If you’re ready to wow your taste buds and impress family or friends, then Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is the dish you need in your life. Imagine every tender bite of juicy chicken wrapped in a golden, crunchy coat, then tossed in an irresistibly sticky honey garlic glaze—it’s downright addictive! This classic takeout favorite is so shockingly easy to make at home, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered ordering out. Get ready for a mouthwatering adventure that hits every note: sweet, garlicky, salty, and perfectly crispy. Trust me, you’ll want to put this on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is that the ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet each one plays a crucial role. Together, they create a stunning contrast of crispy texture, deep flavor, and glossy color that’ll make you reach for seconds.
- Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, chicken thighs keep the meat tender even after frying.
- Cornstarch: Essential for that unbeatable crunch in the coating—don’t skip it!
- All-purpose flour: Adds body to the crust and helps it fry up beautifully golden.
- Salt & black pepper: Simple seasoning for a savory balance in every bite.
- Garlic powder: Boosts the garlicky profile even before the sauce.
- Eggs: Helps the breading stick to every little nook and cranny of the chicken.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for deep frying due to its high smoke point.
- Honey: The star of the sauce, giving that signature sweetness and shine.
- Soy sauce: Infuses the glaze with rich, umami savoriness.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a refreshing tang to balance the sweetness.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic takes the sauce to new aromatic heights.
- Sesame oil: A finishing touch for nutty depth and authentic Asian flavor.
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce so it clings gorgeously to every crispy piece.
- Chopped green onions & sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle on for a burst of color and texture that’s totally optional but highly recommended!
How to Make Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces—think about 1.5-inch cubes. This ensures quick, even frying, and makes each piece a perfect pop of flavor. Set them aside while you prepare the coating so the chicken stays as fresh as possible.
Step 2: Make the Breading
In a medium bowl, combine your cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This magical blend delivers that signature crackly finish every time. Crack and beat the eggs in a separate shallow dish—this will help the coating stick like glue. Now, dip each chicken piece in the egg, then dredge it in the dry flour mixture, pressing gently so the crust really adheres. Lay the coated pieces on a plate, ready for frying.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Pour about two inches of vegetable oil into a large heavy skillet or deep pan and heat over medium-high. Once the oil’s shimmering (try the chopstick test or drop a pinch of breading—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!), fry the chicken in batches, careful not to overcrowd. Each batch should take about 4–5 minutes, turning golden brown and perfectly crisp. Let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. If you’re after extreme crunch, try double-frying the chicken for a minute or two the second time around—trust me, it’s worth it!
Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a separate saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Bring to a gentle boil on medium heat, stirring often. When it starts to bubble, stir in your cornstarch slurry and keep stirring as the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency—just a couple of minutes. The aroma alone will make your mouth water!
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Now comes the best part. Add all your crispy chicken pieces to the sauce and gently toss until each piece is coated in that golden, shiny glaze. Don’t be shy—let every nook and cranny get covered! Pile the chicken onto a serving platter while it’s piping hot, and if you like, sprinkle over some chopped green onions and a flurry of sesame seeds for a picture-perfect finish.
How to Serve Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken
Garnishes
For a truly irresistible look (and to add a touch of fresh flavor), scatter plenty of chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds right over the top. These pops of green and white aren’t just for looks—they add a light oniony contrast and delicious nuttiness that elevate the whole plate.
Side Dishes
Classic steamed jasmine rice is a no-brainer for soaking up every drop of sticky sauce. You could also serve Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken alongside fluffy fried rice, sautéed bok choy, or a quick cucumber salad for freshness—it’s all about matching textures and flavors for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your meal into a fun feast by serving the chicken over a bed of steamed broccoli or snap peas for a colorful, healthful twist. Want to impress at a party? Pile the glazed chicken onto skewers for a finger-friendly appetizer, or serve it in lettuce cups for a light, hand-held option. The bold flavors shine no matter how you present them!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three days. If possible, store the chicken and sauce separately to help maintain the chicken’s crispiness, then toss together just before reheating and serving.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooled fried chicken pieces (without sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. The sauce can be frozen separately in a small container. When ready to enjoy again, thaw the chicken and sauce overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is to bake the chicken in a hot oven (around 375°F) until sizzling and crisp again, about 10–12 minutes. Warm the sauce separately on the stovetop or in the microwave, then toss everything together right before serving so the outside stays nice and crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken?
Absolutely! While thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving, chicken breast cuts work beautifully too. Just be careful not to overcook them during frying, as breast meat dries out a bit faster.
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
The secret is double-frying: after the first fry, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then fry again for a couple of minutes until deeply golden and extra crunchy. Also, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken.
Is it possible to make the sauce less sweet?
Yes! You can reduce the honey slightly and add a splash more soy sauce or vinegar for a more savory or tangy flavor profile. Taste as you go to find your perfect sweet-and-salty ratio.
What oil is best for frying Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken?
Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils help create that shatteringly crisp crust without overpowering the chicken’s flavor.
Can I prepare any of the components ahead of time?
You sure can! You can cut and bread the chicken earlier in the day, refrigerate it, and have the sauce ready as well. When it’s time to eat, just fry the chicken, heat the sauce, and toss together for lightning-fast assembly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something crunchy, saucy, and downright delicious, it’s time to whip up a batch of Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken. This recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe even a few happy dances around the table. Let this become your new favorite way to satisfy those takeout cravings—homemade is truly the best!
Print
Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a crispy coating that will leave you craving for more. This easy-to-make dish is a surefire hit for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dip chicken in beaten eggs, then coat in flour mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a pan, fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double fry the chicken.
- You can use chicken breast instead of thighs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
