Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken
Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken is a deliciously crunchy fried chicken dish coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect as comfort food or a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is simple to prepare, balancing honey’s natural sweetness with fresh garlic’s sharpness to create a mouthwatering glaze. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it offers customizable spice levels and versatile serving options.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce)
Chicken and Coating
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or rice/almond flour for gluten-free)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey (mild, such as clover or wildflower)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced fresh
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- Optional: 1/2 tsp chili flakes or Sriracha for spice
Garnishes (Optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well. Season with salt and black pepper evenly.
- Create the Crispy Coating: Set up two bowls—one with flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper, the other with beaten eggs. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to cover every surface.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Fry the chicken pieces in batches without overcrowding, turning as needed until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a separate pan, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and optional chili flakes. Heat gently over medium-low heat and simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant, forming a shiny glaze.
- Toss and Serve: Add the fried chicken to the sauce pan and toss quickly to coat each piece evenly with the honey garlic glaze. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to help the coating adhere better and ensure even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan; fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Pat fried chicken dry on paper towels to remove excess oil, helping the sauce cling without sogginess.
- Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer for a thicker glaze or adding water to thin it out.
- Always use fresh minced garlic for the best aromatic and vibrant flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Honey garlic chicken, crispy chicken, fried chicken, sweet and savory chicken, easy dinner, comfort food, Asian chicken recipe