This Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a sweet and savory dish that’s sure to please! With tender chicken coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce, each bite is bursting with flavor.
If you’re like me, you love that perfect mix of sweet and tangy. I serve it over rice for a complete meal, and trust me, you’ll want to lick the plate clean! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy texture. If you prefer breasts, that works too! Feel free to use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
Flour and Cornstarch: This combo gives the chicken a crispy coating. If you’re gluten-free, try almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend mixed with cornstarch.
Honey: For a vegan option, swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Both bring sweetness and work well in the sauce.
Soy Sauce: If you’re watching your sodium intake, consider using low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free choice. Coconut aminos is another great substitute.
How Do I Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crispy texture, follow these steps:
- **Dry the chicken well**: Remove moisture with paper towels; this helps the batter stick and fry evenly.
- **Use cold water**: The colder the water in your batter, the crispier the chicken will turn out when fried.
- **Don’t overcrowd the pan**: Fry the chicken in batches, giving it enough space to cook evenly without steaming.
Additionally, let the fried chicken rest on paper towels to remove excess oil, ensuring a nice crispy finish!
Delicious Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup cold water (adjust as needed)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 3 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (light or regular)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 tsp ginger, finely minced or grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total: approximately 15 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add cold water while stirring until you achieve a smooth, thick batter that coats the chicken well. You can adjust the water or flour based on how thick or thin you want the batter to be.
2. Coat the Chicken:
Using paper towels, pat the chicken pieces dry to ensure they fry well. Next, dip each piece into the batter, making sure to cover it fully with a nice even layer of batter.
3. Fry the Chicken:
In a deep pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat (around 350°F / 175°C). Carefully add the battered chicken pieces in batches (don’t crowd the pan) and fry them for about 4-5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, mix together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, oyster sauce (if using), and ginger. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to combine nicely.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir the cornstarch slurry before adding it to the simmering sauce. Gradually pour it in while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
6. Combine:
Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce and toss them well, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sticky honey garlic glaze.
7. Serve:
Spoon the cooked white rice onto plates or in bowls. Top it with the honey garlic chicken, making sure to get all that delicious sauce!
8. Garnish:
For finishing touches, sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. It adds a lovely crunch and a pop of freshness!
9. Enjoy!
Serve hot, sit back, and enjoy this delightful sweet and savory Chinese-inspired meal with your family and friends!
This recipe promises a satisfying dish of sticky honey garlic chicken with a crispy texture that pairs beautifully with fluffy rice. Dig in and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or by placing it in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for quicker results. Pat it dry before coating to ensure the batter sticks well.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the honey garlic sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste, mixing it in as the sauce simmers.
What Can I Use Instead of Rice?
If you’re looking for alternatives to rice, consider serving the honey garlic chicken over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or with steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for a healthy side dish!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stovetop until heated through. The sauce may thicken upon cooling, so adding a splash of water while reheating can help.
