Description
This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that delivers crispy, juicy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect homemade alternative to takeout. Enjoy this dish with rice, veggies, or on its own!
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
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
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Whisk together egg whites, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for 10-15 minutes.
2. Heat the Oil:
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While the chicken is marinating, heat oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should reach 350-360°F (175-180°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a bit of the batter into the oil—it should sizzle and float to the top.
3. Fry the Chicken:
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Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Each batch should fry for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Keep warm in a low oven.
4. Make the Sauce:
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In a separate pot, combine honey, garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Let the sauce thicken for 1-2 minutes. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it.
5. Coat the Chicken:
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Once the sauce is ready, toss the crispy chicken pieces in the sauce, stirring until evenly coated.
6. Garnish and Serve:
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Serve the chicken on a plate, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately!
Notes
Protein Options: You can substitute chicken with ground chicken, turkey, or tofu for a different protein.
Extra Spicy: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the cornstarch and egg whites for a lighter, keto-friendly option.
Vegetables: Serve with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Chinese
