Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary weeknight into a celebration. Tender chicken bites get a spa day in a seasoned flour-and-cornstarch bath, which guarantees that unmistakable crunch. While the oil softly hums at just the right temperature, you’ll be daydreaming about that next mouthful. Once the chicken hits the honey garlic sauce, it transforms into these glistening, golden morsels that beg to be devoured immediately. Every element—from the hint of rice vinegar’s tang to the deep warmth of garlic—works together in perfect harmony.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or whipping up a solo comfort meal, this recipe is delightfully beginner-friendly. You can expect about 30 minutes of hands-on prep, 20 minutes of frying and simmering, plus a 15-minute resting window so your coating sets up just right. At roughly 600 calories per serving, it’s an indulgent treat that’s still approachable. Recommended for lunch or dinner, this Tantalizingly Crisp Honey Garlic Chicken That’ll Have Everyone Coming Back for More is the perfect way to bring a little Asian cuisine magic right into your home kitchen.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN CRISPY CHINESE HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN

Every star performance needs its supporting cast, and this honey garlic chicken is no exception. Each ingredient plays a special role in making those bite-sized pieces pop with flavor and crunch.

• Boneless Chicken Breast: Provides a lean, tender canvas that soaks up flavor and crisps beautifully on the outside. Cutting it into bite-sized pieces ensures even cooking.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the first layer of coating, helping the cornstarch stick and giving the chicken a light, golden texture.
• Cornstarch: Creates that signature extra-crisp crunch by drawing moisture away from the chicken surface and giving the coating a delicate, shatter-ready finish.
• Salt: Amplifies all the savory notes in both the coating and the sauce, making every bite taste balanced.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and earthy depth that cuts through the sweetness of the honey.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses the coating with gentle garlic undertones, setting the stage for the fresh garlic in the sauce.
• Eggs: Act as a rich, protein-packed binder that helps the flour and cornstarch mixture cling to every piece of chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: The frying medium that reaches the ideal crispy temperature, ensuring an even, golden crust.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami depth and saltiness to the honey garlic glaze, creating a savory backbone.
• Honey: Delivers that luscious, sticky sweetness that makes this dish utterly irresistible.
• Rice Vinegar: Contributes a mild, tangy brightness that balances out the richness of honey and garlic.
• Garlic: Fresh, minced cloves provide the bold, aromatic kick that defines this sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Offers a toasty, nutty finish, rounding out the glaze with authentic Asian flair.
• Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the sauce to a silky consistency that coats the chicken perfectly without being gloopy.
• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle on top for a visual flourish and a bit more nutty crunch.
• Green Onions: Add a fresh, bright contrast and a pop of color to the finished dish.

HOW TO MAKE CRISPY CHINESE HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN

Let’s walk through every step of this recipe so you can achieve restaurant-level results from your own kitchen. With clear techniques and a splash of enthusiasm, you’re about to create a dish that sings with sweet-savory notes and satisfying crunch.

1. In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the blend is uniform. This ensures your coating has a balanced flavor and optimal crispiness.

2. Dip each chicken piece first into the seasoned flour mixture, then submerge it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it again in the flour blend. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated on all sides for the crispiest outcome.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for precision—proper temperature is key to preventing greasy chicken.

4. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for 6–8 minutes, or until the pieces turn a gorgeous golden brown and feel satisfyingly crisp to the touch.

5. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a paper towel–lined plate. Let it rest briefly to drain any excess oil, keeping that exterior light and crunchy.

6. In a separate saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat so the flavors meld and the raw-garlic sharpness softens.

7. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly until it thickens into a smooth, glossy glaze that coats the back of a spoon.

8. Add the fried chicken to the saucepan and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is luxuriously cloaked in that sweet garlic goodness.

9. Serve the honey garlic chicken hot, garnished with a shower of sesame seeds and vibrant green onions for texture, flavor, and visual appeal.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CRISPY CHINESE HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN

A dish this vibrant deserves thoughtful companions to round out the meal. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking for a fuss-free weeknight delight, these serving ideas will elevate your honey garlic chicken experience.

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy grains absorb any extra glaze, creating a perfectly balanced bite that showcases the sweet-savory sauce without overwhelming your palate.
• Colorful Stir-Fry Vegetables: Sauté bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots in a touch of sesame oil and soy sauce for a crisp, nutrient-packed side that complements the chicken’s richness.
• Fresh Crunch Slaw: Toss shredded cabbage and carrots with a light rice vinegar–sesame dressing. The cool, tangy crunch offers contrast and freshness to the warm chicken.
• Zesty Noodle Bowl: Serve over cooked rice or wheat noodles, drizzled with a sprinkle of chili flakes and a squeeze of lime. This creates a playful, tangy twist that layers in extra flavor notes.

HOW TO STORE CRISPY CHINESE HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN

Ensuring your honey garlic chicken retains its delightful taste and texture involves smart storage. Whether you have leftovers or want to meal prep, follow these tips to keep each bite as magical as the first.

• Refrigerator Storage: Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days to preserve the crunchy coating and sauce freshness.
• Freezer Method: Flash-freeze individual chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Separate Components: For best results, store the chicken and sauce in separate containers when refrigerating. Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer to restore crispness, then toss with the warmed sauce just before serving.
• Reheating Tips: Avoid the microwave if you can—opt for a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to revive that signature crunch without drying out the meat.

CONCLUSION

After taking this recipe from pantry staples to a plate of irresistible Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken, you’re officially equipped to dazzle anyone lucky enough to sit at your table. We’ve covered every step of the process—mixing the perfect coating, achieving a gorgeously golden fry, and crafting that sticky honey garlic glaze that clings to every nook of the chicken. Along the way, you’ve discovered how each ingredient—from simple flour and cornstarch to aromatic sesame oil—works in harmony to deliver a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. You can print this article and save it for later use, creating your own little recipe collection ready for quick reference whenever the craving strikes. And if you scroll down, you’ll also find a FAQ section that answers the most common questions about timing, substitutions, and troubleshooting your honey garlic chicken adventure.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this friendly walkthrough, complete with serving suggestions, storage guidance, and plenty of enthusiasm to get you cooking like a pro. If you give this recipe a try or need help turning out those perfect, crunchy chicken bites, please drop a comment below. Share your triumphs, ask any burning questions, or let me know how you customized the sauce to suit your taste. Your feedback and stories are what make cooking together so much fun—so don’t be shy! Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with laughter and delicious aromas.

Print Recipe

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Author: Annie Delgado Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 15 mins Total Time 1 hr 5 mins

Calories: 600

Description

This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken features succulent bites of chicken enveloped in a crunchy coating, all glazed in a sweet garlic sauce that's irresistibly good.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ¹⁄₂ cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 2 eggs, beaten

• Vegetable oil, for frying

• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce

• ¹⁄₄ cup honey

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 s water (slurry)

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

• 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and again into the flour mixture. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
4. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches and fry for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Ensure not to overcrowd the pan.
5. Remove the cooked chicken pieces from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
6. In a separate saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
7. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan to thicken the sauce, stirring constantly until the desired thickness is achieved.
8. Add the fried chicken to the saucepan, tossing to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.
9. Serve the honey garlic chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Note

• For extra crispiness, allow the coated chicken to rest for 15 minutes before frying.
• Adjust the level of sweetness in the sauce by adding more or less honey according to taste.
• This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce.

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, crispy chicken, Chinese recipe, easy dinner, fried chicken, Asian cuisine