Grab For Eats If you’re craving the sweet and savory flavors of PF Chang’s Honey Chicken, you’re in for a treat! This dish, made famous by the popular restaurant chain, combines crispy, golden chicken with a luscious honey sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering, this PF Chang’s Honey Chicken Recipe will elevate your meal to new heights. It’s easy to make at home, and the result is just as delicious as what you’d get at the restaurant.
What is PF Chang’s?
PF Chang’s is a renowned restaurant chain specializing in Asian-inspired cuisine. Founded in 1993 in Scottsdale, Arizona, the restaurant quickly gained popularity for its modern take on traditional Chinese dishes. With its distinctive menu, chic décor, and exceptional service, PF Chang’s became a household name. Over the years, the restaurant has expanded worldwide, serving delicious dishes like Honey Chicken, Mongolian Beef, and Kung Pao Chicken.
PF Chang’s has earned its place in the hearts of food lovers thanks to its bold flavors and creative combinations. The Honey Chicken is one of its most beloved menu items, featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet, savory glaze. Now, you can bring this iconic dish into your kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe.
PF Chang’s Honey Chicken Recipe Ingredients: A Closer Look
To make this mouthwatering PF Chang’s Honey Chicken, you’ll need a few key ingredients, divided into four parts: the crispy chicken, the honey sauce, the slurry for thickening, and the garnish. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for each section:
Ingredients for the Crispy Chicken
- Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 ½ pounds): Chicken breasts are lean and provide a great source of protein, making them the perfect base for this dish. Cut them into 1-inch pieces for the ideal bite-sized portions.
- Cornstarch (1 cup): Cornstarch is essential for achieving a crispy, golden coating on the chicken. It’s a gluten-free option that makes the crust light and crunchy.
- Eggs (2 large): Eggs help bind the cornstarch to the chicken, creating a crispy layer that will hold up well during frying. They also add protein and richness to the dish.
- Canola Oil (5 cups): Used for frying, canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it ideal for crisping up the chicken without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt (½ tbsp): A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the chicken, giving it a savory balance to the sweet sauce.
- Black Pepper Powder (2 tsp): Black pepper adds a subtle heat that complements the sweet honey sauce.
Ingredients for the Honey Sauce
- Honey (½ cup): Honey is the star of this dish, providing a natural sweetness that’s rich and smooth. It’s packed with antioxidants and has a natural, mellow flavor.
- Toasted Sesame Oil (1 tbsp): This oil adds a deliciously nutty aroma that enhances the flavor of the honey sauce. It’s rich in healthy fats and has a unique, bold flavor.
- Rice Wine Vinegar (1 tbsp): This vinegar brings a touch of acidity, balancing the sweetness of the honey and enhancing the overall flavor of the sauce.
- Dark Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): Dark soy sauce adds depth and richness to the honey sauce, contributing a savory umami flavor and a darker color.
- Water (2 tbsp): Water helps thin the sauce to the right consistency, making it perfect for glazing the chicken.
Ingredients for the Cornstarch Slurry
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp): The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the honey sauce, giving it a glossy and velvety texture that coats the chicken perfectly.
- Water (2 tbsp): Water is used to dissolve the cornstarch, creating a smooth slurry that thickens the sauce as it cooks.
Garnish Ingredients
- Parsley (1 cup): Finely chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
- Green Onion (1 cup): Chopped green onion adds a mild, slightly spicy flavor and enhances the dish’s visual appeal with its vibrant green color.
Utensils Required to Make PF Chang’s Honey Chicken Recipe
To make the PF Chang’s Honey Chicken Recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- A large bowl for beating the eggs
- A deep frying pan or wok for frying the chicken
- A small bowl for mixing the slurry
- A separate pan for making the sauce
- A slotted spoon for removing the chicken from the oil
- A serving plate for plating the chicken
Best Side Dishes to Serve With PF Chang’s Honey Chicken Recipe
No meal is complete without the perfect side dishes. Here are some tasty options that pair wonderfully with PF Chang’s Honey Chicken:
White Rice: Simple and classic, white rice is the perfect side to soak up the sweet and savory honey sauce.
Cornbread: The rich, slightly sweet flavor of cornbread complements the honey chicken, adding a comforting touch to your meal. Give this Paula Deen Cornbread recipe a try!
Pasta: For a twist on the traditional, serve the honey chicken alongside some pasta. Its mild flavor won’t compete with the boldness of the chicken.
Fried Rice: Take your meal to the next level by pairing the honey chicken with fried rice. The savory flavors of the rice complement the sweetness of the chicken perfectly.
Vegetable Salad: A fresh, crunchy vegetable salad adds a healthy and refreshing contrast to the rich, crispy chicken.
Toasted Veggies: Lightly toasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, make a great side dish that balances out the richness of the honey chicken.
Spicy Peanut Noodles: If you love a bit of spice, try serving the honey chicken with spicy peanut noodles. The heat from the noodles pairs well with the sweetness of the honey sauce.
Egg Fried Rice: For a more indulgent side, egg fried rice is always a winner. Its savory flavors are a perfect complement to the sweet honey chicken.
Special Occasions for PF Chang’s Honey Chicken Recipe
This PF Chang’s Honey Chicken Recipe is perfect for a variety of occasions:
- Weeknight dinners: Make a quick and flavorful meal that the whole family will love.
- Celebrations: Serve it at birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion to impress your guests.
- Holiday meals: Make it part of your holiday feast, whether it’s Christmas, New Year’s, or another festive gathering.
- Casual get-togethers: This dish is great for casual dinner parties or family gatherings, where everyone can enjoy a tasty meal together.
Fun and Easy to Make PF Chang’s Honey Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- deep frying pan or wok for frying the chicken
- Small bowl for mixing the slurry
- Pan for making the sauce
- Slotted Spoon
- serving plate
Ingredients
For PF Chang’s Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breasts boneless
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs Large
- 5 cups canola oil
- ½ tbsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper powder
For Honey Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp dark soya sauce
- 2 tbsp water
For Cornstarch Slurry
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
For Chicken Garnish
- 1 cup parsley
- 1 cup green onion
Instructions
For PF Chang’s Honey Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken Coating: In a small bowl, beat the eggs and mix them with salt and black pepper. Coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch, dip them into the egg mixture, then dredge them once more in cornstarch to ensure an even, crispy coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the canola oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and drain on paper towels.
For PF Chang’s Honey Sauce
- Make the Honey Sauce: In a separate pan, warm the toasted sesame oil over medium heat. Add the honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and water, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens to a glossy consistency.
For PF Chang’s Honey Chicken
- Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Once the sauce is thickened, add the fried chicken pieces to the pan and toss them gently until they are evenly coated in the honey sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the honey chicken to a serving plate and garnish with chopped parsley and green onion. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips
- Double coat the chicken: For extra crispiness, be sure to coat the chicken pieces twice in cornstarch—once before dipping them in the egg mixture and again after.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure it crisps up evenly. Overcrowding the pan can result in soggy chicken.
- Adjust the sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reach the desired consistency.
Nutrition
The Wrap Up: Enjoy Your Homemade PF Chang’s Honey Chicken
With this PF Chang’s Honey Chicken Recipe, you can bring the flavors of the restaurant right to your kitchen. It’s a perfect dish for any occasion, from casual dinners to special celebrations. The combination of crispy chicken and sweet, savory honey sauce is sure to delight your taste buds, making this recipe a new family favorite.
