Quick Description:
This crispy, sticky chicken is packed with sweet and savory flavors, coated in a golden, garlicky sauce. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for dinner, meal prep, or a treat for special occasions. The crispy texture, combined with the sweet and savory sauce, makes each bite irresistible!
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients List
For the Chicken:
- 500 grams boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup corn flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- Oil for frying (about 2 cups, enough for deep or shallow frying)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry)
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Wash and pat dry your chicken pieces with a paper towel to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Cut the chicken into small, even-sized chunks for even cooking. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring each piece is coated.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- In two separate bowls, beat two eggs in the first bowl.
- In the second bowl, combine all-purpose flour and corn flour to create the coating mixture.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, followed by rolling it in the flour mixture to fully coat each piece. For extra crunch, repeat this process by dipping again in egg and flour.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small bit of flour into the pan — if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.
- Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4–5 minutes per batch until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a separate pan, add honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, brown sugar, and water. Stir over low to medium heat until it begins to bubble.
- Once the sauce starts to thicken slightly, add the cornstarch slurry and continue stirring. The sauce will become glossy and sticky. Remove from heat once it reaches your desired thickness.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Add the crispy fried chicken pieces into the pan with the honey garlic sauce. Toss the chicken gently to coat all pieces evenly. You can also drizzle the sauce over the chicken if you prefer less stickiness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the honey garlic crispy chicken to a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and color.
- Serve warm with rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own!
Why This Recipe Is Special
This recipe is easy to make, full of flavor, and a great way to enjoy crispy, savory chicken without sacrificing taste. The honey garlic sauce brings together the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and garlicky goodness, while the crispy chicken stays tender on the inside. It’s an indulgent, yet healthy meal that’s suitable for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing your guests at any gathering.
Health Benefits
- High Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and keeps you fuller for longer.
- Customizable: Easily make this dish lighter by using less oil, or swap chicken thighs for breasts for a leaner option.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe stores well and can be enjoyed throughout the week as leftovers.
Tips for Better Taste
- Double-fry for extra crunch: For an even crunchier exterior, fry the chicken twice. Fry it once until light golden, remove, let it rest for a few minutes, and then fry again for another minute or two.
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic gives the sauce a more robust and rich flavor compared to garlic powder.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne to the sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
- Air-fryer option: You can air fry the chicken at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through for a healthier version.
Nutrition Details (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Cholesterol: 125mg
- Calcium: 25mg
- Iron: 1.5mg
Enjoy this honey garlic crispy chicken with rice, veggies, or on its own! The sweet and savory flavors make it a dish loved by all.
