I made this crispy Chinese honey garlic chicken recipe on a random weekday, and it instantly became a repeat favorite in my kitchen. The chicken turned out incredibly crunchy, and the sauce was sticky, sweet, and full of garlicky flavor.
Every bite reminded me of restaurant-style Chinese takeout, but lighter and fresher. What I loved most was how simple the steps were, even though the final dish looked impressive. This is the kind of recipe I enjoy making when I want comfort food without too much effort. You can also enjoy similar flavors with the Cajun Chicken Orzo Recipe or try something with a bit more spice like the Mexican Chicken Adobo Recipe.
Ingredients Section
Each ingredient here has a purpose, and using them correctly makes a big difference in taste and texture.
- Chicken breast – 1 lb, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces (fresh chicken works best because it stays juicy inside while frying crisp on the outside)
- Cornstarch – ½ cup (this creates a light, crunchy coating and fries crispier than flour)
- Salt – ½ teaspoon (seasons the chicken evenly and balances the sweet sauce)
- Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon (adds mild heat and depth without overpowering flavors)
- Vegetable oil – enough for shallow frying (a neutral oil with a high smoke point keeps the chicken golden and crisp)
- Garlic – 4 cloves, freshly minced (fresh garlic gives stronger aroma and better flavor than bottled or powdered garlic)
- Honey – ⅓ cup (provides natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, sticky sauce)
- Soy sauce – 3 tablespoons (adds umami and saltiness to balance the honey)
- Rice vinegar – 1 tablespoon (cuts through the sweetness and adds brightness)
- Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon (adds a subtle nutty aroma that enhances Chinese-style flavor)
- Water – ¼ cup (helps thin the sauce so it coats the chicken evenly)
- Green onions – 2 tablespoons, sliced (adds freshness, color, and mild onion flavor at the end)
- Sesame seeds – 1 teaspoon, optional (used for garnish and light crunch)
Note: This recipe serves approximately 4 people based on the ingredient quantities listed above.
Variations
- This recipe is flexible and easy to adapt depending on your taste or dietary needs.
- You can make it sugar-free by replacing honey with a sugar-free honey substitute or monk fruit syrup.
- For a spicy version, add chili flakes, chili garlic sauce, or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce.
- To make it gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
- You can also swap chicken with beef strips or shrimp, adjusting frying time accordingly.
- Adding freshly grated ginger along with garlic gives the sauce extra warmth and depth.
Cooking Time
This recipe is quick and perfect for weeknight cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Equipment You Need
Having the right tools helps everything come together smoothly.
- Mixing bowl – for coating chicken evenly with cornstarch
- Deep skillet or wok – for frying chicken and cooking the sauce
- Slotted spoon – to remove chicken while draining excess oil
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep the sauce balanced
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring sauce without scratching the pan
How to Make Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?
These steps are simple and easy to follow, even for beginners.
Prepare the Chicken
I start by cutting the chicken into evenly sized pieces so they cook uniformly. Then I season them with salt and pepper and toss them in cornstarch until fully coated. This step ensures a crispy outer layer after frying.
Fry the Chicken
I heat oil in a deep skillet until hot but not smoking. The chicken is fried in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Each piece cooks until golden brown and crispy before being removed and placed on paper towels.
Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
I remove most of the oil from the pan, leaving just a little behind. Then I add minced garlic and stir until fragrant. Honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water are added and stirred until smooth.
Combine Chicken with Sauce
Once the sauce starts bubbling lightly, I add the fried chicken back into the pan. I toss everything gently so the sauce coats each piece evenly. The sauce thickens quickly and becomes shiny.
Finish and Garnish
I turn off the heat once the chicken is fully coated and sticky. Finally, I sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. The dish is best served immediately.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
After making this dish several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help.
- I always fry the chicken in small batches to keep it extra crispy
- I make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid a soggy coating
- I taste the sauce before adding chicken and adjust the sweetness or salt
- I serve it immediately because the crisp texture is best fresh
How to Serve Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?
Serving this dish the right way makes it even more enjoyable.
This chicken tastes amazing over steamed white rice or fried rice. It also pairs well with noodles or sautéed vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers. For presentation, I like using a wide bowl and finishing with extra green onions and sesame seeds. Chopsticks on the side give it a restaurant-style look.
Nutritional Information
These values are approximate and may vary depending on portion size.
- Calories: Around 420 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 28g from lean chicken
- Carbohydrates: About 38g from honey and sauce
- Fat: Roughly 18g from frying oil
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish is best fresh, but leftovers can still be enjoyed.
Storing:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep chicken and sauce together for best flavor.
Freezing:
Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing to prevent moisture buildup.
Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results. I avoid microwaving because it softens the crispy coating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe checks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and flexibility.
- It’s quick and easy, ready in under 40 minutes
- The sweet and savory sauce tastes like restaurant takeout
- It’s versatile and works with different proteins
- The crispy texture and sticky glaze are incredibly satisfying
- You can easily adjust the sweetness, salt, or spice to your liking
Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- I start by cutting the chicken into evenly sized pieces so they cook uniformly. Then I season them with salt and pepper and toss them in cornstarch until fully coated. This step ensures a crispy outer layer after frying.
- I heat oil in a deep skillet until hot but not smoking. The chicken is fried in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Each piece cooks until golden brown and crispy before being removed and placed on paper towels.
- I remove most of the oil from the pan, leaving just a little behind. Then I add minced garlic and stir until fragrant. Honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water are added and stirred until smooth.
- Once the sauce starts bubbling lightly, I add the fried chicken back into the pan. I toss everything gently so the sauce coats each piece evenly. The sauce thickens quickly and becomes shiny.
- I turn off the heat once the chicken is fully coated and sticky. Finally, I sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. The dish is best served immediately.
Notes
- I always fry the chicken in small batches to keep it extra crispy
- I make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid soggy coating
- I taste the sauce before adding chicken and adjust sweetness or salt
- I serve it immediately because the crisp texture is best fresh
