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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Generously coat crispy chicken pieces in the prepared sauce, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- 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