If you’re ready to experience crispy, sticky-sweet perfection, this Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken might just become your new obsession. Each golden chicken bite is tossed in a glossy, garlicky honey sauce that’s equal parts savory, aromatic, and irresistibly sticky—basically, comfort food you’ll crave over and over!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Crispy Crunch: The double-frying technique gives you restaurant-style crispy chicken every time, guaranteed to stay crunchy even under the sticky sauce.
- Addictively Tangy-Sweet Sauce: The honey garlic glaze is a flavor bomb—balanced with just the right amount of sweetness, tang, and savory depth from soy and fresh aromatics.
- Simple, Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You don’t need fancy ingredients—most are probably in your kitchen already, making dinner fuss-free and budget-friendly.
- Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages: Whether for a fun weeknight treat or serving guests, Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken is always a total hit and disappears fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in this Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken plays a starring role: they’re simple, yes, but together they create the ultimate harmony of flavor and texture. Here’s why you’ll want each ingredient on hand before you start frying!
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Thighs are naturally juicy and tender, making them ideal for ultra-crispy fried chicken that stays moist inside.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to help the flour and starch stick, ensuring every piece gets an even, crunchy coating.
- Cornstarch: The secret to that shatteringly light and crispy exterior—essential for authentic crunch!
- All-purpose flour: Blends with cornstarch for a satisfying golden crust on the chicken.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Seasons the chicken and forms the salty-sweet backbone of the sauce.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth to the chicken.
- Canola oil: Used for both frying and sautéing; it’s neutral, so all the flavor comes from your seasonings and sauce.
- Garlic & ginger: The fragrant duo—fresh is best!—that makes the sauce sing with a punchy, aromatic kick.
- Honey: Adds sticky sweetness and that signature glossy finish to the sauce.
- Brown sugar: Deepens the caramel notes in the glaze—just a touch transforms the flavor.
- Soy sauce (for the sauce): Anchors the glaze with rich umami.
- Sesame oil: A drizzle for nutty fragrance to finish off the sauce.
- Sesame seeds & green onions (optional): The chef’s finishing touch for crunch and color.
Variations
Customizing Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken is almost as fun as eating it! Whether you’re after a spicy kick, need a gluten-free option, or want to sneak in some extra veggies, this dish is endlessly adaptable for your cravings or dietary needs.
- Spicy Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken: Add a hit of Sriracha, chili flakes, or finely chopped fresh chilies to the sauce to bring some fire to each bite.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend and use tamari in place of soy sauce—crunchy, delicious, and safe for all!
- Veggie-Packed Option: Toss in steamed broccoli or thinly sliced bell peppers in the last step for a colorful, extra-nutritious twist.
- Simplified Weeknight Chicken Bites: For a quick-cook version, use chicken breast nuggets and bake or air-fry instead of deep-frying—still tasty, less mess.
How to Make Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken
Step 1: Marinate and Prep the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine your cubed chicken thighs, egg, two tablespoons of cornstarch, soy sauce, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir—this quick marinade infuses flavor into every bite while prepping the chicken for that all-important crispy coating.
Step 2: Whip Up the Honey Garlic Sauce
Mix soy sauce, water, honey, and brown sugar in a bowl to create your sweet-and-savory base. In a skillet, gently sizzle garlic and ginger in canola oil until fragrant—they should soften, not brown. Pour in your soy-honey mixture, letting the flavors meld and deepen while it gently bubbles. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks!
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Combine cornstarch and a little water in a separate dish to make a slurry. Slowly add this to your bubbling sauce, stirring constantly, as the glaze transforms into a shiny, luscious coating. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil for a hint of toasty aroma.
Step 4: Coat and Fry the Chicken (Twice!)
Add the rest of the cornstarch and all-purpose flour into your marinated chicken and mix until each piece is evenly coated. Heat your frying oil to 375°F, then fry the chicken in batches (no crowding!). After 3 minutes, use a slotted spoon to transfer the pieces to a rack—then, when all pieces are fried, return them for a second, shorter fry to lock in that epic crunch. Allow them to drain briefly.
Step 5: Toss and Garnish
Add your hot, golden chicken straight into the pan with the glossy honey garlic sauce. Toss well, making sure every nugget is bathed in that irresistible glaze. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for a finishing pop of freshness and crunch—then serve while piping hot!
Pro Tips for Making Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken
- Double Fry for Extra Crunch: Don’t skip the second fry—it’s the trick for locking in crunch and keeping the chicken crispy even after tossing in the sticky sauce.
- Keep Your Oil Hot and Happy: Use a thermometer and maintain 375°F for each batch—if the temperature drops, chicken turns greasy instead of golden.
- Fresh Garlic & Ginger: Use freshly chopped aromatics for the brightest, most aromatic sauce—they’re 100% worth the tiny bit of extra prep.
- Sauce Last, Not First: Only toss chicken in the sauce right before serving—if you coat too early, the crisp will disappear.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sesame seeds and vibrant green onion slices aren’t just for looks—they add extra crunch and pops of freshness, elevating every bite of your Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken. You can also try a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for depth.
Side Dishes
This crave-worthy chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy jasmine rice or garlicky fried rice to soak up every drop of sticky sauce. Want veggies? Steamed broccoli, sautéed snow peas, or stir-fried bok choy are all fantastic, balancing the richness with color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken into party bites by threading onto skewers and serving on a platter, or nestle them in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held appetizer. For a fun family dinner, pile the chicken over a mound of rice or noodles and let everyone dig in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, keep the crispy chicken and sauce separate if you can—that way, your chicken stays crunchier when reheated.
Freezing
Fried chicken pieces freeze well—cool them completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. The sauce should be cooled and stored separately in a freezer-safe container. Both keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
To re-crisp chicken, bake the pieces in a hot oven (around 400°F) or air fryer for a few minutes until hot and crunchy. Warm the sauce gently in a saucepan or microwave, then toss everything together just before serving—almost as good as fresh!
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken?
Yes, chicken breast works well if you prefer a leaner cut. Just cut the breast into similar 1-inch cubes and follow the same marination and frying steps. The result will be slightly less juicy, but still delicious and crispy!
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How do I make Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken less sweet?
If you prefer a more savory bite, reduce the honey and brown sugar by half in the sauce. Feel free to add more soy sauce or a splash of rice vinegar for extra tang to balance the sweetness.
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What’s the best oil for frying the chicken?
For Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken, a neutral, high-smoke-point oil like canola, peanut, vegetable, or sunflower oil is best. Avoid olive oil—its flavor and smoke point aren’t ideal for deep-frying.
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Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made and refrigerated up to three days in advance. Just reheat gently and stir before tossing with fresh-fried chicken for maximum crunch and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving that golden, restaurant-style crunch at home, Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken is the answer to your comfort food dreams. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love bite after sticky, savory bite, and I promise it’ll be requested on repeat in your kitchen!
Print
Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 people
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken recipe combines tender fried chicken pieces with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, creating a flavorful dish that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Fried Chicken
- 10 ounces boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
- 1 whole egg
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped
- 5 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp sesame seeds, optional
- 1 tbsp green onions, optional
Instructions
- Fried Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine chicken thighs, egg, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and soy sauce. Set aside.
- Honey Garlic Sauce: Combine soy sauce, water, honey, and brown sugar. Cook ginger and garlic in canola oil, then add soy sauce mixture. Make a cornstarch slurry and thicken the sauce. Add sesame oil.
- Final Steps: Coat chicken with flour and cornstarch mixture. Fry in oil until golden brown. Toss fried chicken in the sauce. Top with sesame seeds and green onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 450 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 20g
- Sodium: Approx. 1200mg
- Fat: Approx. 18g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 14.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 50g
- Fiber: Approx. 2g
- Protein: Approx. 20g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 100mg
