This Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a tasty mix of sweet and savory flavors. The chicken is coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce that’s just mouthwatering!
I love making this dish because it’s easy and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it pairs perfectly with rice or veggies, making dinner a breeze! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless thighs for juiciness, but breasts work too! If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using tofu for a vegetarian spin or substitute tempeh if you want more texture.
Cornstarch: This is the magic ingredient for that crispy coating. If you’re avoiding cornstarch, try arrowroot or even regular flour, but the texture will be slightly different. Don’t skip this step, as it’s key for crispiness!
Honey: You can use agave nectar or maple syrup if you need a vegan option. Just remember, the flavor may vary slightly, but it will still add that lovely sweetness.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is my favorite to keep it less salty. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos can work too!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute. Just use about 1 teaspoon, but fresh is always better if you can manage it!
How Do I Fry Chicken Perfectly?
Frying chicken can seem tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it’s super easy! Here’s a straightforward process to get that golden, crispy goodness.
- Heat your oil in the skillet until it’s shimmering, around 350°F (175°C). A thermometer can help, but carefully dropping a little batter helps too!
- Work in batches to avoid overcrowding—this ensures even cooking! Fry each batch for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Don’t rush! Let the chicken rest on paper towels after frying to get rid of excess oil while retaining that crunch.
Following these steps will help you achieve that perfect crispy chicken each time!
Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for depth)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp water mixed with 1 tsp cornstarch (slurry for sauce thickening)
For Garnishing:
- 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Steamed white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, 10-15 minutes to cook, and then about 5 minutes to plate everything nicely. So, you can have a tasty homemade meal ready in about 30-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by whisking the eggs in a medium bowl. In another bowl, put the cornstarch. Take your chicken pieces and dip them into the egg first, coating them well. Then, roll them in the cornstarch until they’re fully coated. Set the coated chicken aside on a plate while you heat the oil.
2. Frying the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers (you want it to be around 350°F or 175°C). Slowly fry the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown and are cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and drain it on paper towels.
3. Making the Sauce:
In a separate pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Mixing in the Sauce Ingredients:
Now, add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce (if you’re using it), sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes into the pan. Give it a good stir to combine all those tasty flavors.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Now, stir in the cornstarch slurry (that’s your water mixed with cornstarch). Keep stirring and cooking until the sauce thickens and has a nice glossy appearance, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
6. Combine Everything:
Now, add the fried chicken pieces into the sauce. Toss them around to make sure each piece is nicely coated in that delicious honey garlic sauce. Heat everything together for another minute or two.
7. Serve It Up:
Grab some steamed rice and plate it up! Spoon the honey garlic chicken right on top or beside the rice. Don’t forget to garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that extra pop of flavor and crunch!
8. Enjoy!
Dig into your delicious homemade Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken! This dish goes fantastically with some steamed broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier and more flavorful dish. Just make sure they are boneless and skinless, and follow the same cooking instructions.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute for regular soy sauce. Ensure that the cornstarch you are using is also certified gluten-free.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or stovetop to avoid drying out the chicken.
What Can I Use Instead of Honey?
If you need a substitute for honey, consider agave nectar or maple syrup! Keep in mind that the flavor will slightly differ, but both will add that necessary sweetness to the dish.
