Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

One of the best parts about making Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken at home is the aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks. The sweet and savory scent of the honey garlic glaze caramelizing on the crispy chicken pieces is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of smell that brings everyone to the kitchen, eagerly waiting for the dish to be ready.

As the chicken sizzles in the hot oil, the coating turns a beautiful golden brown, promising a satisfyingly crunchy bite with every mouthful. The combination of the sticky honey and pungent garlic creates a flavor profile that is both complex and comforting, making it a dish that appeals to a wide range of palates.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. The sound of the chicken crackling in the pan followed by the aroma of the honey garlic glaze wafting through the air had everyone eagerly anticipating dinner. And when we finally sat down to eat, the crispy chicken was devoured within minutes, with everyone reaching for seconds.

What I love most about making Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is how versatile it is. Whether you serve it as a main dish with steamed rice and vegetables, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at a party, it never fails to impress. The balance of sweet and savory flavors, combined with the satisfying crunch of the chicken, is simply irresistible.

So, the next time you’re craving Chinese takeout, why not try making this delicious dish at home? With just a few simple ingredients and some easy-to-follow steps, you can recreate the magic of crispy honey garlic chicken in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you make it from scratch, you’ll never look at takeout the same way again.

Key Ingredients in Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

To achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures in Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken, you’ll need a handful of essential ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at each one:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These juicy and flavorful cuts of meat are ideal for the dish, as they remain tender inside while crisping up beautifully on the outside.
• Cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch helps create a crunchy exterior that locks in the juices, ensuring each bite is both crispy and succulent.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple yet crucial, these seasonings not only enhance the overall taste of the dish but also help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Eggs and Water: This egg wash mixture acts as the binder for the cornstarch coating, ensuring it adheres well to the chicken for that signature crispiness.
• Honey, Soy Sauce, Ketchup, and Hoisin Sauce: This combination of sweet, savory, and tangy ingredients forms the base of the irresistible honey garlic glaze, providing a depth of flavor that makes the dish truly memorable.
• Garlic and Ginger: These aromatic additions bring a fragrant punch to the dish, infusing it with layers of savory complexity and a hint of heat.
• Rice Vinegar and Sesame Oil: These two ingredients add a subtle acidity and nuttiness to the glaze, balancing out the sweetness of the honey and creating a harmonious flavor profile.
• Sesame Seeds and Green Onions: These garnishes not only add a touch of visual appeal to the dish but also contribute a hint of nuttiness and freshness that elevates the overall dining experience.

How to Make Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Serving Suggestions for Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Now that your kitchen is filled with the tantalizing aroma of Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken, it’s time to think about how to present this delectable dish. Here are three delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

• Rice Bowl Bliss: Create a wholesome and satisfying meal by serving the Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed jasmine rice. The fragrant rice will soak up the flavors of the honey garlic glaze, providing the perfect base for the crispy chicken. Add some stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots on the side for a colorful and nutritious twist.
• Lettuce Wrap Wonder: Get creative with your meal presentation by offering Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken in crisp lettuce cups. Simply scoop a spoonful of the chicken into individual lettuce leaves, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and drizzle with extra honey garlic sauce. The contrast of the cool, crunchy lettuce with the warm, savory chicken is a textural delight that’s sure to impress your guests.
• Party Pleaser Platter: Turn this dish into the star of your next gathering by serving it as a crowd-pleasing appetizer on a platter. Arrange the Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken pieces on a serving dish, garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions, and provide toothpicks for easy snacking. Whether it’s a game night with friends or a family celebration, this addictive finger food is guaranteed to disappear in seconds.

With these creative serving ideas, you can showcase the irresistible flavors and textures of Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken in a memorable and visually appealing way. So, grab your chopsticks or fork, and get ready to savor every crispy, sticky, and savory bite!

How to Store Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Once you’ve enjoyed the delicious flavors of Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken, you might find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers. So, how do you store this irresistible dish to ensure it stays fresh and flavorful for later enjoyment?

One simple way to store Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to the container. Make sure to pour any remaining honey garlic sauce over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful. When properly stored, the chicken should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

If you’re looking to keep the chicken for a longer period, you can freeze it for future meals. To freeze Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken, place the cooled chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. You can also freeze the honey garlic sauce separately in a container. When properly frozen, the chicken can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat the chicken in the oven on a baking sheet to help restore its crispiness. You can also reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to help revive the dish’s moistness.

By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken remains as delicious and satisfying as it was when freshly made. Whether it’s a quick weekday meal or a special weekend treat, having a stash of this flavorful dish ready to enjoy will surely bring a smile to your face.

Conclusion

Congratulations on mastering the art of making Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken at home! With its irresistible blend of crispy chicken and sticky sweet garlic sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. The aroma of the honey garlic glaze caramelizing on the chicken, the satisfying crunch of each bite, and the versatile serving options make this recipe a true culinary delight.

You now have the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, serving suggestions, and storage tips to recreate this delicious dish whenever the craving strikes. Whether you choose to enjoy it as a comforting main dish with rice and vegetables, a creative lettuce wrap variation, or a party-ready appetizer, the possibilities are endless.

Feel free to print this article for easy reference or save it digitally for future cooking adventures. If you have any questions, feedback, or simply want to share your experience making Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken, I’d love to hear from you! Your comments and stories are always welcomed in my kitchen.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to whip up a batch of this mouthwatering dish. As the sounds and scents fill your kitchen, remember the joy of creating a meal that brings people together and delights the taste buds. Here’s to happy cooking and unforgettable flavors!

Print this article and save it for your next cooking session. And remember, if you have any questions or feedback, don’t hesitate to share them with me!

Print Recipe

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 40 mins

Calories: 400

Description

Golden and crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside - this Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavor explosion! Sweet honey and savory garlic perfectly balance each bite, creating a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Served with steamed rice or a side of veggies, this dish is a surefire way to satisfy your craving for something deliciously irresistible!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 1 cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon pepper

• 2 eggs

• 2 tablespoons water

• 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

• Sesame seeds, for garnish

• Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
3. In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and water to create an egg wash.
5. Dip each chicken piece into the cornstarch mixture, then into the egg wash, and back into the cornstarch mixture.
6. Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
7. In a saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
8. Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a glaze-like consistency.
9. In a large bowl, toss the crispy chicken pieces with the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated.
10. Garnish the dish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
11. Serve the Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy!

Note

• For an extra crispy coating, you can double dip the chicken pieces by repeating the cornstarch - egg wash - cornstarch coating process before baking.
• To make this dish spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha sauce to the honey garlic sauce.
• Be careful not to overcook the chicken as it can become tough and dry. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• You can customize the dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking the sauce for a more well-rounded meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop for best results.

Keywords: Chinese honey garlic chicken, crispy chicken recipe, easy honey garlic chicken, homemade Chinese chicken, flavorful crispy chicken