Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

The crispy exterior of the chicken is the star of this dish, but it’s the sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that takes it to the next level. When you bite into a piece, the crunch gives way to tender, juicy chicken, and the sauce coats every crevice, balancing the sweetness of the honey with a subtle hint of garlic and just the right amount of umami. It’s like a little flavor explosion with every mouthful! The key to achieving that irresistible crunch is in the frying technique. Be sure to let the oil heat up properly before adding the chicken so it crisps up perfectly. Afterward, toss the chicken in the sauce just long enough for it to glaze over, ensuring that the crispy coating stays intact while absorbing just enough of the flavorful sauce. If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself sneaking a piece or two straight from the pan before it even hits the plate – it’s just that good! Whether served with a side of steamed rice or crispy veggies, this dish has a way of making any dinner feel like a celebration.

Key Ingredients in Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in bringing out the perfect balance of flavors and texture. From the tender, juicy chicken to the crisp, golden coating and the sweet-savory sauce, these ingredients come together to create a meal that’s both comforting and full of exciting flavors. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so special.

• Chicken Thighs (boneless and skinless): The star of the show! Chicken thighs are juicy and tender, providing the perfect base for the crispy coating and sauce to cling to. They also bring a rich flavor that’s more robust than chicken breast.
• Cornstarch: This ingredient helps create that irresistible crispy crust. Cornstarch helps absorb moisture from the chicken, ensuring the coating becomes ultra-crunchy when fried.
• All-purpose flour: Flour adds to the batter’s structure, helping to create a light and crispy texture when combined with the cornstarch. It gives the chicken its base crunch before the sauce comes into play.
• Baking powder: A secret ingredient to getting an even lighter, airier crunch. It helps the coating puff up and become golden and crispy.
• Salt: Salt enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and the sauce, helping to balance out the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the soy sauce.
• Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the overall flavor, giving a nice contrast to the sweetness of the sauce.
• Garlic powder: A key component for that garlicky goodness. It adds a mellow, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh garlic in the sauce.
• Onion powder: Complements the garlic and adds a subtle savory flavor to the chicken’s coating.
• Water: Used to bring the batter together, ensuring it’s not too thick or too runny. It helps create the right texture for the coating.
• Eggs: Eggs are crucial for binding the dry ingredients together, giving the batter its rich, golden color while contributing to the crispy texture when fried.
• Vegetable oil (for frying): Vegetable oil is perfect for frying because it has a high smoke point, which means it can cook the chicken at a high temperature without burning.
• Honey: The star ingredient in the sauce! Honey adds sweetness and depth, which is balanced beautifully by the savory soy sauce and garlic.
• Soy sauce: The backbone of the sauce. It gives the dish its savory, umami kick and a touch of saltiness to balance the honey.
• Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic brings a bright, pungent flavor that makes the sauce truly sing. It adds a fresh, aromatic quality that’s hard to beat.
• Rice vinegar: This tangy ingredient cuts through the sweetness of the honey and soy sauce, giving the sauce a nice balance of flavors with a hint of acidity.
• Grated ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and a bit of spice, which adds complexity to the sauce and elevates the entire dish.
• Sesame oil: Adds a rich, toasty flavor that’s essential for that authentic Asian touch. It makes the sauce smell absolutely irresistible.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick! These are optional, but if you like a bit of spice to balance the sweetness, a pinch or two will do the trick.
• Green onions (chopped, for garnish): The final touch! Green onions add freshness and a burst of color, bringing a crisp contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

How to Make Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Serving Suggestions for Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

• With Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic pairing! The light, fragrant jasmine rice soaks up the sticky honey garlic sauce, making each bite even more delightful. The soft, fluffy rice balances the crispy chicken perfectly, creating a meal that’s comforting and satisfying.
• Tossed with Crispy Veggies: For a bit of crunch and freshness, serve your crispy chicken with a side of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots. The slight sweetness of the veggies adds a nice contrast to the savory, garlicky chicken, and the textures complement each other beautifully.
• On a Bed of Noodles: If you’re craving something a little heartier, try serving this honey garlic chicken over a nest of lo mein or rice noodles. The noodles will absorb the sauce, making each bite a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami goodness.

No matter how you serve it, this dish will always feel like a treat! What’s your favorite way to enjoy it?

How to Store Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing this crispy Chinese honey garlic chicken properly will help keep it as delicious as when it was first made. The key is to avoid losing that irresistible crunch, which can sometimes get soggy if not stored correctly.

To store it, let the chicken cool down to room temperature before putting it away. You can place it in an airtight container, but for best results, try keeping the chicken and sauce separate. This way, the crispy exterior stays intact while the sauce remains flavorful for when you’re ready to reheat it.

When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating them in the oven is your best bet for maintaining that crispiness. Simply preheat the oven to 375°F, place the chicken on a baking sheet, and heat it for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s nice and crispy again. If you’re in a rush, the stovetop works too—just heat a little oil in a pan and sauté the chicken until it crisps up again.

For storing the sauce, keep it in a separate container in the fridge, and it’ll last for about a week. You can reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water to loosen it up if necessary. Just toss the chicken back into the sauce for that signature sticky goodness, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready to go!

Conclusion

And there you have it—your very own Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken, ready to bring a burst of flavor to your dinner table! From the crispy, golden chicken to the sweet and savory sauce, this dish is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a special occasion, it’s a meal that never disappoints.

I love how the simple ingredients come together to create such a deliciously complex flavor profile, and I bet you’ll feel the same once you try it yourself. So, grab your apron, get that frying pan sizzling, and enjoy every crispy, saucy bite. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Drop me a comment or let me know if you have any questions or tweaks you’d like to make. Cooking should always be fun, and I’m here if you need help along the way. Happy cooking, friend!

Print Recipe

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr

Calories: 550

Description

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a mouthwatering dish where perfectly battered chicken meets a sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce. The crispy exterior gives way to juicy tender chicken, while the rich, savory glaze adds a burst of bold, addictive flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

• ¹⁄₂ cup cornstarch

• ¹⁄₂ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon onion powder

• ¹⁄₄ cup water

• 2 large eggs

• 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying

• ¹⁄₄ cup honey

• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon grated ginger

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the chicken thighs. Trim any excess fat and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Whisk together the dry ingredients until they are fully incorporated.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the water and eggs until smooth.
5. Add the egg mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until the batter forms a thick, smooth consistency.
6. Toss the chicken pieces into the batter, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
7. Set a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil, allowing it to heat up to 350°F.
8. Carefully place the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
9. Fry the chicken in batches, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes per batch.
10. Remove the cooked chicken pieces from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
11. In a separate small saucepan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
12. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté it for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
13. Stir in the grated ginger and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
14. Add the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan.
15. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
16. Once the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat.
17. Pour the sauce over the crispy chicken pieces and toss gently to coat them evenly.
18. Garnish the chicken with chopped green onions for a fresh, flavorful touch.
19. Serve the crispy Chinese honey garlic chicken immediately, hot and crispy.

Note

• Ensure the oil reaches 350°F for the crispiest coating on the chicken.
• For extra crispiness, double fry the chicken: fry once, remove, then fry again for a minute.
• Adjust the honey-to-soy sauce ratio for a sweeter or saltier sauce based on preference.
• If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
• For a healthier alternative, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.

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