Description
Crispy Chinese honey garlic chicken delivers intense flavor and irresistible texture from Chinese street food traditions. Crunchy golden bites glazed with sweet-savory sauce bring restaurant-quality comfort directly to home kitchens that you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Coating Ingredients:
- ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (65 g) cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Sauce Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) honey
- ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Create a seasoned coating by blending flour, cornstarch, and aromatic spices in a shallow container. Thoroughly dredge each chicken piece through beaten eggs, then meticulously dust with the seasoned powder, ensuring an even, light distribution.
- Prepare a deep skillet with vegetable oil, heating to an optimal temperature around 350F. Carefully lower chicken pieces into the hot oil, working in small batches to maintain consistent heat and prevent overcrowding.
- Fry chicken segments until they achieve a rich golden-brown exterior and reach complete internal doneness, approximately 45 minutes per batch. Remove pieces and allow excess oil to drain on absorbent paper towels.
- Craft a luxurious sauce by combining honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and finely minced garlic in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring periodically to develop complex flavors.
- Enhance sauce consistency by incorporating a cornstarch slurry, cooking until the mixture transforms into a glossy, thick glaze that clings beautifully to the crispy chicken.
- Transfer golden-fried chicken into a spacious mixing bowl, then generously drench with the aromatic honey garlic sauce. Gently tumble the pieces to ensure comprehensive and uniform coating.
- Plate the glazed chicken, scattering toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions as a vibrant garnish. Accompany with steamed rice or tender noodles for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Select chicken thighs or breast meat depending on your preferred texture and juiciness, with boneless cuts working best for even cooking and crispy coating.
- Pat chicken pieces completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy breading from excess moisture.
- Use a thermometer to maintain precise oil temperature around 350F, preventing burning or undercooking when frying chicken in batches.
- Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with rice flour or almond flour for equally crunchy exterior.
- Control sauce thickness by adjusting cornstarch slurry – add more for thicker coating or less for lighter glaze on chicken.
- Prep sauce ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and prevent potential burning while multitasking.
- Consider baking chicken instead of deep-frying for healthier alternative, using wire rack to maintain crispiness and reduce oil absorption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 80 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg