HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN HEAVEN

I’ll never forget the first time I tried honey garlic chicken. It was at a tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant, and the aroma alone pulled me in off the street! The sweet and savory sauce, the crispy chicken… pure magic. I spent weeks trying to recreate that dish at home, and let’s just say, there were a few… experimental… batches. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Irresistible Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken you’ll ever make!

The Ultimate Guide to Irresistible Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Hey there, fellow food lover! Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure because we’re about to dive headfirst into the world of crispy, sticky, sweet, and savory goodness. I’m talking about Irresistible Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken – a dish that’s guaranteed to become a weeknight staple in your household.

I know, I know. There are a million and one recipes out there for honey garlic chicken. But trust me, this one is different. We’re not just throwing some chicken and sauce together and hoping for the best. We’re going to break down each step, from prepping the chicken to achieving that perfect crispy coating to creating a sauce that will make your taste buds sing. Think of me as your personal culinary cheerleader, guiding you every step of the way. Let’s get cooking!

Why This Recipe Works

So, what makes this recipe stand out from the crowd? It all comes down to a few key factors:

• The Double Fry: This is non-negotiable. Frying the chicken twice is the secret to that truly irresistible crispiness. The first fry cooks the chicken through, and the second fry seals the deal, creating a shatteringly crisp exterior.
• The Marinade: We’re not just seasoning the chicken; we’re marinating it. This allows the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat, ensuring that every bite is bursting with deliciousness.
• The Sauce: Forget overly sweet, gloopy sauces. Our honey garlic sauce is perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of sweetness, savoryness, and a hint of tang.
• The Quality of Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a world of difference.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our troops! Here’s a rundown of everything you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: I highly recommend using chicken thighs. They stay incredibly juicy and tender, even after frying. You can use chicken breasts if you prefer, but be careful not to overcook them. Cut into 1-inch pieces.
• 1 Large Egg: This helps bind the coating to the chicken.
• 2 tbsp Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth of flavor. Low-sodium is best, so you can control the salt level.
• 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar: Provides a touch of acidity to balance the richness.
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch: This is the key to a crispy coating!
• 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger: Adds warmth and spice.
• 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder: Enhances the garlicky flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

For the Crispy Coating:

• 1 cup Cornstarch: More cornstarch! We want maximum crispiness.
• 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a light and airy coating.
• 1 tsp Baking Powder: This gives the coating a little extra lift, making it even crispier.
• 1/2 tsp Salt: Seasoning is key!
• 1/4 tsp White Pepper: Adds a subtle kick.

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 1/4 cup Honey: The star of the show! Use a good-quality honey for the best flavor.
• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce: More umami! Again, low-sodium is preferred.
• 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of tanginess.
• 2 tbsp Water: To thin out the sauce.
• 2 tbsp Ketchup: Adds sweetness and acidity.
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced: Don’t skimp on the garlic! Freshly minced is always best.
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce.
• 1 tsp Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a touch of heat.

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
• Chopped Green Onions: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business! Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with the most amazing Irresistible Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken you’ve ever tasted.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ground ginger, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!

Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and white pepper. Make sure everything is well combined.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
2. One piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the cornstarch mixture, making sure to coat it completely. Press the coating onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.
3. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack while you prepare the rest. This helps prevent the coating from getting soggy.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken (Double Fry!)

1. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 325°F (160°C). I recommend using a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil.
2. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
3. Fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden.
4. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain.
5. Now, increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
6. Add the chicken back to the hot oil in batches and fry for another 1-2 minutes, or until it’s deeply golden brown and super crispy. This second fry is what makes all the difference!
7. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it back on the wire rack to drain.

Step 5: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. While the chicken is draining, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, ketchup, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. If you want a little heat, add the red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Add the crispy chicken to the skillet with the honey garlic sauce.
2. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
3. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce is sticky and glossy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Transfer the Irresistible Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken to a serving platter.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
3. Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Here are a few extra tips and tricks to help you nail this recipe:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pot. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry in batches for best results.
• Use a Thermometer: A thermometer is your best friend when frying. Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature for both the first and second fry.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through but not overdone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey, soy sauce, or red pepper flakes in the sauce to suit your taste.
• Make it Ahead: You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. However, the chicken is best served immediately after frying, as it will lose its crispness over time.

Variations and Adaptations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or use a spicy chili garlic sauce.
• Lemon Honey Garlic Chicken: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and a teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce. If you love lemon chicken, you might also enjoy my SLOW COOKER LEMON CHICKEN recipe!
• Honey Garlic Shrimp: Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a delicious seafood version.
• Vegetarian Honey Garlic “Chicken”: Use tofu or cauliflower florets instead of chicken.
• Add Vegetables: Stir-fry some broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas along with the chicken and sauce for a complete meal.
• Honey Garlic Noodles: Toss the cooked chicken and sauce with your favorite noodles. You can use spaghetti, udon, or ramen noodles. Or, for a pasta dish with similar flavors, try our HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN PASTA!

Serving Suggestions

Irresistible Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is delicious served with:

• Rice: White rice, brown rice, or fried rice are all great options.
• Noodles: Chow mein, lo mein, or ramen noodles are a classic pairing.
• Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple salad.
• Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: For a complete Chinese takeout experience.
• Bang Bang Sauce: Drizzle this amazing sauce on top or on the side. If you love Bang Bang, check out this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe!

This recipe also pairs wonderfully with recipes like BUTTER CHICKEN if you’re looking for a buffet style setup. Or how about a Spicy Chicken Rigatoni for a spicier meal!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage: Store leftover Irresistible Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: The best way to reheat this dish is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chicken out on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, but it won’t be as crispy.

Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the chicken will lose some of its crispness. If you choose to freeze it, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

There you have it! My ultimate guide to making Irresistible Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken. I know it might seem like a lot of steps, but trust me, it’s worth it. This dish is so incredibly flavorful and satisfying, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some culinary magic. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Happy cooking!