This Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a tasty dish with sweet and sticky sauce that makes every bite burst with flavor. It’s easy to make and perfect for any meal!
I love how the chicken turns golden brown and glossy. You might find yourself dipping everything in that yummy sauce—it’s that good! Just serve it with rice for a perfect dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless chicken thighs are my favorite for their juiciness and flavor, but boneless breasts work too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Cornstarch: This is key for achieving that crispy coating. If you need a gluten-free option, try using arrowroot powder or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead.
Honey: Honey adds the perfect sweetness, but maple syrup can work as a great substitute if you’re looking for a vegan option. Just keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.
Soy Sauce: You can use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari is another good gluten-free alternative!
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Crispy?
To get that extra crunch, the key step is dredging the chicken pieces in cornstarch after dipping them in the egg wash. Make sure they are fully coated for maximum crispiness.
- Heat the oil to the right temperature—test it by dropping in a tiny amount of the chicken; it should sizzle right away.
- Fry the chicken in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
- Let the fried chicken rest on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This helps maintain that nice crunch.
Feel free to add your favorite veggies to the dish or experiment with the sauce to make it your own! Enjoy your cooking!
Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 3 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce (light or regular)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Garnishing:
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Thin slices of red chili (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the chicken and sauce, and another 15-20 minutes for frying the chicken and combining everything. It’s quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs together with salt and pepper. In a separate shallow bowl, pour the cornstarch. Take each piece of chicken, dip it in the egg mixture, and then dredge it in the cornstarch until completely coated. Place the coated chicken pieces on a plate and set them aside.
2. Fry the Chicken:
In a deep pan or wok, heat about 1 to 1½ inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). To check if it’s ready, drop in a piece of chicken and see if it sizzles. Carefully fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken onto paper towels to drain any excess oil.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, mix together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and if you’d like a bit of heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes so the flavors can combine nicely.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir the cornstarch slurry to recombine it. Then, slowly pour this into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
5. Toss Chicken in Sauce:
Add the fried chicken pieces to the thickened sauce and toss them gently to ensure each piece is well-coated in that sticky, delicious honey garlic sauce.
6. Serve:
Spoon your tasty honey garlic chicken over the cooked white rice. For a lovely finish, garnish it with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and optional slices of red chili for some color and extra flavor.
Enjoy this sticky, sweet, and garlicky Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
You can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. It’s best to thaw overnight in the refrigerator or place the sealed chicken in a bowl of cold water for a quicker option.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a substitute for honey, maple syrup works well for a vegan option. Just note that it might slightly change the flavor, but it will still create a delicious sauce!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat it in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just fry the chicken and toss it in the sauce when you’re ready to serve to keep it crispy!