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:
- In a medium saucepan, combine honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to boil.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then add to the saucepan.
- Stir continuously until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and water together.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Transfer to the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
- Fry chicken pieces in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
Combine and Serve:
- In a large bowl, toss the fried chicken with the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated.
- 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
