Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe

Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts offer an explosion of flavors and textures that make for an irresistible dish. The combination of a crispy, crunchy exterior with juicy, tender chicken is sure to delight everyone at your table. The sweet and savory honey garlic sauce enhances the flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment to rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad.

In this recipe, we will cover everything you need to know to make this mouthwatering dish, from selecting the right chicken breasts to preparing the marinade, the crunchy coating, and cooking methods. We’ll also include tips for success, variations, serving suggestions, and storage instructions to help you create the best Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts.

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This will help the marinade adhere better.
2. Season the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, season the chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Rub the seasoning into the chicken to ensure even distribution.
3. Marinate: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and ensures a juicy outcome.

Step 2: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Whisk Until Combined: Use a whisk to mix the sauce until all the ingredients are well combined. Set aside for later.

Step 3: Prepare the Crunchy Coating

1. Set Up Dredging Station: Prepare three shallow dishes for the coating:
   • In the first dish, place 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
   • In the second dish, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1/4 cup of milk until smooth.
   • In the third dish, add 1 cup of panko bread crumbs.
2. Coat the Chicken:
   • Remove each marinated chicken breast from the bowl, allowing excess marinade to drip off.
   • Dredge the chicken breast in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
   • Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
   • Finally, press the chicken into the panko bread crumbs, coating it evenly. Ensure the chicken is well covered to achieve the double crunch.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan (about 1 cup). Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature by dropping a few panko crumbs into the oil; if they sizzle immediately, the oil is ready.
2. Fry the Chicken:
   • Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
   • Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
3. Drain the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 5: Glaze with Honey Garlic Sauce

1. Glaze the Chicken: In the same skillet (after removing the chicken), reduce the heat to medium and add the prepared honey garlic sauce. Bring it to a gentle simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
2. Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, tossing them in the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes for added flavor.

Step 6: Serve

1. Plate the Chicken: Transfer the double crunch honey garlic chicken breasts to a serving platter.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
3. Add Optional Sides: Serve with steamed vegetables and rice for a complete meal.
4. Enjoy: Drizzle with additional honey garlic sauce if desired, and enjoy your delicious double crunch honey garlic chicken breasts!

Tips for Success

• Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for high-quality, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
• Marinate for Flavor: Marinating the chicken is essential for enhancing its flavor. Allow enough time for the chicken to soak in the marinade.
• Use a Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat level of the sauce by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes or omitting them entirely.
• Double Crunch Factor: The double crunch comes from the combination of flour and panko. Don’t skip the panko for the best texture!

Variations of Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences. Here are some delicious variations to consider:

1. Honey Sriracha Chicken

• Add 1-2 tablespoons of Sriracha to the honey garlic sauce for a spicy kick. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat!

2. Citrus Honey Garlic Chicken

• Incorporate the zest and juice of one lemon or lime into the honey garlic sauce for a refreshing citrus twist.

3. Honey Mustard Chicken

• Replace half of the honey with Dijon mustard for a tangy flavor. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

4. Sesame Honey Garlic Chicken

• Add toasted sesame seeds to the honey garlic sauce for added texture and a nutty flavor. Serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for garnish.

5. Maple Honey Garlic Chicken

• Substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile that adds depth to the dish.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 400-450
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 35g

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Storage Instructions

Storing Leftover Chicken

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions

1. Cool Completely: Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing.
2. Freeze: Place the chicken in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper if necessary.
3. Label and Date: Label the container or bag with the date and contents.

Reheating

1. Thaw: If frozen, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, reheat in a microwave until hot.

Conclusion

Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are not just a meal; they’re an experience that combines comfort and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. The crunchy coating and the sweet, savory honey garlic sauce create a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Feel free to experiment with the variations mentioned or serve it with your favorite sides for a well-rounded meal. With this comprehensive guide, you’re well on your way to mastering this delicious recipe. Happy cooking!

Yield: 4

Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe

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Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts offer an explosion of flavors and textures that make for an irresistible dish. The combination of a crispy, crunchy exterior with juicy, tender chicken is sure to delight everyone at your table. The sweet and savory honey garlic sauce enhances the flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment to rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
• For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
• ½ cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce:
   In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
   Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
   
2. Prep the Chicken:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
   Place the flour in a shallow dish. In another dish, whisk the eggs until well combined. In a third dish, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
   
3. Coat the Chicken:
   Take each chicken breast and dip it in the flour, shaking off the excess. Then, dip it into the eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to adhere the crumbs well.
   
4. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat about ¼ inch of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
   Transfer the cooked chicken to the prepared baking sheet and finish cooking in the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
   
5. Glaze the Chicken:
   Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and drizzle the honey garlic sauce over each breast, coating them generously.
   
6. Serve:
   Serve the Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts warm, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Pair with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Marinating: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the honey garlic sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before coating and cooking.
• Baking Option: If you prefer, you can bake the breaded chicken directly in the oven instead of frying. Spray the coated chicken with cooking spray and bake for about 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown.
• Serving Suggestions: This chicken pairs wonderfully with vegetables, rice, or even in a wrap with fresh greens.