Name: Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 egg whites; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Pinch of salt; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying); 4 tablespoons honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Optional: toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love the crispy texture of fried chicken combined with a sweet and savory glaze, this dish is for you. The chicken is marinated for maximum tenderness, then coated in a crispy crust that holds up to the delicious honey garlic sauce. The sauce is packed with flavor from the garlic and honey, and when it’s paired with the crispy chicken, it creates a perfect balance. Plus, this recipe is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides like steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Ingredients

1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1 -2 inch/2.5-5 cm)
Oil, enough to fill the skillet 1 inch/2.5 cm (Use Canola oil or other vegetable oil)

Marinade:

2 egg whites
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Pinch of salt or other seasonings (Note 1)

Honey Garlic Sauce:

4 tablespoons honey
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 3 if preferred)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or less if you prefer less peppery)

Garnish (optional):

Toasted sesame seeds
1 green onion, sliced

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Start by preparing the chicken. Cut the boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, combine the egg whites, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Add the chicken pieces to the mixture and toss to coat well.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, enough to fill the skillet by about 1 inch/2.5 cm.
Carefully add the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes, making sure to cook the chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and drain it on paper towels.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the honey, garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the crispy chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the honey garlic sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Spicy Twist: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a few drops of hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
Different Protein: Try using shrimp in place of chicken for a different take on the dish.
Baked Version: If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, instead of frying.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover crispy honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For the crispiest results, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. If you’re in a rush, you can use the microwave, but the texture may not be as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind that thighs tend to be juicier and more tender. Chicken breasts might be slightly drier.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the chicken can be marinated ahead of time, it’s best to fry and coat the chicken in the sauce just before serving to maintain the crispy texture.

3. Can I use a different oil for frying?

Yes, you can use other oils like vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or peanut oil, but Canola oil works well for frying because of its neutral flavor.

4. How can I make the honey garlic sauce spicier?

Add chili flakes, sriracha, or a minced chili pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.

5. Can I freeze the crispy chicken?

It’s not recommended to freeze the crispy chicken as it may lose its crunch when reheated. However, you can freeze the marinated chicken pieces before frying.

6. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken for this recipe, as frozen chicken may release excess moisture that can affect the texture of the coating.

7. How can I make the honey garlic sauce thicker?

You can thicken the sauce by simmering it longer or by adding a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce while cooking.

8. Can I skip the sesame seeds?

Yes, the sesame seeds are optional, but they add a nice crunch and flavor. You can skip them if you prefer.

9. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re looking to reduce the salt content in the dish.

10. What sides go well with this dish?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple side salad to balance the flavors.

Conclusion

This crispy Chinese honey garlic chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that combines the best of both worlds: crispy fried chicken and a deliciously sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Chinese restaurant, but with the satisfaction of homemade cooking. Whether you serve it with rice, veggies, or just enjoy it on its own, this recipe is sure to be a hit.