Quick Answer
PF Chang’s honey chicken has a sweet and savory flavor profile. The chicken is lightly breaded and fried until crispy on the outside, then tossed in a sticky, rich honey sauce. The honey sauce adds a nice balance of sweetness to complement the salty, umami flavors of the fried chicken and other ingredients like soy sauce and sesame. Overall, the honey chicken tastes like a gourmet version of a typical Chinese takeout dish.
Ingredients in PF Chang’s Honey Chicken
The main ingredients in PF Chang’s honey chicken include:
- Chicken breast – typically cut into bite-sized pieces, seasoned, dredged in a light batter and fried until crispy and golden brown.
- Honey – adds sweetness and stickiness to the sauce.
- Soy sauce – provides saltiness and savory umami flavor.
- Rice vinegar – adds a subtle tanginess.
- Sesame oil – has a robust, nutty aroma and flavor.
- Ginger – gives a subtle spicy kick.
- Garlic – provides aromatic flavor.
- Onions – add savory depth.
- Sesame seeds – toasted sesame seeds finish the dish with added crunch and nuttiness.
The combination of these ingredients is what gives PF Chang’s honey chicken its signature taste and texture.
Description of the Taste and Texture
Here is a more detailed description of the honey chicken’s taste and texture:
Chicken
The chicken is breaded in a light, crispy batter and fried. The exterior of the chicken has a delicate crunch and crispy texture. The interior of the chicken remains juicy and tender. The chicken has been seasoned with salt and pepper prior to breading to add flavor.
Sauce
The sauce is a glossy amber color and has a nice sticky texture that clings to the chicken. It strikes a delicious balance of sweet and salty flavors. The honey adds a robust, almost caramel-like sweetness that coats your mouth. There’s also a slight tang from the rice vinegar. The sauce has an undertone of garlic, ginger and onion that adds aromatic depth without overpowering the other flavors. The sauce penetrates into the crispy exterior of the chicken to flavor it.
Sesame Seeds
Scattered toasted white sesame seeds provide little bursts of nuttiness that complement the sauce nicely. They add a decorative crunch and textural contrast against the tender chicken and sticky sauce.
Overall Flavor
Every bite of PF Chang’s honey chicken has a complex, intermingling blend of flavors and textures. The crispy, seasoned chicken offers savory flavors. The sweet, salty, tangy sauce coats your mouth. The sesame seeds provide nutty contrast. The flavors are well-balanced, with no single taste overwhelming the others. Every component complements the rest.
How PF Chang’s Prepares the Dish
PF Chang’s prep cooks go through several steps to prepare the signature honey chicken:
- Cut chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and season with salt and pepper.
- Place seasoned flour, corn starch, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Whisk to combine. This is the batter.
- Dip chicken pieces into the batter to lightly coat.
- Fry coated chicken in 350°F oil until crispy and golden brown.
- Drain excess oil from fried chicken on paper towels.
- In a large wok or skillet, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and onions. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add fried chicken pieces to pan with sauce. Toss chicken to coat thoroughly in sauce.
- Remove chicken from pan and arrange on serving platter.
- Garnish chicken with sesame seeds to finish.
Using high heat from the wok and batter frying ensures the chicken gets ultra crispy on the outside while staying moist inside. Tossing the sauced chicken at the end prevents it from getting soggy. The sauce ingredients are carefully balanced through testing and adjustments by PF Chang’s chefs.
Serving Suggestions
PF Chang’s honey chicken is often served as an appetizer or side dish to share. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Enjoy the honey chicken by itself as an appetizer, dipping the pieces in the extra sauce.
- Pair it with a salad or milder dish to balance the flavors.
- Serve it alongside fried rice or lo mein noodles.
- Offer it as part of a shared appetizer sampler platter.
- Use it as a protein topping for salads or rice bowls.
- Stir some into plain white rice to liven it up.
The honey chicken pairs well with a light, crisp beer like a lager or pale ale. The carbonation and mild flavors help cleanse the palate between bites of the flavorful chicken.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for a standard serving of PF Chang’s honey chicken:
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 760 |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 36g |
| Sodium | 1810mg |
As you can see, a serving provides a hefty dose of calories, carbs, protein and fat so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. Those watching their sodium intake should also take note of the high salt content.
Cost
PF Chang’s honey chicken is one of the more affordable appetizer options at around $12-$14 for a full order, depending on location. Smaller side portions may also be available for $5-$7. Considering the large serving size and complex flavors, this can be a cost-effective way to indulge in gourmet Chinese cuisine. It works well as a meal to split amongst 2-3 people.
Comparison to Other Popular Chinese Chicken Dishes
PF Chang’s honey chicken has some similarities to other popular Chinese chicken dishes like orange chicken and General Tso’s chicken in that it features crispy fried chicken in a sweet sauce. However, there are some important differences:
Vs. Orange Chicken
- Orange chicken uses an orange sauce instead of honey.
- The orange sauce has more citrus flavors.
- Honey chicken sauce is a bit thicker and stickier.
Vs. General Tso’s Chicken
- General Tso’s chicken is typically spicier with chili peppers.
- It also includes vegetables like broccoli and carrots.
- The honey chicken sauce is sweeter.
While the flavors vary, all three dishes utilize crispy fried chicken and tangy sauce to provide a mix of savory, sweet and spicy flavors. Honey chicken is milder compared to the other two.
Tips for Making it at Home
Want to replicate PF Chang’s signature honey chicken flavor at home? Here are some tips:
Ingredients
- Use corn starch and baking powder for extra crispy chicken.
- Opt for a mild rice vinegar for a smooth flavor.
- Toast the sesame seeds for maximum nuttiness.
Method
- Use a thermometer to maintain 350°F oil temp when frying.
- Fry chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding.
- Let sauce reduce until thick enough to coat the chicken.
- Toss chicken in sauce right before serving to keep the crispy texture.
Serving
- Garnish with sliced scallions, carrots, or chili peppers if desired.
- Provide extra sauce for dipping.
- Pair with jasmine rice and vegetable egg rolls.
With practice at home, you can come close to replicating the irresistible PF Chang’s honey chicken recipe.
Conclusion
PF Chang’s honey chicken is a beloved menu item thanks to its perfect balance of crispy, juicy chicken coated in a glistening sweet-and-salty sauce. With its complex blend of tastes and textures, it delivers a flavorful punch in every mouthwatering bite. While it packs a decent caloric punch, enjoying this appetizer in moderation allows you to experience PF Chang’s signature flavors in one dish. Overall, honey chicken is a must-try for any PF Chang’s fan looking for the ideal combination of crunchy, savory and sweet.