Irresistible Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe That Sings

Weeknight dinners burst with flavor when you add a splash of Chinese honey garlic chicken magic to your kitchen.

Bold and aromatic spices dance through each tender bite of succulent chicken.

The sauce strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory notes that tantalize taste buds.

Crispy edges meet juicy meat in this restaurant-quality dish you can easily create at home.

Simple ingredients combine to deliver an explosion of deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that connects comfort and excitement on a single plate.

Prepare to savor every mouthwatering moment of this culinary adventure.

Serve Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken With Style

• Flavor Explosion Bowl: Create a vibrant rice bowl by placing crispy honey garlic chicken over steamed jasmine rice, topped with quick-pickled cucumber slices and a sprinkle of green onions for fresh crunch.
• Meal Prep Magic: Pack individual portions in containers with separated compartments, keeping chicken crispy by adding sauce just before eating. Perfect for work lunches or quick weeknight dinners that stay deliciously crunchy.
• Party Appetizer Twist: Cut chicken into smaller bite-sized pieces, serve on toothpicks with extra sauce for dipping. These mini honey garlic chicken bites will be an instant hit at game nights or casual gatherings, offering guests a tasty finger food.
• Fresh Side Harmony: Complement the rich chicken with a light Asian-inspired slaw made from shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy rice vinegar dressing. This colorful side provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet and crispy main dish.

How to Store Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Right

• Quick Chill Method: Rest the crispy chicken on a wire rack after cooking to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy bottoms. Air circulation helps keep the golden exterior perfectly crisp and appetizing.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container, separating sauce-coated pieces with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Reheating Hack: Revive cold chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the original crispy coating and prevent rubbery texture.
• Advance Prep Trick: Coat chicken pieces in dry mixture ahead of time and refrigerate on a tray. This technique allows breading to set, creating an extra crispy exterior when frying later.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 520 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes Into Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base for a light, airy crunch that makes the chicken irresistibly textured.
• Cornstarch: Creates an extra-crispy exterior that stays crunchy even after saucing.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle background warmth and depth to the coating.
• Onion Powder: Brings a mild, sweet undertone to enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoners that amplify the chicken's natural taste.
• Baking Powder: Helps create a lighter, more airy coating for maximum crispiness.

• Egg, Cold Water: Creates a smooth, clingy batter that helps the dry coating adhere perfectly to the chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides the ideal medium for achieving a golden, crispy exterior.

• Honey: Brings a natural sweetness that balances the savory elements.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces a rich, nutty undertone that's quintessentially Asian.
• Garlic: Delivers a bold, aromatic punch that defines the dish's character.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides a subtle tanginess to cut through the richness.
• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a silky, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat source for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

• Sesame Seeds: Adds a delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal.

Tools That Help Fry and Glaze Perfectly

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients and coating chicken.
• Whisk: Essential for creating smooth egg batter.
• Deep skillet or wok: Key for frying chicken to crispy perfection.
• Small saucepan: Ideal for preparing honey garlic sauce.
• Paper towels: Great for draining excess oil from fried chicken.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Tongs: Helpful for safely handling and turning chicken while frying.

Steps to Make Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

• Whip Up the Crispy Coating

Create a flavor-packed dry mix by blending flour, cornstarch, and seasonings. Crack an egg and mix with cold water to form a silky batter. Dunk each chicken piece into the wet mixture, then generously coat with the dry blend.

• Dive Into Deep Frying

Fire up your skillet with vegetable oil until it’s sizzling hot. Gently lower chicken pieces into the bubbling oil, cooking them in batches until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Rescue the crispy morsels and let them rest on paper towels to drain excess oil.

• Craft the Magical Sauce

In a small pan, warm sesame oil and dance some minced garlic around until fragrant. Pour in honey, soy sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar. For those who love a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry, stirring until it becomes glossy and rich.

• Marry the Chicken and Sauce

Tumble the crispy chicken into the honey garlic sauce, gently tossing until each piece is luxuriously coated. Every bite should glisten with sweet and savory goodness.

• Plate and Celebrate

Arrange the glistening chicken on a platter, showering it with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve alongside steamed rice or your favorite side for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tips to Switch Up This Crispy Chicken Favorite

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Oil Temperature Precision: Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain oil at 350-375°F for perfectly crispy chicken without burning the exterior.
• Batter Consistency Magic: Let the battered chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere better and create an extra-crispy texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes quantity or swap with sriracha sauce for personalized heat intensity that suits your taste preferences.
• Healthier Baking Option: For a lighter version, place coated chicken pieces on a wire rack and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking, to achieve similar crispiness with less oil.

Delectable Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy Chinese honey garlic chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Home cooks can quickly master this restaurant-quality dish with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken thighs or breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (65 g) cornstarch
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) honey
• ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsps water (slurry)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Coating Preparation: Blend flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl to create a uniform seasoned mixture.
2. Egg Wash Creation: Whisk egg and cold water until smooth, forming a light, cohesive batter for chicken coating.
3. Chicken Breading: Dip each chicken piece into egg mixture, thoroughly coating, then roll in seasoned dry mixture to ensure complete coverage with crispy exterior.
4. Oil Heating and Frying: Heat vegetable oil in deep skillet at medium-high temperature. Carefully lower chicken pieces in small batches, frying 4-5 minutes until achieving deep golden-brown coloration and crisp texture.
5. Oil Drainage: Remove fried chicken and place on paper towels to eliminate excess oil while maintaining crispiness.
6. Sauce Development: In separate pan, lightly toast minced garlic in sesame oil for 30 seconds. Add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and optional red pepper flakes, stirring to create harmonious flavor base.
7. Sauce Thickening: Introduce cornstarch-water mixture to sauce, continuously stirring 1-2 minutes until reaching desired consistency and glossy appearance.
8. Final Glazing: Gently fold crispy chicken pieces into prepared sauce, ensuring delicate and complete coating.
9. Presentation: Plate glazed chicken, garnishing with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or preferred accompaniment.

Notes

• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep oil consistently around 350-375°F to ensure crispy, golden-brown chicken without burning or undercooking.
• Prevent Overcrowding: Fry chicken in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent soggy, greasy texture.
• Drain Excess Oil: Use paper towels to absorb oil immediately after frying, preserving the chicken’s crispiness and preventing sogginess.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes or add chili sauce to personalize heat intensity for different taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 482
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg