If you’re looking for a show-stopping dinner that’s equal parts comforting and absolutely craveworthy, you have to try Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken. This dish is the ultimate combination of tender chicken, a perfectly crunchy coating, and a luscious honey garlic glaze that’s sweet, sticky, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight meal or a special treat for friends, this crowd-pleaser rivals any restaurant takeout—and you get to enjoy it hot and fresh straight from your own kitchen!

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s so great about this recipe is that the ingredients are straightforward, but each one is carefully chosen to make your Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken truly shine. From the crispiness of the coating to the bold flavors in the sauce, everything here has a delicious purpose.

Chicken (1 lb boneless, skinless thighs or breasts): Thighs give extra juiciness, while breasts stay light and tender; cut into bite-sized pieces for the perfect mouthful.
Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Creates the ultra-crunchy exterior that keeps your chicken irresistible even after tossing in sauce.
Eggs (2, beaten): Helps the cornstarch stick to the chicken and creates an extra layer of crisp coating when fried.
Vegetable Oil (for frying): Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point; you only need about an inch in your skillet for shallow frying.
Honey (1/4 cup): Brings that classic sticky-sweet touch to the glaze and perfectly balances the savory elements.
Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds deep umami flavor and a touch of saltiness to round out the sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): The star aromatic in the glaze, it infuses the whole dish with irresistible garlicky fragrance.
Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brightens and balances the sweetness, making every bite pop.
Sesame Oil (1/2 teaspoon): Just a little goes a long way, lending authentic nutty depth to the sauce.
Water (1/4 cup): Thins the glaze to perfect coating consistency so the chicken gets covered but not soggy.
Cornstarch Slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + water): Gives the sauce body so it wraps each crispy nugget in glossy goodness.

How to Make Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Dredge the Chicken

Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in cornstarch so they’re well coated—this is the secret to that shatteringly crisp shell. Next, dip each piece into beaten egg, making sure every side gets a bit of that sticky coating. Set all the pieces aside while you heat your oil; this little rest lets the coating adhere nicely.

Step 2: Fry to Perfect Crispiness

Pour about one inch of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven and bring it up to medium-high heat. Fry your chicken pieces in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning until gloriously golden and crisp. As they finish, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any extra oil. For an extra crunch (and restaurant-quality texture), you can double-fry the chicken by frying again for an additional minute after the first round.

Step 3: Make the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine your honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—your kitchen will fill with the most mouthwatering aroma at this point! In a separate bowl, stir together your cornstarch and a splash of water to make a slurry, then pour that into your bubbling sauce. Let it simmer for one to two minutes until it thickens into a glossy, pourable glaze.

Step 4: Coat and Toss the Chicken

Now the magic happens! Quickly toss the hot, crispy chicken into your warm honey garlic sauce. Stir with a large spoon or spatula, making sure every piece is evenly lacquered with that sticky-sweet glaze. Work quickly so all the chicken stays nice and crisp as the sauce clings to every nook and cranny.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken immediately, ideally piled high over fluffy white rice. Scatter with sesame seeds and lots of freshly sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. If you love a little heat, sprinkle on some chili flakes or drizzle with sriracha for a spicy spin!

How to Serve Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes for your Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken! A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds nutty crunch, while a handful of sliced green onions brings a cool freshness and vibrant green color to contrast the golden glaze. If you’re feeling fancy, a scattering of chopped cilantro or a few red pepper flakes can dial up the flavor and make your dish look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This dish is a knockout with classic steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up every last drop of that delicious sauce. For more color and nutrition, try pairing it with crisp stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. If you’re in the mood for variety, serve alongside a light cucumber salad or pickled veggies to add tang and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on tradition, try serving Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken as part of an Asian-inspired bowl with rice, veggies, crunchy lettuce, and extra sauce for drizzling. Or, stack the crispy chicken on skewers for a party appetizer! You can also turn leftovers into flavor-packed wraps or lettuce cups for a lighter option that still packs a punch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before storing. Place the Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To help preserve the crispiness, store sauce and chicken separately if possible.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the fried chicken pieces before tossing them in sauce. Layer them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat just before you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

To maintain that irresistible crunch, reheat chicken pieces in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until hot and crispy. Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop or microwave, then toss everything together just before serving. This keeps your Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken just as magical as it was the first time!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both thighs and breasts work beautifully for Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken. Thighs are juicier, but chicken breast stays tender and is a bit leaner, so choose whichever you prefer.

What oil is best for frying the chicken?

Use a neutral, high smoke point oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils allow you to fry the chicken until golden without burning or imparting unwanted flavors.

How do I make my chicken extra crispy?

If you want that next-level shatter, double-fry the chicken: after the first round of frying, let it cool briefly, then fry it a second time for 1–2 minutes until even crispier. Don’t skip the cornstarch either—it’s the key ingredient!

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and make sure the rest of your ingredients are certified gluten-free to keep your Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken safe for everyone.

Is the sauce spicy at all?

The basic sauce is mild and kid-approved, but you can easily amp up the heat by stirring in red pepper flakes or a dollop of sriracha if you love that extra kick!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like digging into a plate of homemade Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken—each bite offers the perfect mix of warmth, crunch, and sweet-savory flavor. Whether you’re treating your family or impressing friends, this is one recipe that’s guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be hooked after just one bite!

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken recipe delivers a perfect combination of crunchy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce. It’s a delicious homemade version of your favorite takeout dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
vegetable oil for frying

For the sauce:

1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon cornstarch (for slurry)

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Instructions

Coat the chicken: In a medium bowl, coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch. Dip each piece into the beaten eggs and set aside.
Fry the chicken: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring to a gentle simmer. Mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Coat the chicken: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the warm sauce until coated evenly. Serve immediately over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.