Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is a tantalizing dish that perfectly balances the sweet allure of honey with the robust flavor of garlic, all while enveloping tender chicken in a golden, crispy coating. This dish is a celebration of textures and flavors, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Ideal for those seeking a delicious twist on classic chicken recipes, Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken promises to be a hit at any table, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special gathering. Follow this recipe to achieve a crispy exterior and succulent interior, smothered in a sticky, sweet, and garlicky sauce.
Why You’ll Love Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken:
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The honey and garlic sauce delivers a sweet and savory taste that’s irresistible.
- Irresistibly Crispy: A crispy coating that satisfies with every bite, contrasting beautifully with the tender chicken inside.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course with your favorite sides or atop a bed of rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Achieve gourmet flavors with ingredients you likely have in your pantry.
Ingredients Notes For Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces, are ideal for quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Breading: A combination of flour and cornstarch ensures a light, crispy coating that clings to the chicken.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs help the breading adhere to the chicken, creating a perfect base for the crispy layer.
- Sauce Ingredients: Honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of ginger combine for a rich, flavorful sauce that’s both sweet and tangy.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions adds color and texture to the final dish.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then dredge in the flour and cornstarch mixture, followed by the beaten eggs, and again in the flour mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté minced garlic (and ginger, if using) until fragrant. Add honey, soy sauce, and a splash of water, simmering until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Return the crispy chicken to the pan, tossing it in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot as a delightful main dish.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the crispiness.
- Freeze: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the fried chicken pieces (without sauce) for up to a month. Thaw and reheat in the oven, then coat with freshly made sauce.
How to Make Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken At Home
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips or bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry, for thickening)
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the Chicken: Create a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Coat each chicken piece in flour, dip into the eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is well-covered.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Making the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
Combining Chicken and Sauce:
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan and toss until they are well coated with the honey garlic sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the crispy honey garlic chicken to a serving dish. Optionally, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish.
