Name: Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486686H58M10S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (1-2 inches / 2.5-5 cm); Oil (enough to fill skillet 1 inch / 2.5 cm) — canola or vegetable oil; For the Marinade:; 2 egg whites; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Pinch of salt (or other seasonings); For the Honey Garlic Sauce:; 4 tablespoons honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 3 for more flavor); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste); For Garnish (Optional):; Toasted sesame seeds; 1 green onion, sliced

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Craving a quick and flavorful Chinese-inspired dish? This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect solution. With crispy golden chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, this dish is easy to make and sure to satisfy your taste buds in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or craving takeout-style chicken at home, this recipe delivers big flavor in a fraction of the time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a winning combination of crispy, juicy chicken pieces paired with a glossy, flavorful honey garlic sauce. The chicken is marinated and fried to crispy perfection, then coated in a sweet and savory sauce that is simply irresistible. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect with rice, vegetables, or on its own. Plus, it’s easy to customize and will rival any takeout!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1 – 2 inches / 2.5 – 5 cm)
Oil, enough to fill skillet 1 inch (2.5 cm) — use canola oil or other vegetable oil

For the Marinade:

2 egg whites
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Pinch of salt (or other seasonings, see Note 1)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

4 tablespoons honey
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 3 if you prefer more garlic flavor)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)

For Garnish (Optional):

Toasted sesame seeds
1 green onion, sliced

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

Start by whisking together the egg whites, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. This mixture might look a little frothy at first, but it’s key to achieving that crispy coating. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces and let them marinate for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the oil.

2. Heat the Oil:

While the chicken is marinating, heat the oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the oil to reach about 350-360°F (175-180°C), but if you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small bit of the batter into the oil—it should sizzle and float to the top.

3. Fry the Chicken:

Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken in batches. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan (I’ve made that mistake and ended up with soggy chicken). Fry each batch for about 3-4 minutes, until the chicken turns golden brown. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and drain it on a paper towel-lined rack. Keep the chicken warm in a low oven while frying the remaining pieces.

4. Make the Sauce:

In a separate pot, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. The sauce should thicken slightly after 1-2 minutes. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up.

5. Coat the Chicken:

Once the sauce is ready, toss your crispy chicken pieces into the sauce, stirring well to coat each piece evenly with the glossy honey garlic sauce.

6. Garnish and Serve:

Transfer the coated chicken to a serving plate. For garnish, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor, crunch, and a pop of color. Serve immediately!

Servings and Timing

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

Variations

Protein Options: You can use ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu as a substitute for the chicken in this recipe.
Add Veggies: For a well-rounded meal, serve the chicken with a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers.
Extra Spicy: Add a few dashes of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Low-Carb Version: If you want a lower-carb version, skip the cornstarch and egg whites for a lighter coating and skip the rice to make it keto-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or on a skillet over medium heat to restore the crispiness of the chicken. For extra crispiness, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces. Thighs are usually juicier, but breasts will work as well.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the honey garlic sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove before tossing it with the chicken.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Also, make sure the cornstarch is gluten-free.

What type of oil is best for frying the chicken?

Canola oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil are all good options for frying since they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor.

How can I get the chicken extra crispy?

Make sure the oil is hot enough, fry the chicken in batches, and avoid overcrowding the pan. This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and becomes crispy.

How can I add more flavor to the chicken before frying?

For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before battering it. You can also season the egg-white mixture with additional spices such as five-spice powder, paprika, or onion powder.

Can I skip frying and bake the chicken instead?

While frying creates the best crispy texture, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Just make sure to coat the chicken pieces in oil or cooking spray before baking to achieve a crispy result.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the chicken is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the chicken, make the sauce, and fry the chicken in advance. When ready to serve, toss the chicken in the sauce and serve immediately.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe is easy to double. Just make sure to fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can affect the crispiness.

What can I serve this dish with?

Serve this Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables. It also pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or spring rolls.

Conclusion

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or any time you’re craving something sweet, savory, and crispy. With the perfect balance of honey, garlic, and soy sauce, this recipe will rival any takeout dish. In just 30 minutes, you can create a delicious meal that’s sure to impress your family or guests. Enjoy!