Easy Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes)

This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a delicious and quick dish that brings together crispy fried chicken with a rich, sticky honey garlic sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave takeout-style food at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
• Crispy Perfection – Lightly battered chicken is fried until golden and crispy.
• Irresistible Sauce – A perfect balance of sweet honey and savory garlic.
• Customizable – Adjust the sweetness or add spice to suit your taste.
• Better than Takeout – Enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home with fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (slurry)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then coat them in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.

2. Fry the Chicken

1. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
2. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry.
3. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

4. Coat the Chicken

1. Toss the fried chicken pieces in the honey garlic sauce until fully coated.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

5. Serve

• Serve hot with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles for a complete meal.

Variations

• Spicy Version – Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
• Air Fryer Option – Instead of frying, cook the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) in an air fryer for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Extra Crunchy – Double-fry the chicken for an extra crispy texture.

Servings & Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the chicken crispy after coating it in sauce?

To keep the chicken crispy, coat it just before serving. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and add more juiciness to the dish.

What can I serve with this honey garlic chicken?

It pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

Use the air fryer or bake the chicken instead of deep frying.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

The chicken is best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and store it in the fridge for 3 days.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Add a bit more cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and simmer until thickened.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar.

What oil is best for frying the chicken?

Neutral oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best for frying.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas are great additions to balance the dish.

Conclusion

This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and crispy textures. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy it fresh and crispy with your favorite side dishes!

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