If you’re craving crispy, sticky, and flavor-packed chicken, this Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is the recipe for you. Tender chicken pieces are fried to golden perfection and coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that’s utterly addictive. This dish is perfect for family dinners, date nights, or whenever you want to bring restaurant-quality Chinese flavors to your table.
Imagine crispy bites of chicken, perfectly balanced with the sweet richness of honey, the savoriness of garlic, and a hint of soy sauce. Paired with rice or steamed veggies, this dish is a guaranteed hit that’s easier to make than you think.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Paper towels (for draining)
Ingredients Overview
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work well for juicy, flavorful bites.
- Honey garlic sauce: A perfect balance of sweet honey and savory garlic, with soy sauce adding depth.
- Cornstarch: Ensures the chicken is crispy when fried.
- Oil: For frying, use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Directions
- Prepare the chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Place the cornstarch in a shallow bowl and the beaten eggs in another bowl. Dredge the chicken in cornstarch, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs. - Fry the chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. - Make the honey garlic sauce
In a separate skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer. - Thicken the sauce
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. - Coat the chicken
Add the fried chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the honey garlic sauce. - Serve
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Nutrition (per serving, ~4 servings)
- Calories: ~430
- Fat: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Protein: ~30g
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even crispiness.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of honey slightly.
- Keep it crispy: Toss the chicken in the sauce right before serving to retain its crispiness.
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What’s a good substitute for rice vinegar?
You can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar as alternatives.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The sauce can be made ahead and reheated, but for best results, fry the chicken fresh to maintain its crisp texture.
Storing & Reheating
- Storing: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crispiness.
Substitutions & Variations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a meat-free alternative.
Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving crispy, sticky, and flavor-packed chicken, this Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is the recipe for you. Tender chicken pieces are fried to golden perfection and coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that’s utterly addictive. This dish is perfect for family dinners, date nights, or whenever you want to bring restaurant-quality Chinese flavors to your table.
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- - Paper towels (for draining)
Ingredients
- #### Chicken
- - 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- - 1/2 cup cornstarch
- - 2 large eggs beaten
- - 1/4 teaspoon salt
- - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- - 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
- #### Honey Garlic Sauce
- - 1/3 cup honey
- - 2 tablespoons soy sauce low-sodium preferred
- - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- - 1/4 cup water
- - 3 cloves garlic minced
- - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water slurry for thickening
- #### Garnish
- - Sesame seeds
- - Chopped green onions
Instructions
- **Prepare the chicken**
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Place the cornstarch in a shallow bowl and the beaten eggs in another bowl. Dredge the chicken in cornstarch, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs.
- **Fry the chicken**
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- **Make the honey garlic sauce**
- In a separate skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- **Thicken the sauce**
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- **Coat the chicken**
- Add the fried chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the honey garlic sauce.
- **Serve**
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.
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