Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines golden, crunchy chicken pieces coated in a sticky, sweet-savory honey garlic glaze. This recipe delivers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making it a perfect choice for family dinners, gatherings, or as a special treat on busy nights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will love this dish for its irresistible crispiness and rich, balanced glaze. The chicken stays tender inside with a satisfyingly crunchy coating, while the honey garlic sauce adds depth with its sweet and garlicky notes. This recipe is quick to prepare, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and can be served over rice, noodles, or with vegetables, making it a versatile favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Eggs, beaten
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic, minced
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for balance)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- In a bowl, season flour and cornstarch with salt and pepper.
- Dredge chicken strips in the flour mixture, dip in beaten egg, then coat again in the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a separate small pan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and rice vinegar or lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss fried chicken pieces in the honey garlic sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
- Gluten-free: Use cornstarch only or a gluten-free flour blend for coating, and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Baked version: Bake chicken strips at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy, then toss in sauce.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F to restore crispiness. Microwaving is not recommended, as it will soften the coating. The dish is best enjoyed fresh.
FAQs
What type of chicken works best?
Boneless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
Can I air-fry the chicken?
Yes, air-fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Press the coating onto the chicken firmly and let it rest a few minutes before frying.
Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes, prepare and store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before using.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple green salad are great options.
Is this dish very sweet?
The honey provides sweetness, but the soy sauce and vinegar balance it out. Adjust the honey to taste.
How can I thicken the sauce more?
Simmer longer or add a small cornstarch slurry.
Can I freeze Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken?
It is not recommended as the coating may become soggy upon thawing.
How do I keep the chicken crispy after saucing?
Toss just before serving or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken tenders?
Yes, though fresh-cooked chicken gives better texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is a satisfying, flavorful dish that offers the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy in every bite. Simple to make and versatile in serving options, it is sure to become a staple for both casual and special meals. Enjoy it fresh for the best experience.
PrintCrispy Honey Garlic Chicken
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken combines golden, crunchy chicken pieces coated in a sticky, sweet-savory honey garlic glaze. This dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making it perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a quick treat on busy nights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Eggs, beaten
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic, minced
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for balance)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, season flour and cornstarch with salt and pepper.
- Dredge chicken strips in the flour mixture, dip in beaten egg, then coat again in the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a separate small pan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and rice vinegar or lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss fried chicken pieces in the honey garlic sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
- Gluten-free: Use cornstarch only or a gluten-free flour blend for coating, and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Baked version: Bake chicken strips at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy, then toss in sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F to restore crispiness.
- To keep the chicken crispy, toss in the sauce just before serving or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg