Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken

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Introduction

Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken is one of those dishes that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and crunchy. The chicken is coated in a light, crispy batter, fried until golden, and then tossed in a glossy honey garlic sauce that clings to every bite. It’s a dish that’s loved in both Asian-inspired kitchens and Western households because it combines comfort-food crunch with a restaurant-style sticky glaze.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 large eggs (beaten)
  • ½ cup cold water (adjust as needed for batter consistency)
  • Oil, for deep frying

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

  • ½ cup honey
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, optional for thickening)

Garnish:

  • Sesame seeds
  • Fresh chopped green onions

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. In another bowl, whisk eggs and cold water.
  4. Dip chicken pieces into the wet batter, then dredge in the flour mix for extra crispiness.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry chicken in small batches until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5–6 minutes per batch).
  3. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
  4. (Optional: Double-fry for extra crunch—fry once until light golden, rest 5 minutes, then fry again until deep golden).

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, heat sesame oil and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  2. Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Bring to a simmer.
  3. If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until glossy.

Step 4: Combine

  • Toss the crispy fried chicken in the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Methods

  • Deep Frying → gives the crispiest result.
  • Air Frying → coat chicken lightly with oil, air fry at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, then toss in sauce.
  • Oven-Baked → bake battered chicken at 425°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, then coat in sauce.

History

Honey garlic sauce is believed to have roots in Chinese and Japanese cuisine, where sweet-and-savory glazes are traditional. The crispy chicken concept likely evolved from dishes like General Tso’s Chicken and Korean Fried Chicken, later adapted into a Western-fusion favorite.

Benefits

  • Protein-rich from chicken.
  • Antioxidants from garlic.
  • Immune-boosting honey soothes the throat and aids digestion.
  • Family-friendly dish that satisfies both kids and adults.

Formation

  • Base: Crispy fried chicken.
  • Sauce: Sticky honey garlic glaze.
  • Topping: Fresh garnish for balance.
    This layering creates texture (crunchy outside, juicy inside, sticky coating).

Nutrition (per serving, approx. 1 cup)

  • Calories: ~420
  • Protein: 26g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g

Who Loves It?

  • Kids love it for the sweetness.
  • Adults love it for the crunch and balance of flavors.
  • Foodies love it as a homemade takeout-style dish.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken is a dish that unites cultures, flavors, and families. From its golden crunch to the sticky-sweet glaze, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, it’s bound to be a repeat favorite at your table.

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