Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crispy honey garlic chicken with sticky sweet and savory sauce

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe – Sweet, Savory, and Crispy


  • Author: Eleanor
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Bite-sized pieces of chicken fried to golden, crunchy perfection and tossed in a sticky, sweet-and-savory honey garlic glaze. A crowd-pleasing Asian-inspired dish that delivers the ideal balance of crunch and rich flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Crispy Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup cornstarch

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

  • ⅓ cup pure honey

  • ¼ cup soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce)

  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (cornstarch slurry)

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Garnish (Optional):

  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced


Instructions

  1. Prep Breading Stations:

    In a shallow bowl, whisk the beaten eggs. In a second shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

  2. Dredge the Chicken:

    Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off, then press into the flour-cornstarch mixture until fully coated.

  3. Fry the Chicken:

    Heat about ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (around 350°F / 175°C). Fry the coated chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

  4. Make the Sauce:

    In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a low simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly into a glossy glaze.

  5. Toss & Serve:

    Place the fried chicken into a large bowl. Pour the warm honey garlic sauce over the top and gently toss until every piece is coated.

  6. Garnish:

    Transfer to a serving dish and top with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Notes

  • Oven/Air Fryer Alternatives:

    • Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20–25 minutes (flipping halfway).

    • Air Fry: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

  • Keep It Extra Crispy: Toss the chicken in the sauce right before serving to maintain maximum crunch.

  • Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–8 minutes to restore crispiness rather than using a microwave.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Deep Frying / Pan Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian-Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 920 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 145 mg

Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Asian Chicken, Stir Fry, Glazed Chicken