Here’s a Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken recipe that delivers on both texture and flavor: crispy fried chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, garlicky glaze. It’s great for weeknights and impressive enough for guests.
🍗 Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch (or use half cornstarch, half flour for extra crunch)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut)
For the honey garlic sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for depth)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening, optional)
Garnish (optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
🔪 Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Dip each piece in beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with cornstarch.
- Set aside on a tray.
2. Fry Until Crispy
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) for 4–6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on a wire rack or paper towel.
3. Make the Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Optional: Stir in the cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker sauce. Simmer until it thickens slightly.
4. Combine & Coat
- Toss the fried chicken in the sauce or drizzle the sauce over the chicken just before serving to retain crispiness.
5. Serve
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.
✅ Tips
- For extra crispiness: Double-fry the chicken (fry once until lightly golden, remove, then fry again until deeply golden).
- You can bake or air-fry the chicken for a lighter version, but it won’t be as crispy.
Want a spicy kick? Add some chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce!