Irresistibly Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Memories of street food in beijing sparked my love for crispy chinese honey garlic chicken, a dish that dances between sweet and savory.

Sweet aromas waft through kitchens, promising something extraordinary.

Tender chicken pieces crackle with golden-brown edges, waiting to be devoured.

Garlic’s pungent whispers blend seamlessly with honey’s silky embrace, creating magic on your plate.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

Home cooking can transport you across continents with just a few skillful moves.

Let this recipe become your culinary passport to deliciousness.

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Overview

• Perfect for satisfying cravings with its irresistible crispy texture and sweet-savory flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Delivers restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families seeking delicious dinner solutions without extensive cooking time.
• Allows easy adjustments like controlling spice levels, adding extra garlic, or swapping chicken for tofu to match individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Brings professional-level Chinese takeout experience directly to your kitchen, enabling home cooks to create gourmet-quality dishes with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

What You’ll Need for Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

• Flour, Cornstarch: Essential base for creating a crispy, golden coating on the chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds deep, savory flavor to the chicken coating.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings to enhance overall taste.
• Baking Powder: Helps create extra crispiness in the coating.

• Egg, Cold Water: Creates a smooth batter that helps the dry coating stick to the chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: Perfect for deep frying and achieving a crispy exterior.

• Honey, Soy Sauce: Provides a sweet and salty base for the classic Chinese-style sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Adds authentic Asian flavor and aromatic depth.
• Garlic: Fresh and intense flavor that defines the dish.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a subtle tangy note to balance the sweetness.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding a spicy kick.
• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a thickening agent for the sauce.

• Chicken: Main protein that gets a delicious crispy coating and flavorful sauce.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Fresh toppings that add visual appeal and extra flavor.

Cooking Method for Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Coating

• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Baking powder

Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl.

Whisk egg with cold water in a separate bowl.

Dip chicken pieces into egg mixture.

Coat chicken thoroughly in dry mixture.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Select a deep skillet or wok.

Pour vegetable oil about 2 inches deep.

Heat oil to medium-high temperature.

Test oil readiness by dropping a batter piece.

Fry chicken pieces in small batches.

Cook until golden brown and crispy.

Drain fried chicken on paper towels.

Step 3: Create Honey Garlic Sauce

• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Heat sesame oil in saucepan.

Saute garlic until fragrant.

Add remaining sauce ingredients.

Stir and bring to simmer.

Thicken sauce with cornstarch mixture.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add crispy chicken to saucepan.

Gently toss to coat completely.

Ensure even sauce coverage.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds.

Chop green onions.

Place on serving plate.

Pair with steamed rice or vegetables.

Helpful Hints for Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken

• Nail the Crispy Coating: Ensure your flour mixture is well-seasoned and dry to achieve maximum crunchiness. Pat chicken pieces completely dry before coating to prevent sogginess.
• Control Oil Temperature: Keep oil consistently around 350-375°F for perfectly golden, crisp chicken without burning. Use a thermometer for precision and maintain steady heat throughout frying.
• Sauce Thickening Trick: Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to sauce to prevent lumps. Stir constantly while thickening to create smooth, glossy honey garlic sauce with perfect consistency.
• Batch Frying Strategy: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying chicken pieces. Cook in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure each piece becomes evenly crispy and golden brown.
• Serve Immediately: Toss chicken in sauce right before serving to preserve crispiness. Waiting too long can make the coating soggy, so time your sauce coating carefully for maximum texture and flavor.

Tips to Store and Reheat This Chinese Classic

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the chicken cools completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes. Spread pieces in a single layer to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
• While not ideal, quickly reheat chicken in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking. Add a small splash of water to help retain moisture.
• The crispy coating will lose its texture when frozen, so consume within the recommended refrigeration timeframe for best quality.

Best Dishes to Enjoy with Honey Garlic Chicken

• Serve with fragrant jasmine or steamed white rice to absorb the delicious honey garlic sauce and balance the crispy chicken's texture.
• Select a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to match the dish's sweet and savory profile, cutting through the richness of the fried chicken.
• Add stir-fried bok choy or steamed broccoli with a light soy glaze to introduce a fresh, green element that provides nutritional contrast and palate cleansing.
• Prepare a crisp Asian-style cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil to provide a cool, tangy side that offsets the warm, intense chicken flavors.

Flavorful Variations for Honey Garlic Chicken

Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free rice flour, ensuring the same crispy texture while making the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Air Fryer Alternative: Skip deep-frying and cook chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, creating a healthier version with similar crispiness and reduced oil content.

Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute flour with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds, reducing carbohydrate intake while maintaining the classic crispy coating and flavor profile.

Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets, using the same batter and honey garlic sauce technique to create a plant-based version of the dish that retains the original recipe’s delicious characteristics.

Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Q&A

• Why is double coating the chicken important?

Double coating creates an extra crispy, thick layer that seals in moisture and gives the chicken a crunchy exterior when fried. The flour and baking powder mixture helps achieve that golden, crisp texture everyone loves.

• Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure you cut the breast into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and remain tender. Chicken breast might cook slightly faster, so adjust cooking time accordingly.

• How do I know the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a thermometer to check that oil reaches 350-375°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of batter into the oil- if it sizzles and rises immediately, the oil is ready for frying. Maintaining correct oil temperature prevents greasy chicken.

• Is it necessary to use sesame oil in the sauce?

Sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty flavor that enhances the sauce, but you can substitute with vegetable or canola oil if needed. However, the authentic Asian taste might be slightly different without sesame oil’s unique profile.

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken brings golden-brown magic from classic Asian kitchens to dinner tables worldwide. Sweet, tangy sauce glazes tender chicken pieces that crunch with each delightful bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Chicken and Coating Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup (65 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (65 grams) cornstarch
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce and Garnish Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) honey
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Create a seasoned coating by blending flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and baking powder in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Whisk egg and cold water together in a separate container to form a smooth, light batter.
3. Immerse each chicken fragment into the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage, then roll thoroughly in the seasoned dry mixture until fully encased.
4. Warm vegetable oil in a deep skillet, maintaining medium-high temperature. Test oil readiness by dropping a batter morsel which should immediately sizzle and float.
5. Carefully submerge chicken pieces into hot oil, frying in small batches to maintain optimal crispiness. Cook each batch approximately 4-5 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior.
6. Transfer fried chicken onto paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain and maintaining crunch.
7. In a separate saucepan, gently toast minced garlic in sesame oil, releasing aromatic notes for approximately 30 seconds.
8. Incorporate honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and optional crushed red pepper flakes into the garlic base, stirring to create a harmonious blend.
9. Simmer sauce mixture, introducing cornstarch-water combination to enhance thickness. Continuously stir for 1-2 minutes until achieving desired viscosity.
10. Gently fold crispy chicken pieces into prepared sauce, ensuring complete and delicate coating.
11. Plate the glazed chicken, garnishing with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for visual appeal and enhanced flavor profile.
12. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or preferred accompaniment for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Marinate chicken in buttermilk or yogurt for extra tenderness and deeper flavor before coating, allowing the proteins to break down and create a more succulent texture.
• Adjust cornstarch ratio for gluten-free diets by using rice flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, ensuring crispy coating remains intact without compromising texture.
• Control oil temperature precisely between 350-375°F using a digital thermometer to prevent soggy or burnt exterior, maintaining consistent golden-brown crispiness throughout chicken pieces.
• Reduce sauce’s sugar content by substituting honey with maple syrup or agave for lower glycemic impact, balancing sweet and savory elements while accommodating dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg