Description
Enjoy a deliciously crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken, featuring tender chicken pieces fried to golden perfection and coated in a sticky, flavorful honey garlic sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and savory notes in every bite, making it an ideal weeknight dinner for 4 servings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the cornstarch-flour mixture. Set aside on a plate.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each piece for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tsp sesame oil, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Stir the mixture and let it simmer gently until flavors meld.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry) to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove the saucepan from heat once desired consistency is achieved.
- Combine and Coat: Place the crispy fried chicken in a large bowl and pour the honey garlic sauce over it. Toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the sticky sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the coated chicken. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan while frying to maintain oil temperature.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and keep the dish balanced.
- If preferred, chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, but thighs provide more moisture.
- Adjust garlic amount depending on your preference for garlicky flavor.
- Serve the chicken over steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables for a hearty meal.
