Perfectly Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is a delicious combination of crunchy, golden-brown chicken coated in a sweet, savory, and garlicky honey sauce. The chicken stays wonderfully crispy while the sticky sauce adds incredible flavor to every bite. It’s an easy family-friendly dinner that pairs perfectly with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ lb (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil, optional
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger, optional
For Garnishing
- 1–2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- A pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, keeping the pieces as similar in size as possible so they cook evenly. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Prepare the crispy coating
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cornstarch helps create that light, crunchy exterior.
3. Prepare the egg mixture
In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until smooth.
4. Coat the chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Immediately place it into the flour and cornstarch mixture. Toss well and press the coating gently onto the chicken so it sticks.
For an extra-crispy coating, dip the chicken back into the egg mixture and then into the dry mixture one more time.
5. Heat the oil
Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan for frying. Heat over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small piece of coating sizzles immediately when added.
6. Fry the chicken
Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan because this can lower the oil temperature and make the chicken less crispy.
Fry for approximately 4–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels. A wire rack is best because it allows excess oil to drain while keeping the bottom crispy.
7. Make the honey garlic sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, and cornstarch.
Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and optional ginger and cook for about 20–30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the honey-soy mixture and stir continuously.
8. Simmer the sauce
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 1–2 minutes. It will gradually become glossy and slightly thickened. Add sesame oil if desired.
9. Combine chicken and sauce
Add the crispy chicken to the skillet. Toss quickly and gently until each piece is lightly coated with the honey garlic sauce.
Don’t simmer the chicken in the sauce for too long, or the crispy coating can become soft.
10. Garnish and serve
Immediately transfer the chicken to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a little red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
Best Tips for Extra-Crispy Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry before coating it.
- Use a combination of flour and cornstarch for a crunchier coating.
- Fry the chicken in small batches.
- Keep the oil temperature steady and avoid overcrowding.
- Place fried chicken on a wire rack instead of stacking it.
- Make the sauce separately and coat the chicken right before serving.
- For maximum crispiness, use just enough sauce to coat the chicken rather than drowning it.
What to Serve With It
This honey garlic chicken is delicious with:
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Fried rice
- Chow mein or noodles
- Steamed broccoli
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Cucumber salad
- Vegetable spring rolls
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat it in an oven, toaster oven, or air fryer until hot and crisp. Microwaving is convenient but can make the coating softer.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy