Name: Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 2 large eggs, beaten; Vegetable oil for frying; 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for slurry); Sliced green onions; Sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s nothing quite like biting into a golden, crunchy piece of homemade Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken—sweet, sticky, and totally irresistible! This is the dish you whip up when you’re craving something that hits all the right notes: juicy on the inside, delightfully crisp on the outside, and glossed in a glossy, garlicky honey sauce. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive dinner party main, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. You won’t believe how addictively good—and easy—it is!

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is just how approachable the ingredient list is. Every component has a purpose, building bold flavors and nailing that signature crisp. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and why each element matters.

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the juiciest result.
1/2 cup cornstarch: The secret to that shatteringly crisp coating—it creates a perfectly light crunch.
2 large eggs (beaten): Eggs act as the glue, helping the cornstarch stick to the chicken bites.
Vegetable oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for even, golden frying.
1/3 cup honey: This is where the magic happens—pure, floral sweetness for our luscious sauce.
1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds depth, umami, and beautiful color to balance the honey.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar: For a bright, tangy lift that cuts through the sweetness.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Boosts complexity with just a mellow hint of molasses.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Bold garlic flavor brings the savory side to the party.
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Lively, zesty contrast that perks up the sauce.
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for slurry): Thickens the sauce to a perfect glossy finish.
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish: A fresh, nutty finishing touch that makes the plate pop.

How to Make Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken pieces nice and dry with paper towels—this helps the coating stick and fry up evenly. Slice the chicken into bite-sized portions so each piece can get beautifully crispy in the oil. The more uniform your pieces, the more evenly they’ll cook!

Step 2: Dredge for the Ultimate Crunch

This is where the magic starts! First, dredge the chicken pieces in cornstarch, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. Then give each piece a dip into the beaten eggs. This double-layered coating is what gives Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken its irresistible crunch, so don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat 1–2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Test the oil with a tiny piece of bread or chicken—it should sizzle right away! Fry the chicken in batches, giving each piece plenty of space, and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side until deeply golden and crispy. Drain on a paper-towel-lined plate for extra crunch. (Pro tip: Double-fry for maximum crispiness!)

Step 4: Make the Sauce

While the chicken cools slightly, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan. Bring this fragrant mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir together your cornstarch slurry, pour it in, and cook for another minute or two until the sauce thickens to a gorgeous, sticky glaze.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Add the hot chicken pieces to the thickened sauce and toss them to coat every crisp surface. The aroma at this point will drive your household wild! Serve right away, scattered with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that final flourish. Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is best enjoyed immediately while sizzling hot.

How to Serve Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

Never underestimate the power of a good garnish! Sprinkle your Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken with plenty of fresh sliced green onions and nutty sesame seeds just before serving. This not only brings a pop of color but also adds a fresh crunch and a hint of toasty flavor that makes every bite taste even better.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice that will soak up every last drop of that addictive sauce. For a veggie boost, serve alongside quick-stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. If you want a more festive spread, try adding spring rolls, cucumber salad, or even a classic Chinese egg drop soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Take things up a notch for guests by serving your Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken in individual bowls over rice, topped with extra sauce, and garnished with a flourish. For a fun family-style approach, heap the chicken onto a platter surrounded by bright steamed veggies and let everyone help themselves. You can even tuck cooled leftovers into lettuce wraps for a totally different but equally delicious twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (it’s rare!), keep your Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. The chicken stays tasty for up to 3 days, and you’ll find the flavors deepen a bit overnight, making it just as enjoyable the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cooked chicken cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to a month. For best texture, freeze the chicken and sauce separately—this keeps the crispiness when you’re ready to reheat.

Reheating

For maximum crunch, reheat the chicken in a 375°F oven or air fryer until hot and crispy, about 8–10 minutes. If you froze the sauce separately, warm it gently in a saucepan and toss with the heated chicken just before serving. Avoid the microwave for reheating if you can—it softens the crispy coating!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring a little more juiciness and flavor to this dish. Just trim any excess fat and follow the same directions for breading and frying.

How do I make the sauce less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet version of Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken, simply reduce the amount of honey or increase the rice vinegar. You can also add a little extra soy sauce for a deeper savory profile.

Can I bake instead of fry?

You can bake the coated chicken on a wire rack at 425°F until crispy, about 20–25 minutes, flipping once. While frying gives the crunchiest result, baking is a lighter option that still turns out tasty.

Is this dish gluten free?

It can be! Just be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and check that your cornstarch is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken ahead of time?

You can fry the chicken and make the sauce in advance. For best results, store them separately and toss together with warmed sauce just before serving. This keeps that coveted crispiness intact.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about homemade Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken—once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. The crunchy coating, sticky-sweet sauce, and ultra-satisfying flavor make it a true crowd-pleaser every single time. Give it a try and let it become your new go-to favorite!

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken with this easy-to-follow recipe. This dish combines crispy, golden-brown chicken bites with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 large eggs, beaten
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce:

1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for slurry)

For Garnish:

Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken dry, dredge in cornstarch, dip in beaten eggs, and set aside.
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet, fry chicken until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Make the Sauce: Combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
Coat the Chicken: Toss fried chicken in the sauce until coated.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice or vegetables.