Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect homemade takeout recipe for a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner at home. Tender pieces of chicken are fried to golden perfection, then coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce that balances sweet and savory flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick yet satisfying dish that rivals your favorite takeout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Flavor-Packed: The honey garlic sauce offers the perfect balance of sweetness and umami.

Crispy Perfection: The chicken stays crispy even after being coated in the delicious sauce.

Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or sweetness to suit your preferences.

Takeout at Home: Satisfy your cravings without leaving your kitchen!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce:

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)

3 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar

2 teaspoons sesame oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

Garnish:

Sesame seeds

Sliced green onions

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:

In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.

Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat in the cornstarch-flour mixture. Set the coated chicken aside.

Fry the Chicken:

Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Fry the chicken in batches, cooking each piece for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Sauce:

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Combine and Coat:

In a large bowl or the skillet, toss the crispy chicken pieces with the honey garlic sauce until fully coated.

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based version.

Extra Crunchy: Double-fry the chicken pieces by frying them a second time for 1-2 minutes after the first batch cools.

Citrus Twist: Add a tablespoon of orange or lemon juice to the sauce for a tangy flavor boost.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. To maintain crispiness, consider reheating the chicken separately in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Related Recipes:

• Better Than Takeout Fried Rice
• Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Chinese Orange Chicken

FAQs

How do I keep the chicken crispy after frying?

To keep the chicken crispy, avoid overcrowding the pan during frying and ensure the oil is at the right temperature. Double-frying can also help maintain crispiness.

Can I bake or air-fry the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or air-fry it at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Toss the pieces halfway through for even cooking.

Is there a way to make the sauce less sweet?

You can reduce the honey to 1/4 cup and increase the rice vinegar slightly for a less sweet and tangier sauce.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers are excellent sides for this dish.

Can I make this ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and fry the chicken just before serving for the best texture.

Conclusion

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful combination of textures and flavors that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up at home. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade takeout.

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