What is Honey Chicken Sauce Made Of? The 7 Essential Ingredients You Need

Are you craving that perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that make honey chicken so irresistible? I’ve been obsessed with recreating restaurant-quality honey chicken at home, and the secret is definitely in the sauce! Today, I’m breaking down exactly what honey chicken sauce is made of so you can create this delicious coating in your own kitchen.

Honey chicken sauce is that glossy sticky coating that transforms ordinary fried chicken into a mouthwatering dish that rivals your favorite takeout. It’s surprisingly simple to make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!

The 7 Key Ingredients in Honey Chicken Sauce

Here’s what gives honey chicken sauce its distinctive flavor and texture:

1. Honey – The star ingredient that provides natural sweetness and creates that signature sticky glaze
2. Soy Sauce – Adds saltiness and umami depth to balance the sweetness
3. Sesame Oil – Contributes a nutty, rich flavor that’s distinctively Asian
4. Vinegar (typically apple cider or rice vinegar) – Provides tanginess to balance the sweetness
5. Garlic – Enhances aroma and adds depth of flavor
6. Ginger – Brings a warm, spicy note (optional but recommended)
7. Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce to create that perfect glossy consistency

These ingredients work together to create that perfect balance of sweet, salty and tangy flavors that make honey chicken so addictive!

The Perfect Basic Honey Chicken Sauce Recipe

Let me share my go-to recipe that you can easily whip up at home:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil
2. Add minced garlic and grated ginger
3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it starts to simmer
4. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry
5. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce
6. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy
7. Remove from heat and your sauce is ready to use!

This makes about 3/4 cup of sauce, enough to coat about 1.5 pounds of crispy chicken pieces.

How To Use Honey Chicken Sauce

The most popular way to use this sauce is to toss it with crispy fried chicken pieces. Here’s how I make my honey chicken:

1. Cut boneless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces
2. Dip chicken pieces in beaten eggs seasoned with salt and pepper
3. Coat in a mixture of equal parts flour and cornstarch
4. Fry in hot oil (around 350°F) until golden and crispy
5. Toss the crispy chicken in the honey sauce until well coated
6. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve!

But don’t stop there! This versatile sauce can be used in so many ways:

• As a glaze for grilled chicken or salmon
• Drizzled over roasted vegetables
• As a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets or spring rolls
• Tossed with stir-fried vegetables
• Mixed into noodles or rice

Customizing Your Honey Chicken Sauce

One thing I love about making honey chicken sauce at home is how easy it is to customize! Here are some variations to try

Make it Spicy

Add a teaspoon of sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Make it Gluten-Free

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.

Different Sweeteners

Try maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile.

Add Citrus

A splash of orange or pineapple juice can add a fruity dimension.

Extra Aromatics

Add minced onion or lemongrass for additional flavor depth.

Tips for Perfect Honey Chicken Sauce

After making this sauce countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks:

• Use good quality honey – The flavor really matters here! I prefer a mild clover honey.
• Balance is key – Taste as you go and adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.
• Thickness matters – If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of water. If it’s too thin, mix a bit more cornstarch with water and stir it in.
• Fresh is best – Fresh garlic and ginger make a huge difference compared to powdered versions.
• Keep it warm – The sauce thickens as it cools, so keep it warm until ready to use.

Storing Leftover Honey Chicken Sauce

Made too much? No problem! Honey chicken sauce stores beautifully:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to thin it out.
• Freezer: Freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.

Why Make Honey Chicken Sauce at Home?

I used to always order honey chicken at restaurants like P.F. Chang’s, but making the sauce at home has so many benefits:

• Control the ingredients – Adjust sweetness, saltiness, and spice to your preference
• Avoid additives – Skip the preservatives and excessive sugar found in bottled sauces
• Save money – Make restaurant-quality dishes at a fraction of the cost
• Impress your family – Seriously, they’ll think you ordered takeout!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is honey chicken sauce the same as orange chicken sauce?

No, they’re similar but different. Honey chicken sauce relies primarily on honey for sweetness, while orange chicken sauce has a strong citrus flavor from orange juice or zest.

Is honey chicken sauce gluten-free?

Traditional honey chicken sauce contains soy sauce, which has gluten. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce.

How do I make the sauce less sweet?

Simply reduce the amount of honey and increase the soy sauce or vinegar slightly to maintain balance.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week and can be reheated when needed.

Perfect Pairings for Honey Chicken

To create a complete meal, I like to serve honey chicken with:

• Steamed white rice or fried rice
• Stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers
• Crispy egg rolls or dumplings
• Fresh cucumber salad for a cool contrast

For a lower-carb option, try serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

The Final Verdict

Once you know what honey chicken sauce is made of and how simple it is to prepare, you’ll never need to order takeout again! The combination of honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and aromatics creates that perfect balance of flavors that makes honey chicken so craveable.

What’s your favorite way to use honey chicken sauce? Do you have any special ingredients you add to make it your own? I’d love to hear your variations in the comments!