This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken brings together tender, golden-fried chicken coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce with hints of soy. With a balance of crispy textures and sweet-savory flavors, this dish is an irresistible weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing favorite for gatherings. Pair it with rice or veggies for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Restaurant-Quality at Home: You’ll get that perfect crispy coating and bold honey garlic flavor without leaving your kitchen.
Versatile: Pair it with rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete meal.
Customizable Heat: The cayenne in the coating adds a mild kick, but you can adjust it to suit your taste.
Quick and Satisfying: Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekends.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it ideal for family meals or gatherings.
Key Ingredients
Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender, they form the juicy base for this dish. Pounding them ensures even cooking.
All-Purpose Flour: Creates the crisp, golden coating.
Eggs: Acts as the binding agent to help the flour mixture stick to the chicken.
Cayenne Pepper: Adds a subtle heat to the coating. Adjust or omit based on your spice preference.
Honey: The star of the sauce, delivering natural sweetness and a sticky glaze.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the sauce with a bold, aromatic punch.
Soy Sauce: Balances the sweetness with a salty, umami depth.
Cornstarch Slurry: Ensures the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
Vegetable Oil: Neutral in flavor, perfect for frying the chicken to crispy perfection.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, combine:
½ cup honey
4 cloves of minced garlic
⅓ cup soy sauce
Bring to a Boil:
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to boil.
Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix:
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
Stir until smooth, then pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens.
Remove from Heat:
Once thickened, set the sauce aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Mix the Coating:
In a bowl, combine:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Prepare the Egg Wash:
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons water
Coat the Chicken:
Dip each piece of chicken (e.g., thighs, tenders, or nuggets) into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Transfer the chicken to the flour mixture and coat thoroughly, pressing gently to adhere the flour.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking (approximately 350°F or 175°C).
Fry the Chicken:
Place the coated chicken pieces in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Drain Excess Oil:
Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Toss in Sauce:
In a large bowl, toss the fried chicken pieces with the prepared honey garlic sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Serve:
Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes such as steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken with these sides for a restaurant-worthy meal:
Steamed White Rice: The perfect base to soak up the sweet and savory sauce.
Vegetable Stir-Fry: Add color and crunch with broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: A creamy, comforting side that pairs beautifully with the crispy chicken.
Asian-Style Slaw: A tangy, crunchy slaw balances the sweetness of the honey garlic sauce.
Sesame Noodles: Toss noodles with sesame oil and scallions for a quick, flavorful accompaniment.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to restore crispiness.
Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken without sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge, then reheat and toss in freshly made sauce before serving.
Make-Ahead: Prep the chicken by coating it in the flour mixture and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying. You can also prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Variations
Spicier Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Air Fryer Option: Instead of frying, cook the coated chicken in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Vegetarian Twist: Use firm tofu or cauliflower florets instead of chicken for a plant-based alternative.
Lemon Honey Garlic: Swap soy sauce for a splash of lemon juice for a tangy twist on the sauce.
Conclusion
This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is a dish that ticks all the boxes: crispy, flavorful, and drenched in a sauce that’s both sweet and savory. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you’ll be whipping up a meal that rivals your favorite takeout in no time. Whether served with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite. So grab your skillet, get those ingredients ready, and prepare for a meal that’s sure to impress. Enjoy!
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts halved and pounded to an even thickness
- 2 large eggs beaten with 1 tbsp water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup vegetable oil for frying
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth, then pour into the saucepan. Stir until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat and set aside.
- In one bowl, whisk together eggs and water. In another bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing gently to coat.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot. Fry the coated chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Drain on paper towels.
- Toss the fried chicken in the prepared honey garlic sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately with rice, vegetables, or a side salad.
