Introduction
Are you craving something sweet, crispy, and full of flavor? Then you’ll love this Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken recipe! It’s one of those dishes that tastes just as good (if not better) than takeout — and the best part? You can easily make it at home with simple ingredients.
The crispy chicken is coated in a golden batter, fried to perfection, and then tossed in a sticky honey garlic sauce that’s both sweet and savory. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or just want to treat yourself, this recipe is a sure hit. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish!
Ingredients – Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken
Here’s everything you’ll need to make Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water – this helps thicken the sauce)
Step by Step Process – Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken
Let’s break it down into simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized cubes.
- In a bowl, crack and beat the eggs.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
- Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture first.
- Then, roll it in the flour and cornstarch mix until it’s fully coated.
- Set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place a few chicken pieces at a time into the oil.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Repeat until all the chicken is cooked.
Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a small pan, add the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of water.
- Cook on medium heat and stir until it starts to bubble.
- Add the cornstarch mixed with water to the pan.
- Stir well until the sauce becomes thick and glossy.
Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce
- Once the sauce is ready, add the crispy chicken into the pan.
- Toss the chicken until every piece is coated with that sticky, sweet, and garlicky sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top if you like.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Sugars | 22g |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Cholesterol | 105mg |
| Sodium | 740mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and spray lightly with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and work great in this recipe.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best texture, reheat in a pan or oven, not the microwave.
4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before using.
5. What can I serve with this dish?
Steamed white rice, fried rice, lo mein noodles, or even a simple stir-fried veggie mix all pair well with this chicken.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is the kind of dish that brings comfort, flavor, and satisfaction all in one bite. It’s easy to make, doesn’t need fancy ingredients, and tastes like your favorite Chinese takeout — only better and made with love at home.
Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, a weekend treat, or meal prepping for the week, this dish fits right in. The crunchy coating and sticky honey garlic sauce are what dreams are made of.
So next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, skip the takeout menu and try this homemade crispy chicken recipe. You’ll be surprised at how simple (and tasty) it is!
