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Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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  • Author: Maria B. Evans
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Deep Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Description

This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken features tender chicken pieces coated in a golden, crispy batter and tossed in a sticky, sweet-savory honey garlic sauce. It’s a restaurant-style dish made easily at home! Serve it over rice or steamed vegetables for a satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)

For Garnish:

  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Batter

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk egg, cold water, and soy sauce until well combined.
  3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth (it should be slightly thick but not too runny).
  4. Add the chicken pieces to the batter and toss to coat.

2. Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat (350°F/175°C).
  2. Carefully drop the battered chicken into the hot oil, frying in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

  1. In a clean skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens (about 1 minute).
  5. Turn off the heat and mix in sesame oil for extra flavor (optional).

4. Coat the Chicken & Serve

  1. Toss the crispy fried chicken in the honey garlic sauce until fully coated.
  2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
  3. Serve immediately with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies.

Notes

  • Extra crispy tip: Double-fry the chicken for even more crunch! Fry once for 3 minutes, remove, then fry again for 1-2 minutes until extra golden brown.
  • Want it spicier? Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg