Name: Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 egg, beaten; Vegetable oil, for frying; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp grated ginger; 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a delicious combination of crispy chicken and a rich honey garlic sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The crispy coating on the chicken is perfectly crunchy, while the sweet and savory sauce adds a wonderful depth of flavor. It’s easy to prepare, and you’ll love how it satisfies those cravings for Chinese takeout, but with the comfort of home cooking. Plus, it’s customizable—add vegetables or adjust the sweetness to your preference!

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 egg, beaten
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the sauce:

1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

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

Directions

In a bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, then coat it thoroughly with the flour-cornstarch mixture. Shake off any excess.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
For the sauce, in a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture to thicken the sauce, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until it’s glossy and thickened.
Toss the crispy chicken in the honey garlic sauce, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Serve hot!

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli to make it a complete meal.
Spicy version: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Substitute chicken: Use shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch to make this dish gluten-free.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Store any leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra honey or soy sauce if needed to keep the chicken moist. For extra crispiness, you can reheat it in the oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great for this recipe. They’re slightly more tender and juicy than chicken breasts.

2. How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with the flour and cornstarch mixture and fry in hot oil to ensure crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the crispy texture.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just heat it up when ready to use.

4. Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of frying the chicken?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, to achieve a crispy texture without frying.

5. Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy variation.

6. Can I make this recipe with boneless, skinless chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative for this recipe and will provide extra flavor and tenderness.

7. How can I make this dish less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of honey used in the sauce or substitute with a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

8. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Yes, you can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil or sunflower oil, for frying.

9. How do I prevent the chicken from getting soggy?

To maintain the crispiness, avoid letting the chicken sit in the sauce for too long before serving. Toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving.

10. Can I use store-bought honey garlic sauce instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought honey garlic sauce, but homemade sauce gives a more personalized and fresh flavor.

Conclusion

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy chicken with a rich, sweet, and savory sauce. It’s simple to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a larger meal, it’s sure to be a hit!