Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish hits all the right notes—crispy, sweet, savory, and packed with garlic flavor. It’s fast and easy, but tastes like a takeout favorite. Perfect for a busy weeknight or an impressive weekend meal without the fuss.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1–2 inches/2.5–5 cm)
• oil (enough to fill skillet 1 inch/2.5 cm; canola or other vegetable oil)

Marinade

• 2 egg whites
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• pinch salt or other seasonings

Honey Garlic Sauce

• 4 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 3 if you prefer extra garlic)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)

Garnish (optional)

• toasted sesame seeds
• 1 green onion, sliced

directions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk egg whites, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
2. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, pour oil to a depth of about 1 inch (2.5 cm). Heat over medium-high until shimmering (about 350°F/175°C).
3. Crisp the chicken: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry chicken pieces until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels.
4. Make the sauce: In a clean skillet, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper. Cook over medium-low heat for about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and slightly thickened.
5. Combine: Add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly. Cook for another minute to let the flavors meld.
6. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onion, if using.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
• Citrus zing: Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon or lime juice into the sauce before tossing for brightness.
• Veggie boost: Toss in broccoli florets or bell peppers toward the end of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
• Gluten-free: Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating:
  • Skillet: Warm over medium heat for 3–4 minutes.
  • Microwave: Heat on medium power in 1-minute increments, stirring in between.
  • Oven: Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until hot and crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes! You can use breast meat or thighs. Just note breast cooks slightly faster and can dry out—monitor closely.

2. Do I need to use egg whites in the marinade?

The egg whites help make the coating crispy. You can skip them and just use cornstarch, but texture will differ.

3. Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?

Absolutely. Coat the chicken, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. My sauce isn’t thickening—what do I do?

Make sure to simmer it over low to medium heat until it reduces slightly. You can stir in a tiny bit of cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water) to speed thickening.

5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken a few hours ahead or even the night before. Reheat sauce and toss with freshly cooked chicken when ready to serve.

6. How can I make this healthier?

Pan-searing with a bit of oil instead of deep-frying works well. You can also swap in maple syrup or agave for honey to reduce sugar intensity.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a larger wok or skillet and cook in batches so the chicken remains crispy and not crowded.

8. What sides pair well with this dish?

Steamed rice or cauliflower rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple green salad are all great complements.

9. Is the dish suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. It reheats well and stores beautifully, making it perfect for lunch or dinner prep.

10. How do I make it gluten-free?

Simply switch the soy sauce to tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure any other condiments used are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a fast, crave-worthy meal perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors and simple cooking. With its delicious balance of sweetness, garlic, and crispiness, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite. Pair it with rice or veggies for an easy, satisfying dinner in just half an hour!

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