Crispy Chinese honey garlic chicken served with vegetables on a plate

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or any time you crave something delicious. This recipe is easy to prepare and will impress family and friends alike. The crunchy chicken with a sticky honey garlic glaze is simply irresistible!

How to Make Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Oil for frying (canola or other neutral oil)
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Pinch of salt or seasoning of choice
  • 4 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (3 if you like it extra garlicky)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 green onion, sliced

Directions:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Add the chicken pieces and coat well. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes.

  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper. Set this mixture aside.

  3. Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), fry the chicken in small batches for 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove the chicken and drain it on paper towels.

  4. Glaze the Chicken: In a clean skillet, pour in the sauce and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add the fried chicken, tossing until every piece is coated in the sticky honey garlic glaze.

  5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer everything to a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onion. Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or as a standalone appetizer.

How to Serve Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

This dish is best served hot. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It also makes a fantastic appetizer or snack on its own. Just be ready for everyone to ask for seconds!

How to Store Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can stir-fry the chicken again in a pan or use the microwave. The chicken may lose some crispiness, but the flavor will still be great!

Tips to Make Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

  • Don’t skip the marinating step: This helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
  • Fry in small batches: This ensures that the oil temperature stays consistent and the chicken gets crispy.
  • Adjust the garlic and pepper: Feel free to add more garlic or adjust the black pepper to fit your taste.

Variation

For a slightly different flavor, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat. Alternatively, you can mix in some chopped bell peppers or broccoli when glazing the chicken for added veggies.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

2. Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
To make it healthier, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Coat the chicken in the egg white mixture and place it on a baking tray in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.