Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken
Description
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is a golden, crunchy chicken dish tossed in a glossy, sticky-sweet garlic sauce with the perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors. Each bite delivers crispy coating on the outside and juicy, tender chicken inside, finished with a rich honey garlic glaze that’s better than takeout. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving over steamed rice with vegetables.
Time Required
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 15–30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
500g (1 lb) boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 egg
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup all-purpose flour
Oil for deep frying
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
⅓ cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce
5 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or lemon juice)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
For Garnish:
Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and soy sauce.
Add egg and mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine flour and cornstarch.
Coat each chicken piece thoroughly in the flour mixture.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep pan to 170–180°C (340–350°F).
Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
For extra crispiness, fry a second time for 1–2 minutes at slightly higher heat.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a pan over medium heat, add a little oil and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds (do not burn).
Add honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
Bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens (1–2 minutes).
Step 4: Combine
Add crispy chicken to the sauce.
Toss quickly until evenly coated.
Cook for 1–2 minutes to let sauce cling to chicken.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions.
Serve hot with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray with oil for better crispiness. However, frying gives the crispiest texture.
2. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely. Thighs are juicier, but breast works well if not overcooked.
3. How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce honey to ¼ cup and increase soy sauce slightly.
4. Can I air fry this?
Yes! Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 14–16 minutes, shaking halfway.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer or oven to keep crispy texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
(Serves 4)
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 18g
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 720mg