Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken

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 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Restaurant Quality at Home: Enjoy crispy, golden chicken tossed in a delectable honey garlic sauce without leaving your kitchen.
  • Versatile Pairings: Complements well with rice, noodles, or a variety of vegetables.
  • Adjustable Heat: Includes cayenne pepper for a mild kick, which can be adjusted to suit your spice preference.
  • Quick and Satisfying: Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or weekend indulgences.
  • Crowd Pleaser: A versatile dish that’s both kid- and adult-friendly, making it a hit for family meals or dinner parties.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • All-purpose flour
  • Garlic powder
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Eggs
  • Water
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Honey
  • Minced garlic
  • Soy sauce
  • Cornstarch
  • Cold water

Directions

  1. Prepare the Sauce:

    • In a medium saucepan, combine honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce.
    • Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to boil.
    • In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then pour into the saucepan.
    • Continue to stir until the sauce thickens.
    • Remove from heat and set aside.

  2. Prepare the Chicken:

    • In a bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and water.
    • Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
    • Transfer the chicken to the flour mixture and coat thoroughly, pressing gently to adhere the flour.

  3. Cook the Chicken:

    • In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking (approximately 350°F or 175°C).
    • Place the coated chicken pieces in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
    • Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
    • Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

  4. Combine and Serve:

    • In a large bowl, toss the fried chicken pieces with the prepared honey garlic sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
    • Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes such as steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper or a drizzle of Sriracha to the sauce for increased heat.
  • Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour and soy sauce with gluten-free alternatives.
  • Air Fryer Option: Instead of frying, place the coated chicken in an air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version.
  • Lemon Honey Garlic: Use lemon zest and juice instead of soy sauce for a tangier flavor.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain crispiness.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken without the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat with the sauce before serving.

FAQs

How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the spiciness, add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or incorporate spicy elements like Sriracha into the sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and will provide a juicier result.

Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?

For a healthier alternative, bake the coated chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

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Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
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Description

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, featuring golden-fried chicken tossed in a rich honey garlic sauce with a hint of soy. This easy homemade version rivals restaurant-quality dishes and is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

  • ½ cup honey
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce.
  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to boil.
  3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then add to the saucepan.
  4. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. In a bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and water together.
  3. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
  4. Transfer to the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
  2. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.

Combine and Serve:

  1. In a large bowl, toss the fried chicken with the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated.
  2. Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Spicier Version: Add more cayenne pepper or mix Sriracha into the sauce.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Air Fryer Option: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Baked Alternative: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping once.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American-Chinese

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