Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken – crispysavors.com

Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, a popular dish that has become a global favorite for good reason. This dish features tender pieces of chicken coated in a rich, sticky honey garlic glaze that balances sweetness, umami, and just a hint of spice. With its irresistible caramelized sauce, crispy chicken texture, and aromatic garlic flavor, this recipe is the perfect addition to your dinner table.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving a restaurant-style meal at home, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste. Pair it with fluffy white rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

In this recipe, we’ll show you step-by-step how to create authentic Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken in your own kitchen, while also providing tips and variations to make it uniquely yours. Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, this dish will quickly become a household favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Flavor Balance: The sweetness of honey combined with the savory garlic sauce creates an irresistible harmony of flavors.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that rivals your favorite takeout.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is easy to follow, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish.
Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, spice, or level of crispiness to suit your preferences.
Family-Friendly: The mildly sweet and savory flavors appeal to kids and adults alike.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1 portion

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 430
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 20g

Ingredients

For the chicken:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 large eggs, beaten
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the honey garlic sauce:

1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes for a spicy kick

Optional garnish:

Sesame seeds
Sliced green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, ensuring each piece is coated.
Dredge the egg-coated chicken in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly. Shake off any excess flour.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for 4–5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to simmer.
Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce

Place the fried chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat evenly.
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a finishing touch.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Pair it with steamed broccoli or bok choy for a complete meal.

Ingredient Background

Honey: Provides natural sweetness and a sticky texture that caramelizes beautifully in the sauce.
Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami, balancing the sweetness of the honey.
Rice Vinegar: Contributes a tangy note that brightens the sauce and enhances its complexity.
Garlic and Ginger: Aromatic staples in Chinese cuisine that bring warmth and depth of flavor to the dish.
Cornstarch: Used for dredging the chicken and thickening the sauce, ensuring a glossy, rich texture.

Technique Tips

Perfect Frying Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for evenly cooked, crispy chicken. Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thin, add a little more cornstarch slurry; if it’s too thick, thin it out with water or chicken broth.
Even Cooking: Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl: Serve the chicken over rice in a bowl, topped with sautéed vegetables for a complete one-dish meal.
Lettuce Wraps: Use the chicken as a filling for crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
Sliders: Toss the chicken in the sauce and serve it in small slider buns for a fun party appetizer.

Additional Tips for Success

Keep the Chicken Crispy: Toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving to preserve its crispy texture.
Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the chicken in small batches to ensure even cooking and maintain the oil temperature.
Prep Ahead: You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add 1–2 teaspoons of Sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Honey Garlic Shrimp: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist. Adjust frying time to 2–3 minutes per batch.
Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or cauliflower florets instead of chicken for a plant-based version.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Freeze the fried chicken (without the sauce) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before tossing in the sauce.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to refresh the sauce.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Bake Instead of Fry: Coat the chicken in the flour mixture, spray with cooking oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Use Less Sugar: Reduce the amount of honey for a less sweet version, or substitute with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener.
Air Fryer Option: Cook the chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Family Dinner: Pair Honey Garlic Chicken with steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
Appetizer Platter: Serve bite-sized chicken pieces with toothpicks as part of an Asian-inspired appetizer spread.
Potluck Favorite: Bring this dish to a potluck and watch it disappear in no time! Keep the chicken warm in a slow cooker on low heat.

Special Equipment

Deep Skillet or Fryer: For frying the chicken to crispy perfection.
Kitchen Thermometer: To monitor oil temperature for frying.
Mixing Bowls: For dredging the chicken and preparing the sauce.
Tongs or Slotted Spoon: To safely remove the chicken from the oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work just as well. However, chicken thighs tend to stay juicier during frying.

Q2: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Q3: How do I keep the chicken crispy after adding the sauce?
Toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving, and avoid letting it sit for too long. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Q4: Is there a way to reduce the sweetness?
Yes, reduce the honey by half or substitute with a less sweet option like maple syrup or a sugar-free alternative.

Q5: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Certainly! Just make sure to fry the chicken in batches and prepare enough sauce to coat all the pieces.

Q6: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
While freshly fried chicken works best, you can use pre-cooked chicken for a quicker version. Simply toss it in the sauce and heat through.

Q7: Can I make the sauce spicier?
Yes! Add red chili flakes, Sriracha, or chili paste to the sauce for extra heat.

Q8: Can I substitute honey with something else?
Maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar-free honey substitute are great alternatives.

Conclusion

Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect dish for anyone who loves bold, sweet, and savory flavors with a crispy texture. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, this recipe brings the taste of authentic Chinese cuisine straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy the incredible flavors that make this dish a classic favorite!