Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken
Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken offers the perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors with a crispy golden crust and a juicy, tender interior. Coated in a crunchy layer and glazed with a luscious honey garlic sauce, this dish is an easy, crowd-pleasing meal ideal for weeknights or special occasions. Made with simple pantry staples, it brings out bold garlic aromatics balanced by the natural sweetness of honey and brightened with lemon juice, delivering delicious flavor and satisfying texture every time.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko (use gluten-free if needed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Frying
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Lightly season with salt and pepper to add an underlying layer of flavor.
- Coat the chicken: Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with breadcrumbs or panko. Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour, shaking off the excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs to ensure maximum crunchiness.
- Fry until golden: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches without overcrowding the pan, cooking about 4 to 5 minutes per batch until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the honey garlic sauce: In a separate pan, combine minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the garlic softens and the sauce thickens slightly, being careful not to burn it.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the honey garlic sauce and gently toss to coat evenly with the glossy, sticky glaze. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry well to ensure the coating sticks and becomes crispy.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier crust compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Fry the chicken in small batches to maintain oil temperature and avoid soggy coating.
- Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to prevent burning and bitterness.
- Serve the dish immediately for optimal crispiness and sauce gloss.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 pieces)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Fried Chicken, Easy Dinner, Gluten-Free Option