If you’re craving a takeout-style dish with all the flavors you love but without the hassle, this Easy Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect recipe. The chicken is perfectly battered and fried until crispy, then tossed in a luscious honey garlic sauce that is a perfect balance of sweet and savory. This dish is rich in flavor and texture, with the crispy chicken coated in a silky sauce, making it a guaranteed hit for dinner or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and Juicy: The chicken is battered and fried to perfection, creating a crispy golden crust while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.
Sweet and Savory Sauce: The honey garlic sauce is the star of this dish, with a perfect combination of sweetness from the honey and depth from the garlic and soy sauce.
Quick and Easy: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you’re craving something flavorful but don’t have much time to cook.
Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or spice level of the sauce to suit your taste. For added heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha can be added.
Takeout at Home: This dish has all the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout, but it’s made fresh in your own kitchen, so you know exactly what’s going into it.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless and skinless)
All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
Baking powder
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder
Eggs
Soy sauce
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Honey
Garlic (minced)
Rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
Sesame oil (optional)
Green onions (for garnish, optional)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch chunks. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Make the Batter:
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk in the eggs and a tablespoon of soy sauce until the batter is smooth and thick. The batter should coat the chicken pieces without dripping off.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, dip each piece of chicken into the batter, allowing any excess batter to drip off, and then carefully place it into the hot oil.
- Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring there’s enough space in the pan for the pieces to crisp up. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Add a drizzle of sesame oil for extra flavor, if desired. Adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or vinegar, depending on your taste.
Toss the Chicken in the Sauce:
- Once the chicken is cooked and drained, place it back into the skillet. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and toss until every piece is well coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just to allow the sauce to absorb into the crispy chicken.
Serve:
- Serve the crispy honey garlic chicken immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Variations

Spicy Version: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the honey garlic sauce to balance the sweetness with some spice.
Baked Option: If you prefer a lighter option, you can bake the battered chicken. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy. Toss with the sauce as directed.
Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the dish. Simply sauté them in the same pan after frying the chicken, then toss them with the sauce and chicken for a more complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serving Size: 4 servings

Storage/Reheating

Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover crispy honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a little water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken with skin on?

While this recipe is best with boneless, skinless chicken, you can use chicken with skin if you prefer. However, the skin may not get as crispy as when it is removed, and you may need to adjust the frying time.

2. Can I make this dish without frying?

Yes! You can bake the chicken in the oven for a healthier alternative. Simply coat the chicken in the batter, arrange it on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. How can I make the sauce thicker?

To make the sauce thicker, you can simmer it for a longer time to reduce it. Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry and add it to the sauce while it’s simmering.

4. Can I use honey substitute?

Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar if desired, though the flavor will be slightly different. Honey gives the sauce its characteristic sweetness and texture, so a substitute may change the outcome.

5. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes, adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli can make the dish more balanced and colorful. Sauté the vegetables in the pan after frying the chicken and before adding the sauce, then toss everything together.

6. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to stay juicier than chicken breasts, so they’re a great option for adding extra flavor.

7. Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just heat it up before tossing it with the chicken.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the fried chicken pieces. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness.

9. How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

For extra crispy chicken, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying (around 350°F/175°C). You can also double-dip the chicken in the batter to create an extra-thick coating.

10. What can I serve with this dish?

Serve the crispy honey garlic chicken with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also pair it with Asian-style noodles or crispy wontons for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Easy Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is the ultimate balance of crispy, savory, and sweet. The golden-brown chicken, tossed in a rich and flavorful honey garlic sauce, is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. It’s quick, customizable, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Try it out and enjoy this takeout-inspired dish in the comfort of your own home!

Print