Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken – Sweet, Savory, and Irresistibly Crispy
Meta Description:
This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is coated in a golden, crispy batter and drenched in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. The perfect balance of crispy and sticky, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Introduction:
If you love sweet, savory, and crispy chicken, this Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken will quickly become your go-to recipe! Tender chicken pieces are coated in a crispy batter, then tossed in a delectable honey garlic sauce that’s the perfect combination of sweetness, garlic flavor, and a touch of spice.
Whether served over rice, with a side of veggies, or simply enjoyed on its own, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and irresistible to eat. Let’s dive into how to prepare this mouth-watering meal!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup cold water (or sparkling water for extra crispiness)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For Garnish (optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Coat the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk the egg and cold water together until smooth.
- Dunk the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the batter sticks. Shake off any excess flour and set the coated chicken aside.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- Heat the Oil: Heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping in a small piece of the batter—if it sizzles, the oil is hot enough.
- Fry the Chicken: Working in batches, fry the chicken pieces in the hot oil for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir the ingredients together and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency (about 2-3 minutes).
- Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove from the heat.
Step 4: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the crispy fried chicken pieces to the saucepan with the honey garlic sauce. Toss the chicken gently to coat each piece with the sticky sauce. Be sure to evenly coat the chicken so every bite is sweet and savory!
- Serve: Serve the honey garlic chicken immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a burst of flavor and crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken:
- Crispy and Crunchy: The batter creates a perfectly crispy crust on the chicken, giving it that satisfying crunch with every bite.
- Sweet and Savory Sauce: The honey garlic sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and garlicky with a touch of heat, making it the ultimate flavor combination.
- Versatile: This dish can be served over steamed rice, alongside stir-fried vegetables, or even as an appetizer for a party.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30-40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Additional Tips and Variations:
- Spicy Kick: If you love spice, add more crushed red pepper Crack Chicken Tenders flakes or a splash of sriracha sauce to the honey garlic sauce for an extra kick.
- Use Chicken Breasts or Thighs: You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe, depending on your preference for lean or slightly juicier meat.
- Make it Healthier: For a healthier twist, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Simply coat the chicken and bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Vegetarian Option: Try this recipe with crispy tofu or cauliflower bites as a vegetarian alternative!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
(Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.)
Conclusion:
This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is an unforgettable dish that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavor. The golden, crispy chicken pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, making every bite a delicious experience. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or as an appetizer, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone.
Pair it with some steamed rice or your favorite vegetables for a complete Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy meal that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor!