. They should be tender and juicy for the best result in your chicken with honey walnut dish.
Marinating is Key: Allow ample time for the chicken to marinate. This step ensures that the chicken absorbs the flavors and tenderizes, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish.
Balancing the Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness of the sauce according to your preference. Remember, the balance of sweet and savory is crucial in an easy honey walnut chicken recipe.
Consistency of the Batter: Ensure the batter is neither too thick nor too thin. A perfect batter consistency helps in achieving a crispy coating on the chicken.
Candying the Walnuts: Don’t rush the candying process of the walnuts. Properly candied walnuts add a delightful crunch and sweetness to the chicken with honey walnuts.
Frying Technique: Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps in achieving a uniform golden-brown color and crispiness.
Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a consistent medium-high temperature. Too hot, and the chicken will burn; too low, and it will absorb excess oil.
Drain Excess Oil: After frying, drain the chicken on paper towels to remove any excess oil, keeping the dish lighter and crisper.
Tossing the Chicken with Sauce: Toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving to maintain its crispness. Over-soaking can make the coating soggy.
Garnishing: Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an added flavor and a visually appealing finish.
Serving Immediately: Serve the dish immediately after preparing for the best texture and taste. The honey walnut sauce is most flavorful when fresh.
Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the dish for a more balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ’s
Honey Walnut Chicken is a popular Asian-inspired dish that features crispy, battered chicken pieces coated in a sweet and creamy sauce made from honey and condensed milk, combined with candied walnuts. It’s known for its delightful balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures.
Yes! For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying. Use a light batter or breadcrumb coating, and bake until crispy. Also, consider using low-fat mayonnaise and less sugar for the sauce and walnuts.
No, this dish is not suitable for those with nut allergies due to the essential use of walnuts. However, you can try making the dish without walnuts, focusing more on the honey-flavored chicken.
Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a light salad complement Honey Walnut Chicken well by balancing its rich flavors. Light noodle dishes also pair nicely for a more filling meal.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a microwave or oven until thoroughly warm. Note that the chicken may lose some of its crispiness upon reheating.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Honey Walnut Chicken stands out as a remarkable culinary delight, masterfully blending the sweet allure of honey with the earthy crunch of walnuts. This dish epitomizes the harmony of flavors – the tender, crispy chicken serves as a perfect canvas for the rich, glossy sauce that tantalizes the taste buds with every bite.
Ideal for both special occasions and everyday meals, it offers a versatile option for those seeking to explore the fusion of Asian-inspired flavors with a touch of western influence. Its ease of preparation and ability to pair with various side dishes makes it a favored choice in home kitchens. The enduring popularity of Honey Walnut Chicken is a testament to its delightful taste and the joy it brings to dining tables worldwide.
