Crispy Honey Chicken – Easy PF Chang’s Copycat

There's something about that sticky-sweet, crispy chicken from PF Chang's that just hits the spot. I remember the first time I had it after a long day of hiking – that crunch and honey glaze was pure comfort. Problem is, takeout can be pricey and sometimes you want it without leaving your kitchen.

So I set out to recreate that magic at home. This recipe delivers perfectly crispy chicken pieces coated in a glossy honey sauce that clings to every bite. It's surprisingly simple and uses ingredients you probably already have.

Whether you're feeding a hungry family or just craving some serious comfort food, this copycat is about to become a favorite. Let's fire up the stove and get cooking!

About the Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs (680g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

Thighs stay juicier than breasts. You can use breasts but they'll be drier – adjust cooking time.

1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch

Cornstarch gives the crispiest coating. You can substitute potato starch.

1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour

All-purpose flour helps the coating stick. Gluten-free blend works too.

1 teaspoon salt

Fine sea salt preferred. Kosher salt may need adjusting.

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Freshly ground is best.

2 large eggs, beaten

Eggs help the flour mixture adhere. Use a flax egg for an egg-free version.

1/2 cup (120ml) honey

Use pure honey. If it's too thick, warm it slightly.

1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce

Low-sodium soy sauce to control salt. Tamari for gluten-free.

1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar

Rice vinegar is milder. Apple cider vinegar can be substituted.

2 tablespoons ketchup

Adds color and tang. Substitute tomato paste mixed with a little water.

1 tablespoon brown sugar

Light or dark brown sugar. Adds depth.

2 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic is essential. Garlic powder in a pinch – use 1/2 teaspoon.

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Toast sesame oil for flavor. Can omit if needed.

Vegetable oil for frying

Peanut or canola oil works well due to high smoke point.

Tips & Tricks

Don't overcrowd the pan

Fry chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature and get even crispiness.

Double coat for extra crunch

Dip chicken in egg, then flour, then egg again, then flour – this creates a thicker crust.

Keep sauce on low

When tossing the chicken with sauce, keep it on low heat to prevent the sauce from burning and turning bitter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. Set aside.

2. Prep the coating

In a shallow dish, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. In another dish, beat the eggs.

3. Coat the chicken

Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat. Shake off excess. Place on a plate.

4. Heat the oil

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 1 inch of oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain temperature.

5. Fry the chicken

Carefully add chicken pieces in a single layer, not overcrowding. Fry for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Drain on paper towels.

6. Cook the sauce

In a separate pan over medium heat, add the sauce mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.

7. Toss and serve

Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Delicious Variations

Spicy

Add 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Orange twist

Replace honey with orange marmalade and add orange zest for a citrusy version.

Gluten-free

Use tamari and a gluten-free flour blend.

How to Store Crispy Honey Chicken (PF Chang's Copycat)

Frequently Asked Questions

Get out there and explore – your kitchen is just the start of the adventure. Whip up this dish and enjoy a taste of takeout without the delivery fee!

Crispy Honey Chicken (PF Chang's Copycat)

Make PF Chang's crispy honey chicken at home with this easy, sweet, and sticky recipe that's better than takeout.

★★★★½ 4.8 (234 ratings)

15 minPrep time35 minCook time4Servings580 kcalCalories

Print RecipePin Recipe

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs (680g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup (120ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Vegetable oil for frying

📋 Instructions

1. 1Mix the sauce — In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. Set aside.
2. 2Prep the coating — In a shallow dish, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. In another dish, beat the eggs.
3. 3Coat the chicken — Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat. Shake off excess. Place on a plate.
4. 4Heat the oil — In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 1 inch of oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain temperature.
5. 5Fry the chicken — Carefully add chicken pieces in a single layer, not overcrowding. Fry for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Drain on paper towels.
6. 6Cook the sauce — In a separate pan over medium heat, add the sauce mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
7. 7Toss and serve — Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For the best texture, serve immediately after tossing with sauce. The crispiness fades as it sits.

Servings: 4

Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Course: Main Course

Nutrition (per serving): 580 kcal · 35g protein · 58g carbs · 25g fat

Written by Liam O'Brien

Liam writes about outdoor adventure and gear, focusing on budget-friendly options and safety. He tests equipment in real conditions and shares honest assessments for hikers and campers.