Craving Chinese takeout but want to make it at home? This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect dish! It’s a delightful mix of crispy fried chicken tossed in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce. With just the right amount of crunch and flavor, this dish is a showstopper for family dinners or a fun weekend treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Better than Takeout: You’ll skip the delivery fees and enjoy restaurant-quality chicken right in your own kitchen.
- Crispy Perfection: The chicken is fried to golden-brown crispiness, holding up beautifully against the flavorful sauce.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients already in your pantry.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even on its own for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Here’s a peek at what you’ll need for this delicious dish:
- Chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Cornstarch and all-purpose flour (for coating)
- Eggs (for dredging)
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Garlic (minced)
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little heat or sesame seeds for garnish
You’ll find the full list of ingredients below in the recipe card!
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set up a dredging station with one bowl of beaten eggs and another bowl of a cornstarch and flour mixture. Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. If you want a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce.
Step 4: Toss the Chicken in Sauce
Transfer the fried chicken to a large bowl. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the top and toss until every piece is coated.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the crispy honey garlic chicken immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Pair it with steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or noodles for a complete meal.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For Extra Crispiness: Double fry the chicken! After the first round of frying, let the chicken cool slightly, then fry it again for an even crispier texture.
- Avoid Soggy Chicken: Toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving to keep the coating crispy.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey and balance it with more soy sauce or rice vinegar.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for some heat.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Shrimp or Tofu: Swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a seafood or vegetarian version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some stir-fried bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Garlic noodles or fried rice
- A light cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to cut through the richness
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to retain its crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before tossing it with the chicken.
3. What’s the best type of chicken to use?
Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts work well too if you prefer leaner meat.
4. Can I air fry the chicken?
Yes! Spray the coated chicken with cooking spray and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Conclusion
This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress. With its golden, crunchy exterior and sweet-savory sauce, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and watch it disappear from the table in no time. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken: Sweet, Savory, and Irresistible
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect combination of crunchy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. This dish is a restaurant favorite that you can easily recreate at home. With its golden-brown exterior and irresistible sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat with the flour mixture.
- Repeat for all chicken pieces and set aside.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken pieces in batches, ensuring they do not overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to the pan, stirring to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and add the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).
- Coat the Chicken:
- Add the fried chicken to the saucepan with the honey garlic sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Serve:
- Transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For an extra crispy texture, double-fry the chicken by frying it once, letting it rest, and then frying it a second time briefly.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less honey to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12gg
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg