Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful fusion of crispy fried chicken pieces smothered in a rich, sticky honey garlic sauce that’s both sweet and savory. It’s the perfect comfort food, providing a delicious balance of textures and flavors. This dish is easy to make at home and will remind you of your favorite takeout experience. The crispy coating on the chicken, combined with the sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, creates a perfect balance that will have you coming back for more.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

1. Cut the Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces, around 1-2 inches in size. This ensures the pieces cook evenly and are easy to coat with the batter. You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe.
2. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Toss the chicken to ensure it is evenly seasoned.
3. Prepare the Batter: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together, then gradually add cold water or club soda. The batter should have a thick yet pourable consistency, so adjust the water accordingly. Using club soda will make the batter extra crispy.
4. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of seasoned chicken into the batter, making sure each piece is well-coated. Shake off any excess batter before frying.

Frying the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat enough vegetable oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces (about 2-3 cups). Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil. If the oil is too hot, the chicken may burn before cooking through; if it’s too cool, the coating will become greasy.
2. Fry the Chicken: Once the oil is heated, carefully add the battered chicken pieces to the oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can reduce the oil temperature and cause the chicken to become soggy. Fry the chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, turning them halfway through for even cooking.
3. Drain the Chicken: Remove the fried chicken from the oil using tongs or a slotted spoon, and place the pieces on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.

Making the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is frying, you can prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with ¼ cup of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
3. Adjust the Flavor: Taste the sauce and adjust it as needed. If you prefer more sweetness, add extra honey. For a tangier flavor, add a little more rice vinegar. If you like some heat, you can stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Tossing the Chicken in the Sauce

1. Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Once the chicken has finished frying and the sauce has thickened, add the crispy chicken pieces to the saucepan with the honey garlic sauce. Toss the chicken in the sauce to coat it evenly. The crispy coating on the chicken will absorb some of the sauce, but it will still retain its crunch.
2. Serve Immediately: Transfer the coated chicken to a serving platter, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Serve hot for the best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is delicious on its own, but here are some great serving ideas:

1. With Steamed Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
2. Vegetables: Pair the chicken with stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
3. Asian Noodles: Serve the chicken with a side of Asian noodles or rice noodles for a complete meal.
4. In Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the crispy chicken in lettuce wraps with a little rice, veggies, and extra sauce.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own:

1. Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add a little sriracha or chili paste to the honey garlic sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
2. Baked Honey Garlic Chicken: If you want to make this dish a little lighter, you can bake the chicken pieces instead of frying them. Coat the chicken with the batter, then bake on a lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Add Vegetables: Add some sliced bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the sauce for extra flavor and color.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the Oil is Hot Enough: Frying at the right temperature is key to getting crispy chicken. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at 350°F (175°C).
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the temperature of the oil to drop and result in soggy chicken.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the chicken as soon as it’s coated in the sauce. The crispy coating will soften the longer it sits in the sauce.

Conclusion

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines crunchy, golden chicken with a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a family meal, or a special occasion. By following the steps in this recipe, you can recreate this popular Chinese-American dish at home and enjoy restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your kitchen. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Print

Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful fusion of crispy fried chicken pieces smothered in a rich, sticky honey garlic sauce that’s both sweet and savory. It’s the perfect comfort food, providing a delicious balance of textures and flavors. This dish is easy to make at home and will remind you of your favorite takeout experience. The crispy coating on the chicken, combined with the sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, creates a perfect balance that will have you coming back for more.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup cold water
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (to thicken sauce, optional)
• For Garnish:
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
   In another bowl, beat the egg and add cold water to it.
   Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then dredge them in the flour-cornstarch mixture until fully coated.
   
2. Fry the Chicken:
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small piece of chicken sizzles when added.
   Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
   Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
   
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
   In a separate pan or skillet, combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
   Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
   If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened.
   
4. Combine Chicken with Sauce:
   Once the sauce has thickened, add the crispy chicken pieces into the sauce, stirring gently to coat the chicken evenly in the honey garlic sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the sauce.
   
5. Serve:
   Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

Serving Suggestions: Serve this crispy honey garlic chicken over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Spicy Option: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to make it spicy.