Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a delicious and satisfying dish with bold flavors, look no further than this Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken. This dish combines crispy, golden-brown chicken with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that is sure to please your taste buds. It’s the perfect balance of crispy and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of savory depth.

The chicken is first coated in a crispy batter, then fried to perfection, and finally tossed in a fragrant sauce made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil. This quick and easy recipe brings the flavors of Chinese takeout right to your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or for a special occasion, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

this RECIPE

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy and Tender

The chicken is coated in a light, crispy batter and fried until golden brown, making it crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

2. Sweet and Savory Sauce

The honey garlic sauce is the perfect balance of sweetness and savory depth, enhanced by soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil.

3. Easy to Make

Despite the crispy coating, this recipe is straightforward and easy to make with just a few ingredients. It comes together in under 30 minutes!

4. Customizable Heat

Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or leave them out for a milder flavor. You can adjust the sauce to suit your preference.

5. Better Than Takeout

With this recipe, you can enjoy the delicious taste of Chinese takeout without ever leaving your home, and it’s made with fresh ingredients!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Cornstarch
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs (for dredging)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Garlic (minced)
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil

Optional:

• Red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or a touch of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the honey.
• Lemon Honey Garlic Chicken: Substitute the rice vinegar with fresh lemon juice for a citrusy twist on the classic honey garlic sauce.
• Chicken with Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, onions, or broccoli to the chicken and toss everything in the sauce for a complete meal.
• Use Different Proteins: Swap the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or pork for a variation on this flavorful dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. In another bowl, beat the eggs for dredging. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then coat it with the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly and becomes fragrant.

Step 4: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce

Once the sauce is ready, add the crispy chicken pieces to the pan and toss them in the sauce, making sure each piece is coated evenly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

If desired, sprinkle the chicken with sesame seeds or red pepper flakes for extra flavor and presentation. Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or a side of vegetables.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Frying Tip: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and become soggy.
• Coating the Chicken: Press the chicken into the flour mixture firmly to ensure a thick, even coating that will hold up during frying.
• Make the Sauce Ahead: You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it before tossing it with the chicken.
• Rest After Frying: Let the fried chicken rest on paper towels for a minute or two before tossing it in the sauce to help maintain its crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this crispy honey garlic chicken with steamed white rice, fried rice, or a fresh salad to balance out the rich flavors. You can also pair it with sautéed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers for a complete meal. If you’re in the mood for noodles, this chicken also goes great with a bowl of lo mein or rice noodles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to retain some of the crispiness of the chicken, though it may lose some of its crunch.

Freezing

You can freeze the fried chicken pieces before tossing them in the sauce. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes to re-crisp before adding the sauce.

Reheating

Reheat the leftover chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a small splash of water or soy sauce to keep the chicken moist. Toss the chicken in the sauce once it’s heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

2. Can I make the sauce without sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use vegetable oil as a substitute. The sesame oil adds a distinct flavor, but the dish will still taste great without it.

3. Can I make the sauce spicier?

Yes, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your desired spice level.

4. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy. Then, toss the baked chicken in the sauce.

5. Can I use a different protein?

Yes, you can use shrimp, pork, or tofu in place of chicken for a variation on this dish.

6. Can I make the honey garlic chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the sauce in advance, then combine and reheat when ready to serve. However, the chicken will lose some of its crispiness after being tossed in the sauce.

7. Can I use frozen chicken?

If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even frying and coating.

8. How do I keep the chicken crispy?

To keep the chicken crispy, try to serve it immediately after tossing it in the sauce. If you need to hold it, place it on a wire rack in a warm oven to maintain its crisp texture.

9. Can I use a gluten-free flour blend?

Yes, a gluten-free flour blend should work well as a substitute for all-purpose flour in this recipe.

10. How do I make the chicken crispier?

For extra crispy chicken, use cornstarch in the flour coating and ensure the oil is hot before frying.

Conclusion

This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a deliciously addictive dish that brings the perfect balance of crispy chicken and sweet-savory sauce. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and makes for a fantastic weeknight meal or party dish. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that’s better than takeout and sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy every crispy, saucy bite!

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