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Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken recipe features juicy boneless chicken thighs coated in a light, crispy cornstarch crust, then glazed with a luscious, glossy sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Ready in under 30 minutes, this fast and family-friendly dish combines perfectly crispy texture with balanced sweet and savory flavors, ideal for busy weeknights or impressive dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1/2 to 1 cup)

Honey Garlic Sauce

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Garnish (optional)

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep and Coat the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry thoroughly to help the coating stick better. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then lightly toss them in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for a crisp texture.
  2. Fry Until Golden and Crispy: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, which ensures even cooking. Fry each batch for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, remove excess oil leaving about a tablespoon. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, then simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Combine and Glaze the Chicken: Return the fried chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the sticky, glossy honey garlic mixture. Remove from heat once perfectly glazed.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and sprinkle with chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds for added color and texture. Serve immediately to enjoy the best crispiness.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness.
  • Fry chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain consistent oil temperature.
  • Use medium heat to avoid burning garlic or sauce and ensure crispy chicken.
  • Let sauce reduce slightly so it clings well to the chicken without being runny.
  • Serve immediately after cooking to preserve crispy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chinese honey garlic chicken, crispy chicken, honey garlic sauce, quick chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken, easy dinner