This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect blend of sweet and savory with a delightful crunch. Bite-sized chicken pieces are coated, fried until crispy, and then tossed in a sticky honey garlic sauce. The dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner that still feels special. Pair with fluffy rice or tender steamed vegetables, and top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor and crunch.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (1–2 inches / 2.5–5 cm)
- Oil for frying (Canola or vegetable oil)
Marinade
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Pinch of salt (or other seasonings of choice)
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 4 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 3 if preferred)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
Garnish (Optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, sliced
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken : In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg whites, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Drop the chicken pieces into the mix and toss them until they’re fully coated. Set aside while you heat the oil.
- Heat the Oil : In a deep skillet or wok, pour enough oil to fill about 1 inch (2.5 cm) and heat over medium-high heat. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of chicken into it; if it bubbles and rises to the surface, it’s ready.
- Fry the Chicken : Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for 3–5 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Take the chicken out of the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce : In a small saucepan, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
- Coat the Chicken : Place the fried chicken in a large mixing bowl, then pour the honey garlic sauce over it. Gently stir the chicken, ensuring every piece is generously coated in the glossy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve : Transfer the chicken to a serving dish. Top with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a few slices of green onions for an extra burst of flavor, if you like.
Conclusion
This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a deliciously satisfying dish that brings together crispy chicken and a sweet, savory sauce in perfect harmony. With minimal ingredients and only 30 minutes of cook time, it’s a fantastic option for any night of the week. Pair it with rice or noodles to complete the meal, and enjoy a taste of takeout right at home!
Quick and Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken, Ready in 30 Minutes
Crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet and savoryhoney garlic sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and delicious meal isperfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (1–2 inches / 2.5–5 cm)
- Oil for frying Canola or vegetable oil
Marinade
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Pinch of salt or other seasonings of choice
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 4 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced (or 3 if preferred)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper adjust to taste
Garnish Optional
- Toasted sesame seeds
- 1 green onion sliced
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken : In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg whites, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Drop the chicken pieces into the mix and toss them until they’re fully coated. Set aside while you heat the oil.
- Heat the Oil : In a deep skillet or wok, pour enough oil to fill about 1 inch (2.5 cm) and heat over medium-high heat. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of chicken into it; if it bubbles and rises to the surface, it’s ready.
- Fry the Chicken : Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for 3–5 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Take the chicken out of the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce : In a small saucepan, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
- Coat the Chicken : Place the fried chicken in a large mixing bowl, then pour the honey garlic sauce over it. Gently stir the chicken, ensuring every piece is generously coated in the glossy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve : Transfer the chicken to a serving dish. Top with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a few slices of green onions for an extra burst of flavor, if you like.