Why This Honey Walnut Chicken Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

Why This Honey Walnut Chicken Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

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• Author: Laura HRecipes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This honey walnut chicken is a Chinese-American favorite featuring crispy golden chicken coated in a creamy honey glaze and topped with crunchy candied walnuts. It’s easy to adapt for dairy-free, air-fried, or lighter versions without losing the comforting balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

500g boneless chicken breast, cut into 2 cm cubes

120g walnut halves

3 Tbsp honey (divided)

2 Tbsp soy sauce (divided)

60g mayonnaise

60ml sweetened condensed milk

1 egg white

80g cornstarch

1/2 tsp sea salt

250ml neutral oil (peanut or canola)

240ml water

2 Tbsp sugar

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Instructions

1. Simmer water and sugar in a small pan, add walnuts, boil 2 minutes, then drain and dry.

2. Warm 2 Tbsp honey in a pan over medium heat; stir in walnuts for 3 minutes until glossy. Cool on parchment paper.

3. Toss chicken with egg white, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, and salt. Let rest for 10 minutes.

4. Dredge chicken in cornstarch and shake off excess.

5. Heat oil to 180°C. Fry chicken in batches for 3 minutes per side or until golden. Drain on a wire rack.

6. Whisk mayonnaise, condensed milk, 1 Tbsp honey, and 1 Tbsp soy sauce in a bowl.

7. Gently heat sauce in a wok until steaming, not boiling. Add fried chicken and fold to coat.

8. Add half the walnuts and toss. Plate and top with remaining walnuts and green onions.

Notes

To make it dairy-free, use coconut cream with a touch of maple syrup.

For lower sugar, reduce honey and use unsweetened condensed milk.

Try air-frying the chicken at 200°C for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Few dishes hit the sweet-meets-savory spot quite as perfectly as honey walnut chicken. This Chinese-American classic pairs crispy golden chicken with a glossy, creamy honey glaze and crunchy candied walnuts. The result is an irresistible balance of texture and flavor that keeps you reaching for “just one more” bite-until the plate is empty.

In this long-form guide you will learn exactly why the recipe is so beloved, how to make it step by step, and how to adapt it to your own kitchen. By the end, you will be ready to cook a version that tastes better than take-out while suiting your dietary preferences. Let’s dive in!

What Is Honey Walnut Chicken and Why Everyone Loves It

A brief history of a Chinese-American icon

Honey walnut chicken emerged in the 1980s when Chinese chefs in California began tailoring Cantonese flavors to American palates. They took the traditional candied-walnut garnish used in shrimp dishes and paired it with battered chicken, then mellowed the sauce with sweetened condensed milk. Consequently, the recipe spread quickly through West-Coast restaurants and, later, national chains such as Panda Express.

If you’re exploring other Chinese-American comfort dishes, this subgum wonton soup is a warming, ingredient-packed bowl you’ll want to try next.

The flavor profile that wins hearts

1. Sweet notes from floral honey balance the savory soy sauce.
2. Creamy richness from mayonnaise or condensed milk softens any sharp edges.
3. Crunchy walnuts add earthy depth and a satisfying bite.
4. Crispy chicken delivers the essential contrast that keeps each mouthful exciting.

Moreover, every element is easy to customize, which means home cooks can tweak sweetness, crunch, or creaminess without losing the soul of the dish.

How it compares to similar classics

• Orange chicken is bright and citrusy, whereas honey walnut chicken is mellow and nutty.
• Sesame chicken uses toasted seeds for crunch, but walnuts lend a buttery flavor that sesame lacks.
• General Tso’s leans spicy; honey walnut chicken stays mild unless you add heat intentionally.

Because of these differences, many diners who find orange chicken too tart or General Tso’s too fiery discover honey walnut chicken as the perfect middle ground.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Honey Walnut Chicken

Core Ingredients for Crispy Honey Walnut Chicken (serves 4)

Healthy or Dairy-Free Honey Walnut Chicken Variations

• Dairy-free: use coconut cream combined with a touch of maple syrup in place of condensed milk.
• Lower sugar: cut the honey amount in half and opt for unsweetened condensed milk.
• Extra crunch: sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the dish right before serving.
• Air-fryer method: spray battered chicken with oil and cook at 200 °C for 10 minutes, flipping once.

Where to find everything

1. Pantry staples such as honey, cornstarch, and soy sauce sit in most supermarkets.
2. Asian grocery stores often carry Kikkoman soy sauce, rice flour, and high-quality walnuts at better prices.
3. Online retailers ship condensed milk alternatives-useful if you need a lactose-free option.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Honey Walnut Chicken

Pro tip: Read through the entire method before you start cooking. That way, every component comes together smoothly.

1. Prepare the candied walnuts

1. Boil & drain:
   • Simmer 240 ml of water with 2 tablespoons of sugar until the mixture is gently bubbling.
   • Add walnuts; boil for 2 minutes to remove bitterness.
   • Drain and pat dry.
2. Caramelize:
   • Place 2 tablespoons of honey in a small pan and warm over medium heat until it gently simmers.
   • Toss walnuts for 3 minutes until glossy.
3. Cool:
   • Lay the walnuts on a sheet of parchment paper to keep them from clumping together.
   • Place the walnuts in a single layer on parchment paper so they cool without sticking.

2. Achieve crispy chicken perfection

1. Marinate quickly:
   • Toss the chicken cubes with egg white, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt until evenly coated.
   • Rest for 10 minutes; meanwhile heat oil to 180 °C.
2. Coat evenly:
   • Dredge chicken in cornstarch, shaking off excess.
3. Fry in batches:
   • Lower coated pieces into hot oil.
   • Cook the chicken in hot oil for 3 minutes, flip, then continue frying for another 2 minutes until golden and crisp.
   • Transfer to a rack; this prevents sogginess.

Why cornstarch? It delivers a light, crisp coating that’s thinner than wheat flour, making the dish feel less heavy.

New to deep frying? Get familiar with deep frying at home through this easy guide covering safety practices and oil temperature tips.

3. Create the creamy honey sauce magic

1. Whisk base:
   • Whisk together mayonnaise, condensed milk, the rest of the honey, and one tablespoon of soy sauce in a bowl.
2. Warm gently:
   • Pour mixture into a wok over low heat.
   • Stir gently over low heat just until it starts to steam-avoid boiling to keep the sauce from separating.
3. Toss & coat:
   • Add fried chicken.
   • Fold quickly until every piece gleams.
   • Add half of the candied walnuts to the sauce, saving the rest to use as a finishing touch.

Want to explore more sauce creations? Discover these five pasta sauces that perfectly blend creamy, savory, and sweet notes.

4. Assemble and serve

1. Plate over rice or alongside steamed broccoli.
2. Top with remaining walnuts plus sliced green onions.
3. Serve immediately while the chicken stays crunchy.

Tips to Customize and Serve It Like a Pro

Lighter and dairy-free options you can try

• Using an air fryer instead of deep-frying reduces oil use significantly while keeping the chicken crispy.
• Use plain Greek yogurt in place of mayo for a protein-packed alternative with a tangy edge.
• Blend coconut cream with a touch of agave syrup to create a smooth, plant-based alternative.

Ideal sides and serving suggestions

1. Starch bases
   • Fluffy jasmine rice makes a classic foundation
   • Use quinoa for a protein-rich, fiber-filled base
   • Riced cauliflower offers a low-carb foundation that pairs nicely with rich or tangy sauces.
2. Vegetable add-ons
   • Snow peas cooked briefly with garlic bring a crisp bite and fresh flavor to the dish.
   • Tender bok choy sautéed with ginger and a drizzle of sesame oil adds bold, earthy notes.
   • A bright, shredded veggie slaw adds vibrant color and a refreshing crunch on the side.
   • Looking for an easy, creamy veggie? This 3-ingredient creamed spinach makes a quick and cozy pairing for your chicken.
3. Beverage pairings
   • Iced green tea with no added sugar cuts through the creamy glaze beautifully
   • Chilled sparkling water and a splash of lime make a crisp, clean sip

Craving a refreshing appetizer? This best Scungilli salad recipe adds bright acidity and seafood depth-perfect before you dig into honey walnut chicken.

Presentation pointers

• Serve the chicken in a wide dish and lightly spoon extra honey over the top for a glossy finish
• Sprinkle with chopped chives or scallions to add a pop of green
• Use a large platter and let guests help themselves to chicken and sauce-sharing this way makes the meal feel more festive and personal

FAQs About Honey Walnut Chicken (Answered!)

Final thoughts

Because honey walnut chicken delivers a comforting mix of sweet glaze, creamy sauce, and nutty crunch, it satisfies on every level. Add the fact that you can adapt the method to an air-fryer, tweak the sweetness, or boost nutrition with yogurt, and you have a dish that fits almost any table. Try it this week-after one bite you will understand exactly why it becomes everyone’s new favorite.

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