For those who love a sweet, crunchy, and garlicky dish, garlic honey crispy chicken is a delicious treat that you must try. The recipe satisfies cravings with its crispy texture and moist inside. The combination of honey and garlic creates an irresistible flavor.

A Sweet and Savory Delight

Start with oven baked chicken cutlets for the perfect crust. Season the meat with various spices, sauces, and rubs. Adding honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar caramelizes the outside. This dish, inspired by an Asian restaurant, balances sweetness and garlic goodness.

The classic combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates a sticky and sweet sauce that coats the golden, tender chicken. This honey glazed chicken tenders recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal, served over rice. It’s an easy addition to a homemade Chinese banquet. Check out my list of ideas for more inspiration!

Using Chicken Breasts in garlic honey crispy chicken

When making Garlic Chicken Recipe, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs, but keep in mind they are often thicker and will take longer to cook.

To speed up the process, I recommend you butterfly the chicken breasts or pound them down with a meat tenderizer to a 1/2″ thickness before coating them in cornstarch. Avoid using boneless and skinless chicken thighs for this recipe because the skin is essential for creating a crispy crust.

Can I Make Ahead recipe of time?

Yes, you can make garlic honey chicken ahead of time. Cook the chicken, then quickly cool and cover it before placing it in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts (or thighs): 5 pieces (about 2.5 lbs or 1.13 kg)
• Salt: 2 tsp
• Black Pepper: 1 tsp
• Garlic Powder: 1 tsp
• Paprika: 1 tsp
• All-Purpose Flour: 1.5 cups (180 g)
• Cornstarch: 1 cup (120 g)
• Eggs: 3 large, beaten
• Panko Breadcrumbs: 2 cups (240 g)
• Vegetable Oil: for frying (about 2 cups or enough for deep frying)

For the Garlic Honey Sauce:

• Garlic: 10 cloves, minced
• Honey: 1 cup (340 g)
• Soy Sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
• Rice Vinegar: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
• Water: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
• Cornstarch: 2 tbsp, mixed with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): 1/2 tsp for a bit of heat
• Sesame Seeds: 2 tbsp for garnish
• Green Onions: 2-3, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
   • Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
   • Coat the chicken pieces first in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
2. Fry the Chicken:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
   • Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
3. Make the Garlic Honey Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, heat a bit of oil over medium heat.
   • Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
   • Add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water.
   • Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes.
   • Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
   • Add red pepper flakes if using.
4. Combine and Serve:
   • Toss the fried chicken pieces in the garlic honey sauce until well coated.
   • Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Additional Info About Garlic Honey Crispy Chicken

Here is some additional information that you may have to know about Garlic Honey Crispy Chicken.

Health Benefits:

1. Protein-Rich: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
2. Antioxidants: Garlic contains antioxidants that can boost the immune system.
3. Honey: Natural honey has antibacterial properties and can help soothe a sore throat.
4. Vitamins and Minerals: Green onions are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like iron and calcium.
5. Balanced Flavors: The combination of sweet honey and savory soy sauce can help satisfy cravings, potentially reducing the desire for unhealthy snacks.

Nutrition (Per Serving):

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 170mg
• Sodium: 1100mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 32g

Notes:

• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
• Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• The sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving.
• For a lighter version, consider baking the chicken instead of frying.

Equipment:

• Mixing Bowls
• Deep Frying Pan
• Saucepan

Serving Suggestion

This dish offers a variety of carb options to suit your preferences. You can serve the chicken over Southern Chicken rice, such as brown, white, or cauliflower rice. Alternatively, try pairing it with pasta or Asian noodles like ramen, udon, or soba. For a lower-carb option, use veggie noodles. Another versatile choice is to enjoy the honey garlic chicken breasts with flatbread, such as naan or pita, which can be used to make sandwiches or served as a side item.

You might also consider making a wrap with a tortilla and adding your favorite Asian toppings, like bamboo shoots, basil, and matchstick carrots and cucumbers. For those who prefer a spicy twist, serving the honey garlic chicken with hot sauce, particularly Sriracha, is a great option.

Storing and Reheating

You can save leftovers by storing the cooled and covered chicken in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken in the oven at 180°C/350°F on a baking tray. Cover the chicken with foil to prevent it from drying out. Cook for 12-15 minutes until it is piping hot throughout.

Recipe Tips

To make sure your Honey Crispy Chicken turns out perfect, start by seasoning the chicken well. Dredge it in cornstarch to create a crispy coating that sticks. Pack the dredge into the chicken so all parts are well-seasoned.

When pan frying, keep an eye on the temperature of the oil. Sautéing at the right heat is crucial; if the oil is too hot, the cornstarch can burn before the chicken is fully cooked. Use an infrared thermometer to check and monitor the oil, aiming for 325F to 350F.

• Remove the chicken once the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165F. If the browning happens too quickly, adjust the heat to medium high or medium low to ensure the meat is properly cooked.
• Resting the Honey Garlic Chicken on a wire rack after cooking helps the fat to drain and keeps the exterior crispy. This is especially important if you are cooking in batches.

Can I Make This Gluten Free?

Yes, you can make this crispy chicken gluten free.

Simply replace the soy sauce with tamari and use gluten free chicken stock. Ensure your brand of rice vinegar is also gluten free. This small adjustment keeps the delicious flavor while making the dish suitable for those avoiding gluten.

What is the Secret to Crispy Chicken Skin?

To achieve perfect crispy skin on garlic honey chicken, mix baking powder with kosher salt (about a teaspoon of baking powder per tablespoon of salt) and add black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken skin for a crispy texture.

What is honey chicken sauce made of?

The honey, soy sauce, and garlic blend creates a sticky, sweet sauce that coats tender chicken. I enjoy serving it over rice for an easy homemade Chinese dinner, and it’s a favorite in my kitchen.