Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken
Savor the delightful combination of sweet and savory with this Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken. Perfectly golden fried chicken is tossed in a luscious honey garlic sauce, creating a dish that’s irresistible and full of flavor. This Asian-inspired dish pairs the crunch of perfectly fried chicken with the rich, sticky sweetness of honey garlic sauce for a memorable main course that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner for two or looking for a quick yet indulgent meal, this recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal fuss. From the crispy exterior to the umami-packed sauce, every bite is a celebration of culinary harmony.
Ingredients That Make This Dish Shine
- Chicken thighs – Tender and flavorful, these are the perfect base for a crispy bite.
- Cornstarch and flour – The dynamic duo for that ultra-crispy coating.
- Egg – Binds the coating to the chicken for an even crunch.
- Soy sauce – Adds umami depth to both the marinade and sauce.
- Honey – Delivers the dish’s signature sweetness.
- Garlic and ginger – Infuse the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- Sesame oil – A finishing touch that elevates the sauce’s complexity.
How to Make Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken
- Marinate for flavor: Combine chicken cubes with egg, cornstarch, soy sauce, and black pepper. Let it rest while preparing other components.
- Create the sauce: Sauté garlic and ginger, then stir in the soy sauce, honey, and brown sugar mixture. Thicken with a cornstarch slurry, then finish with sesame oil.
- Coat and fry: Toss marinated chicken in a flour-cornstarch mix. Fry until crisp, rest, and fry again for an even crunch.
- Combine and serve: Toss the chicken in the honey garlic sauce until thoroughly coated. Garnish and serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken
Double frying is the key to achieving ultra-crispy chicken that stays crunchy even when coated in sauce. Be sure to let the chicken rest between frying sessions for the best texture.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a gentle heat. Alternatively, swap chicken thighs for breast meat if you prefer a leaner cut, though thighs offer superior juiciness.
Storing and Reheating Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken
If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the coating soggy.
Freeze the fried chicken separately from the sauce for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken, re-fry or bake to crisp it up, and toss with freshly reheated sauce.
Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Fried Chicken:
- 10 ounces boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced into cubes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 whole egg
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 5 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp ginger finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sesame seeds optional
- 1 tbsp green onions optional
Instructions
- Combine the chicken cubes, egg, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and soy sauce in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly, then set aside to marinate.
- Prepare the honey garlic sauce by mixing soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and water in a bowl until well combined.
- In a skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and chopped ginger, sautéing until aromatic and softened. Pour the soy sauce mixture into the skillet, stirring occasionally as it cooks.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to form a smooth slurry. Gradually incorporate the slurry into the skillet while stirring continuously, allowing the sauce to thicken. Stir in sesame oil and remove the sauce from heat.
- For the fried chicken, mix the remaining cornstarch with the all-purpose flour. Coat the marinated chicken in this flour mixture until evenly covered.
- Heat frying oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep pan, ensuring it reaches about 2 inches in depth. Fry the chicken in small batches for approximately 3 minutes, then transfer to a rack to drain.
- After letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes, fry it again for 2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the oil and drain the excess oil.
- Toss the fried chicken in the prepared honey garlic sauce until well coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired, then serve immediately.