Name: Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup cornstarch (plus 1 tbsp for sauce); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 large eggs, beaten; Oil for frying; 1/2 cup honey; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar; 1/4 cup water

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Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that brings the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a golden, crunchy coating. The chicken is fried to perfection and tossed in a sticky honey garlic sauce that clings to every bite. This dish satisfies my takeout cravings and adds a homemade comfort to the table. Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in my own kitchen. The chicken stays incredibly juicy inside while the outer crust is beautifully crisp. The sauce is a simple yet flavorful combination of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of vinegar—it’s sweet, tangy, and addictive. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cornstarch
Salt and pepper
Eggs
Oil for frying

For the honey garlic sauce:

Honey
Garlic, minced
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar or white vinegar
Water
Cornstarch (for thickening)

Directions

I start by preparing the chicken, seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper.
Then I coat each piece in cornstarch, dip it into beaten eggs, and coat it again with cornstarch to ensure that ultra-crispy finish.
I heat oil in a pan and deep fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through.
While the chicken is frying, I whisk together the honey, garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar in a small saucepan.
I bring the sauce to a simmer and add a cornstarch slurry to thicken it to a rich, glossy consistency.
Once the chicken is done frying, I toss it in the warm honey garlic sauce until evenly coated.
I serve it hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. It takes around 15 minutes for prep and 20–25 minutes for cooking, making the total time approximately 40 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I like to spice it up by adding red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce. If I’m craving more texture, I’ll throw in some roasted cashews or serve it over crispy noodles instead of rice. Using chicken wings instead of bite-sized pieces also turns this into an amazing appetizer.

storage/reheating

To store leftovers, I place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For reheating, I prefer using an oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness. Microwaving works in a pinch, but it tends to make the coating soggy. If I have extra sauce, I reheat it separately and toss it with the chicken just before serving.

FAQs

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

I usually go for boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy, but chicken breasts also work well if I prefer a leaner option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I can prep the sauce and even pre-fry the chicken in advance, then toss everything together just before serving to maintain the crispiness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, since soy sauce typically contains gluten. But I can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, I can bake it at 400°F (200°C) until crispy, turning halfway through. However, frying gives the crispiest results.

What sides go well with honey garlic chicken?

I like serving it with jasmine rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables. A simple cucumber salad also works well to balance the sweetness of the sauce.

Conclusion

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is one of those dishes that always hits the spot. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and easier to make than I expected. Whether I’m cooking for family or friends, this dish never fails to impress—and it tastes just as good (if not better) than takeout.

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken