Name: Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 3/4 cup water; 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying); 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water for thickening)

Jump to Recipe

There’s something truly irresistible about Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken that makes it a favorite in my kitchen and, I bet, soon in yours too. This dish perfectly balances a satisfyingly crunchy exterior with a luscious, sticky sauce that’s bursting with sweet honey and punchy garlic flavors. Every bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes—crispy, savory, sweet, and a little tangy—that come together in perfect harmony. If you’re craving comfort food that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress, this recipe hits every mark.

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken shine. Each component is simple but plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that will make this dish unforgettable.

Boneless chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender, perfect for frying to crisp perfection.
All-purpose flour: The base for the batter, it creates that golden, crunchy shell.
Baking powder: Adds lightness to the batter, making your chicken extra crispy.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every bite.
Garlic powder and onion powder: These bring subtle savory depth right into the batter.
Water: To create a smooth and cohesive batter for dipping.
Vegetable oil: For frying, it helps achieve the perfect crispy texture.
Honey: The star ingredient in the sauce, providing that natural, sticky sweetness.
Soy sauce: Adds salty umami flavor to balance the honey’s sweetness.
Minced garlic: Fresh and fragrant, delivering bold garlicky notes.
Rice vinegar: Brings a mild tang to brighten the sauce.
Sesame oil: Infuses a toasty, nutty aroma that’s unmistakably Asian.
Cornstarch mixed with water: Thickens the sauce into a glossy coating for the chicken.

How to Make Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Batter

Begin by whisking together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl. Slowly add water until you get a smooth batter that clings well to each piece of chicken. This step is crucial for that delicate crunch we’re aiming for.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Cut your boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, then dip each piece fully into the batter. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with no thin spots so every bite has that crispy exterior everyone loves.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat until it’s hot enough for frying. Gently add the battered chicken in small batches to avoid crowding. Fry each batch for about 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil—this keeps the coating crisp.

Step 4: Whip Up the Honey Garlic Sauce

While your chicken is frying, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat to meld those flavors, then stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken into a glossy, sticky sauce.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Place the freshly fried chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour over the thickened honey garlic sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every crispy nugget is beautifully coated in that luscious glaze. Now it’s ready to share with friends or enjoy as a comforting meal at home.

How to Serve Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

Sprinkling some chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds over your Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken adds a fresh, vibrant touch. The slight crunch and mild bite of green onions, combined with the subtle nuttiness of sesame seeds, bring an extra layer of flavor and appeal.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice to soak up all that honey garlic sauce or stir-fried veggies like broccoli and snap peas for a crisp contrast. You could also serve it with lightly pickled cucumbers to brighten each bite and cut through the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken over a bed of fried rice or nestled in lettuce wraps for some crunch and freshness. It also makes a fantastic filling for bao buns or on skewers for a party platter everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if you want to maintain maximum crispiness until you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken pieces (without sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This keeps them from sticking together. They will keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken back to life, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, ensuring it regains its crunch. Warm the sauce separately on the stove and toss the chicken just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work too but may be less juicy than thighs, so watch the frying time carefully to avoid drying them out.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and use tamari instead of soy sauce. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?

For a lighter version, you can bake the battered chicken pieces on a greased sheet at 425°F (220°C) until crispy, about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How sticky will the honey garlic sauce be?

The sauce becomes beautifully glossy and thick enough to coat the chicken evenly without being overly sticky or clumpy—ideal for that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before tossing with the crispy chicken to maintain the best flavor and consistency.

Final Thoughts

Making Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken at home is one of those joyful cooking experiences that leaves you feeling proud and incredibly satisfied. It’s quick, approachable, and delivers big on flavor with a perfect crispy crunch that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation. So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to indulge in one of the most deliciously fun meals you’ll make all week!

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken recipe features tender bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a flavorful batter, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a luscious honey garlic sauce. Perfect as a savory and sweet main dish, it offers a delightful contrast of crispy texture and sticky, aromatic glaze that’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.

Instructions

Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Add water to form batter: Gradually pour in the water while stirring continuously until a smooth, slightly thick batter forms, ensuring there are no lumps.
Coat the chicken: Dip each bite-sized piece of chicken thigh into the batter, making sure it is fully and evenly coated for a crispy crust.
Fry the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan or deep fryer over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add battered chicken pieces in small batches to avoid crowding. Fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove chicken and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Make the honey garlic sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
Thicken the sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the boiling sauce and continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove the saucepan from heat once the sauce reaches desired consistency.
Toss chicken with sauce: Place the crispy fried chicken pieces into a large mixing bowl, pour the thickened honey garlic sauce over them, and gently toss to evenly coat each piece.
Serve: Immediately serve the honey garlic chicken garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

For extra crispy chicken, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying (around 350°F or 175°C).
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat compared to breasts.
Adjust honey quantity based on your preferred sweetness level.
This dish pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free soy sauce.
Do not overcrowd the frying pan to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Chinese