Description
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken
This crispy honey garlic chicken is crispy, sticky, and packed with flavor! Serve it with rice or veggies for the perfect meal.
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 eggs
Oil for frying
Honey Garlic Sauce:
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with water
Instructions:
Heat oil to 350°F, coat chicken with flour, cornstarch, and egg.
Fry until crispy and golden brown, then drain.
Combine the sauce ingredients, simmer until thick.
Toss the chicken in the sauce.
#HoneyGarlicChicken
#StickyGoodness #CrispyCravings #DinnerMadeEasy #FlavorLover
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep the Chicken: Cut 1 lb of chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for maximum crispiness.
2. Set Up Your Dredging Station: In one bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup cornstarch. In a second bowl, beat the 2 eggs.
3. Coat the Chicken: Working in batches, toss the chicken pieces first in the flour/cornstarch mixture, then dip them in the beaten egg, and finally coat them once more in the flour mixture. Press gently to ensure a good, shaggy coating.
4. Fry to Perfection: Heat 1-2 inches of oil in a heavy pot or deep skillet to 350°F. Carefully add the chicken in a single layer, not overcrowding the pan. Fry for 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until deeply golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
5. Make the Sauce: While the chicken fries, combine 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar in a small saucepan. In a separate cup, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water to form a slurry. Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer, then whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened and glossy.
6. Combine: Place all the crispy chicken in a large bowl. Pour the hot honey garlic sauce over the top and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish immediately over a bed of steamed jasmine or white rice to soak up the extra sauce. For a balanced meal, add a side of steamed broccoli, snap peas, or roasted asparagus. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and extra flavor.
How-to Summary
Cut and dry chicken. Dredge in flour/cornstarch, egg, then flour again. Fry at 350°F until golden. Simultaneously, simmer honey, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar; thicken with a cornstarch slurry. Toss crispy chicken in the finished sauce and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake this instead of frying? Yes. For a baked version, place the breaded chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Toss in the sauce after baking.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to help retain crispiness, as the microwave will make it soggy.
Can I use chicken thighs? Absolutely. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and will stay juicier. The cooking time may need a slight increase to ensure they are cooked through.
My sauce didn’t thicken. What happened? Ensure your cornstarch slurry is mixed with cold water before adding. The sauce must come to a simmer after adding the slurry to activate the starch’s thickening power.
Is there a gluten-free alternative? Yes. Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Drying the Chicken: Excess moisture prevents a crispy crust.
- Overcrowding the Pan: This drops the oil temperature and leads to soggy, greasy chicken. Fry in batches.
- Adding the Sauce Too Early: Only sauce the chicken right before serving to maintain its crunch.
- Using Pre-Minced Jarred Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a far superior, brighter flavor for the sauce.
Conclusion
This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken recipe delivers the perfect combination of texture and flavor. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home that is sure to become a family favorite. The balance of sweet, salty, and garlicky notes over incredibly crispy chicken makes for an unforgettable and easy dinner.
