If you love the combination of crispy, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, then this Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken recipe is for you! This dish is a perfect balance of crunchiness and sticky, flavorful goodness, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
Inspired by Asian-style crispy chicken dishes, this recipe features tender chicken pieces that are coated in a light, seasoned batter, deep-fried until golden and crunchy, and then tossed in a delicious homemade honey garlic sauce. The sauce is made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of spice, creating an irresistible glaze that clings to every crispy bite.
This dish is quick and easy to make at home and is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer. Serve it with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles for a complete meal that will satisfy your cravings for restaurant-quality crispy chicken.
Let’s dive into the full Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken recipe with step-by-step instructions!
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken
The Crispy Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
The Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (to thicken sauce)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
Garnishing:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for extra spice)
How to Make Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken
1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly.
2: Coat the Chicken for Frying
- In a shallow dish, mix flour and cornstarch together.
- In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs with 1 tablespoon of water.
- Dip each piece of seasoned chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Then, dredge the chicken in the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks well.
3: Fry the Chicken Until Crispy
- Heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer over medium-high heat. The oil should reach about 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches (do not overcrowd the pan) for 4-5 minutes per batch until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried chicken and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
4: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry.
- Add the slurry to the sauce, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until it thickens.
- Remove from heat once the sauce has a glossy, sticky texture.
5: Coat the Chicken with Sauce
- Transfer the crispy fried chicken into a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the warm honey garlic sauce over the chicken.
- Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated.
6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red chili flakes on top.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or a side of stir-fried vegetables.
Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken – Add 1 tablespoon of sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Baked Version – Instead of frying, bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air-Fried Version – Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Cooking Notes for Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken
- The cornstarch-flour mix gives the chicken extra crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan to maintain even cooking and crisp texture.
- For an extra crispy texture, double fry the chicken—let the first batch rest for 5 minutes, then fry again for 1-2 minutes.
- The sauce thickens quickly, so remove it from heat as soon as it reaches a sticky consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or garlic butter rice for a delicious meal.
- Pair with a side of stir-fried broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers.
- Enjoy with chilled Thai iced tea or lemonade to balance the sweetness.
- Drizzle extra sauce over the rice for extra flavor.
Tips
- For an ultra-crispy texture, let the coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying.
- If you prefer extra sauce, double the sauce ingredients.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey to your taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to retain crispiness.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~450-550 kcal
- Protein: ~30g
- Sodium: ~850mg
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fat: ~18g
FAQs About Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken
1. Can I make Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can fry the chicken and store it separately from the sauce. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer and toss it in freshly warmed sauce.
2. What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Both chicken breast and chicken thighs work well. Thighs are juicier, while breasts give a firmer bite.
3. Can I make the honey garlic sauce in advance?
Absolutely! Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat before using.
4. Why is my chicken not crispy?
Ensure your oil is at 350°F (175°C) before frying. Also, do not overcrowd the pan, and consider double frying for extra crispiness.
5. Can I substitute honey?
Yes! You can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar as alternatives.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken recipe is a perfect balance of crunch and flavor, making it an easy homemade alternative to takeout! The crispy golden chicken pairs beautifully with the sweet, sticky honey garlic sauce, making it a delicious main dish or appetizer.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality crispy chicken at home. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, this dish is sure to be a favorite.
Try this Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken recipe today and enjoy a mouthwatering, satisfying meal! 🍯🍗🔥
Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
If you love the combination of crispy, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, then this Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken recipe is for you! This dish is a perfect balance of crunchiness and sticky, flavorful goodness, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
Inspired by Asian-style crispy chicken dishes, this recipe features tender chicken pieces that are coated in a light, seasoned batter, deep-fried until golden and crunchy, and then tossed in a delicious homemade honey garlic sauce. The sauce is made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of spice, creating an irresistible glaze that clings to every crispy bite.
Ingredients
The Crispy Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
The Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (to thicken sauce)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
Garnishing:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for extra spice)
Instructions
1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly.
2: Coat the Chicken for Frying
- In a shallow dish, mix flour and cornstarch together.
- In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs with 1 tablespoon of water.
- Dip each piece of seasoned chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Then, dredge the chicken in the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks well.
3: Fry the Chicken Until Crispy
- Heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer over medium-high heat. The oil should reach about 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches (do not overcrowd the pan) for 4-5 minutes per batch until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried chicken and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
4: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry.
- Add the slurry to the sauce, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until it thickens.
- Remove from heat once the sauce has a glossy, sticky texture.
5: Coat the Chicken with Sauce
- Transfer the crispy fried chicken into a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the warm honey garlic sauce over the chicken.
- Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated.
6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red chili flakes on top.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or a side of stir-fried vegetables.
Notes
- The cornstarch-flour mix gives the chicken extra crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan to maintain even cooking and crisp texture.
- For an extra crispy texture, double fry the chicken—let the first batch rest for 5 minutes, then fry again for 1-2 minutes.
- The sauce thickens quickly, so remove it from heat as soon as it reaches a sticky consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450-550 kcal
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 30g