There is something undeniably addictive about this Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe that makes it a total crowd-pleaser. Imagine tender, juicy pieces of chicken thighs perfectly coated in a light, crunchy crust, then generously glazed in a luscious honey garlic sauce bursting with sweet, salty, and aromatic layers. This dish strikes the perfect balance between crispy and sticky, making every bite a flavor-packed experience that you will want to recreate again and again. It’s comfort food that feels both familiar and a little special, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with your cooking chops!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is straightforward because the ingredients are simple, familiar, and each has a specific role in delivering the perfect harmony of flavor, crunch, and color. These essentials come together brilliantly to create the dish’s iconic taste and texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicier and more flavorful than breasts, perfect for maintaining moistness inside a crispy coating.
- Cornstarch: The secret to that irresistible crispy crust when baked.
- Salt and pepper: Basic but essential seasonings to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
- Eggs and water: Create a binding egg wash that helps the cornstarch stick evenly.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps form the sticky glaze everyone loves.
- Soy sauce: Brings the perfect saltiness and umami depth to the sauce.
- Ketchup: Provides tangy sweetness and balances flavors in the sauce.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds complexity and that signature Chinese flavor twist.
- Garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics that build up the intense, mouthwatering flavor profile.
- Rice vinegar: A bit of acidity to brighten and balance the sauce’s richness.
- Sesame oil: A small splash provides that wonderful nutty aroma.
- Sesame seeds and green onions: Garnishes that add texture, visual freshness, and extra flavor.
How to Make Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Cut your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces — this ensures quicker cooking and makes the dish perfect for sharing and snacking.
Step 2: Create the Crispy Coating
In one shallow bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, and pepper to season and generate crunch. In another bowl, whisk eggs and water to form an egg wash. Dip each chicken piece first into the cornstarch mixture, then into the egg wash, and back into the cornstarch. This double-dip method is key to building that crave-worthy, crispy exterior.
Step 3: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Lay the coated chicken pieces on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer so they cook evenly. Bake them for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and crisp on the outside. This baking method keeps things lighter than frying but still delivers exceptional crunch.
Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the chicken bakes, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, hoisin sauce, minced garlic and ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the sauce thickens into a glossy, sticky glaze. This sauce is the heart and soul of the Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe, balancing sweet, savory, and tangy notes perfectly.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Once your chicken is baked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the thickened honey garlic sauce over the top. Toss well to ensure every crispy piece is enveloped in that irresistible glaze. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh crunch and burst of color.
Step 6: Enjoy Hot!
Serve your Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken hot over fluffy steamed rice or your favorite noodles for the ultimate comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
The little extras make a huge difference here. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds evenly over the dish to add another layer of nutty flavor and gentle crunch. Finely chopped green onions add a vibrant, fresh note and a pop of color that instantly brightens the plate.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with plain steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up the sticky sauce. Alternatively, serve over noodles for a fuller meal. Stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy add fresh crunch and balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve the chicken in lettuce cups for easy handheld bites that offer a refreshing crisp contrast. You can also use it as a filling for bao buns or tortilla wraps for a fusion-style meal that will wow family and friends!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce helps keep the chicken flavorful, though the coating will soften a bit, so reheating properly is key to bringing back some crispiness.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken pieces (without sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Keep the honey garlic sauce separate and thaw both before combining for best results.
Reheating
To revive the crispy texture, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven or air fryer rather than a microwave. Heat at 350°F for about 10 minutes, then toss with warmed sauce just before serving to keep that delightful crunch and sticky coating intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs are preferred because they stay juicier and more flavorful, plus they hold up better with the crispy coating. Breasts can dry out faster but will still work if you prefer leaner meat.
Why do I double dip the chicken in cornstarch and egg?
The double dipping creates a thicker, crunchier crust that doesn’t fall off easily during baking or tossing with sauce. It adds that perfect texture that makes this recipe special.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go with minor substitutions.
Can I fry the chicken instead of baking it?
Yes, pan-frying or deep-frying will result in an even crispier crust, but baking is a healthier alternative that still delivers fantastic texture without the extra oil.
How do I adjust the sauce for extra spice?
Add a splash of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce while cooking to bring some heat without overpowering the sweet and savory balance.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend making this Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe enough—it’s indulgently crispy yet perfectly balanced with sweet and savory sauce flavors that never get old. Once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals for any occasion. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and make some magic happen in your kitchen tonight!
Print
Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken recipe features tender bite-sized pieces of chicken thighs coated in a crunchy cornstarch crust and baked to golden perfection. Tossed in a luscious homemade honey garlic glaze infused with soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of hoisin, this flavorful dish is a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions, it’s an irresistible meal perfect for serving over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, setting them aside ready for coating.
- Mix Dry Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and pepper to create the dry mixture for crisp coating.
- Make Egg Wash: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and water thoroughly to form an egg wash for better coating adhesion.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the cornstarch mixture, then the egg wash, and once more back into the cornstarch mixture to ensure a crispy crust.
- Bake Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken pieces evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until they turn crispy and golden brown.
- Prepare Sauce: Meanwhile, in a saucepan combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to create the honey garlic glaze.
- Cook Sauce: Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it thickens to a glaze-like consistency, perfect for coating the chicken.
- Toss Chicken with Sauce: Transfer the baked crispy chicken into a large bowl, then pour the honey garlic sauce over it and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the dish generously with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve: Serve the crispy Chinese honey garlic chicken hot over steamed rice or your favorite noodles and enjoy this homemade flavorful delight.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a teaspoon of chili sauce or red pepper flakes to the honey garlic sauce.
- Use chicken thighs over breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat that holds up well to baking.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
