This Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a sweet and sticky dish that shines with flavor! The chicken is cooked until golden and coated in a delicious honey garlic sauce that you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
Honestly, what’s not to love? The sauce pairs perfectly with rice or veggies, and it’s so easy to make, you might just want to whip it up every week. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser! 🍚🍯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness, but breasts work too. For a lighter option, try tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian twist!
Honey: While honey is essential for that sweet taste, you can substitute agave syrup or maple syrup if needed. Just adjust the amount to taste since they might be sweeter or less sweet.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is my go-to for this recipe. If you’re gluten-free, you can use tamari or coconut aminos instead. They provide a similar salty flavor without gluten.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work; use about 1/8 tsp for each clove. A touch of fresh ginger can also add a nice kick!
How Do I Get My Chicken Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy chicken comes from the batter and frying method. Start by mixing your dry ingredients—flour and cornstarch—since this combo gives a lovely crunch.
- Ensure your batter is not too thick—this helps avoid a gummy texture. You want it to coat without being clumpy.
- Heat the oil properly; use a thermometer or drop a small bit of batter in—if it sizzles, it’s ready!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches for even cooking and extra crispiness. Transfer fried pieces to a wire rack if possible instead of paper towels to keep them crispy longer.
Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup water (or more if needed)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Lemon wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to cook, plus a few minutes to get everything garnished and served. Overall, you can expect to spend about 35 to 40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the water. Gradually combine the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until a smooth batter forms. It should be thick enough to coat the chicken pieces well but still thin enough to drizzle off with a bit of patience; add a little more water if needed.
2. Coat the Chicken:
Take the chicken pieces and dip them into the batter, making sure each piece is fully coated. This coating will give you that lovely, crispy texture when fried!
3. Fry the Chicken:
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
4. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a clean large skillet or wok, add a small drizzle of oil and heat over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to let it burn! Next, add in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and bring it to a low simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
To thicken the sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is nicely thick and glossy. This is where it becomes really delicious!
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Add the crispy fried chicken pieces directly into the honey garlic sauce. Toss everything together gently to ensure each piece of chicken is coated in that sweet, sticky goodness.
7. Serve:
Spoon your honey garlic chicken over a bed of warm, cooked white rice. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that perfect garnish. A lemon wedge on the side can add a nice burst of freshness if you like!
Enjoy your sweet, garlicky, and crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken! It’s sure to become a favorite.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are often juicier than breasts and hold up well in this recipe. Just ensure they’re boneless and skinless for easy cooking and biting!
What If I Don’t Have Rice Vinegar?
No worries! You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. If you want a slightly sweeter option, try using a splash of lemon or lime juice—it will work nicely with the honey!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! To add some heat, you can incorporate red pepper flakes or a bit of sriracha into the honey garlic sauce. Start with just a pinch and adjust to your taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain that crispy texture.
