Irresistible Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that satisfy hungry appetites and this crispy Chinese honey garlic chicken recipe delivers pure magic in just 30 minutes.

Golden-brown chicken pieces dance with a glossy, irresistible sauce that balances sweet and savory notes perfectly.

Each bite promises a crisp exterior giving way to tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth.

The combination of honey and garlic creates an aromatic symphony that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

Crunchy and flavorful, this dish brings restaurant-quality excitement straight to your kitchen.

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this simple yet impressive recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• Why do I need to marinate the chicken in egg white and cornstarch mixture?

The egg white and cornstarch create a protective layer that helps the chicken stay crispy and prevents moisture from seeping into the coating during frying, ensuring a perfectly crunchy exterior.

• How do I know if my oil is at the right temperature for frying?

Without a thermometer, drop a small piece of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and immediately floats to the top, the oil is ready at around 350-360°F for perfect frying.

• Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces. Just ensure they are similar in size for even cooking and consistent crispiness.

• Is there a way to make this dish less greasy?

Pat the chicken pieces dry before coating, use a slotted spoon to remove excess oil, and drain on a paper towel-lined rack to help remove additional oil and maintain the crispy texture.

Why Honey Garlic Chicken Is a Go-To

• This recipe zips together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
• The egg white and cornstarch coating creates an incredibly crispy exterior that rivals your favorite takeout joint, delivering professional-level texture right in your kitchen.
• Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences, making this versatile chicken dish adaptable for picky eaters or adventurous food lovers.
• Using basic kitchen tools and straightforward frying method, even novice cooks can confidently create a delicious meal without complicated steps or professional culinary skills.

What’s in Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken

• Chicken: Tender, bite-sized pieces perfect for creating a crispy coating.
• Egg Whites: Create a light, airy batter that helps achieve an extra crispy exterior.
• Cornstarch: Provides a crisp texture and helps the coating adhere to the chicken.

• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.

• Honey, Soy Sauce: Combine to create a sweet and savory glaze that coats the crispy chicken.
• Garlic: Adds a bold, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle spicy kick to the dish.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Add a fresh crunch and visual appeal to the final dish.

Cooking Oil: Essential for deep-frying the chicken to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

How to Make Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

Whisk egg whites, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl until frothy.

Add chicken pieces and let marinate for 10-15 minutes while preparing oil for frying.

• Egg whites
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Chicken pieces

Step 2: Heat Cooking Oil

Warm oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Check oil temperature by dropping a small batter bit – it should sizzle and float immediately.

Ideal temperature is 350-360°F.

Step 3: Fry Chicken Pieces

Carefully fry chicken in small batches to prevent overcrowding.

Cook each batch for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

Use a slotted spoon to remove chicken and drain on paper towel-lined rack.

Keep warm in low-temperature oven.

Step 4: Create Honey Garlic Sauce

Combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper in a separate pot.

Bring to gentle boil while stirring constantly.

Allow sauce to thicken slightly.

Add water if sauce becomes too dense.

Toss crispy chicken pieces in sauce to coat evenly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer coated chicken to serving plate.

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for additional texture and visual appeal.

Pro Tips for Honey Garlic Chicken Crisp

• Pat chicken pieces completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent water droplets from reducing oil temperature.
• Use a deep-fry thermometer to keep oil consistently between 350-360°F for perfectly crisp, golden-brown chicken without absorbing excess oil.
• Let honey garlic sauce simmer for an extra minute to achieve the ideal sticky consistency that clings beautifully to each chicken piece.
• Fry chicken in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to greasy, less crispy results.
• Enjoy the chicken right after coating with sauce to preserve the crispy texture and prevent the coating from becoming soft and soggy.

How to Store Crispy Chicken Leftovers

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap chicken pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to keep track.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Set air fryer to 375°F. Place chicken in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Heat for 3-4 minutes until crispy and heated through. Shake the basket midway to promote even warming.

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken

Pair Perfect Harmony: Complementary Flavors for Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

• Refresh with Riesling: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling with bright acidity to balance the chicken's rich honey-garlic sauce and cut through its crispy texture.
• Crunch Companions: Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice and quick-pickled cucumber salad to provide contrasting textures and cool down the dish's subtle heat.
• Crisp Vegetable Support: Add roasted broccoli florets with a light sesame oil drizzle to introduce a nutty green vegetable that enhances the chicken's sweet-savory profile.
• Clean Palate Enhancer: Include a light Asian-style coleslaw with rice vinegar dressing to provide a tangy, crunchy side that helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich chicken.

Different Takes on Honey Garlic Chicken

• Gluten-Free Chicken Delight: Replace cornstarch with gluten-free cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to ensure no wheat-based ingredients interfere with the recipe.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap honey with sugar-free honey alternative or monk fruit syrup. Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of cornstarch for coating to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Baked Lighter Option: Skip deep-frying and instead arrange chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray with avocado oil and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
• Air Fryer Quick Hack: Transfer marinated chicken pieces into air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking basket midway to ensure uniform browning. Proceed with honey garlic sauce coating as original recipe suggests.

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes) Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy Chinese honey garlic chicken delivers a mouthwatering explosion of sweet and savory flavors in just half an hour. Delicate chicken pieces coated in a glossy sauce promise a restaurant-quality meal you can easily create at home.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite sized pieces (about 1–2 inch/2.5–5 cm)
• 2 egg whites

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Sauce and Garnish:

• 4 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green onion, sliced
• Toasted sesame seeds

Cooking Medium:

• Canola oil or other vegetable oil, enough to fill skillet 1 inch/2.5 cm deep

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Whisk egg whites, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl until frothy. Add chicken pieces and let marinate for 10-15 minutes, allowing the coating to adhere perfectly.
2. Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350-360°F. Verify oil temperature by dropping a small batter bit that sizzles and floats immediately.
3. Carefully fry chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding. Cook each batch for 3-4 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown color. Use a slotted spoon to transfer pieces onto a paper towel-lined rack, maintaining warmth in a low-temperature oven.
4. Create honey garlic sauce by combining honey, garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper in a separate pot. Simmer mixture, stirring constantly until slightly thickened. Adjust consistency with water if needed.
5. Generously coat crispy chicken pieces in the prepared sauce, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
6. Plate the glazed chicken and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Create a perfectly crispy coating by whisking egg whites and cornstarch until they form a light, airy mixture that clings beautifully to the chicken pieces.
• Test oil temperature without a thermometer by dropping a small piece of batter – if it immediately sizzles and floats, you’ve hit the sweet spot for frying.
• Prevent soggy chicken by frying in small batches and maintaining consistent oil temperature, ensuring each piece gets golden and crisp.
• Adjust sauce consistency by adding water if it becomes too thick, creating a glossy, clingy honey garlic glaze that coats every chicken piece evenly.
• Elevate the dish with optional garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and green onions for added texture and fresh flavor burst.
• Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensuring cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg