Name: Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-2 inches/2.5-5 cm); Oil, enough to fill skillet 1 inch/2.5 cm (use Canola oil or other vegetable oil); 2 egg whites; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Pinch salt or other seasonings; 4 tablespoons honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 3 if preferred); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or less if you like less peppery); Toasted sesame seeds; 1 green onion, sliced

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a game-changing weeknight dinner that dazzles with flavor and crunch, look no further than Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes). Each piece of tender chicken boasts an audibly crisp shell that soaks up a glossy, garlicky honey glaze. The whole meal comes together in just half an hour, making it a fabulous go-to for busy evenings or impromptu gatherings. With its golden color, punchy aromas, and crowd-pleasing taste, this might just become your new favorite homemade takeout classic!

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the restaurant-quality results; these ingredients are everyday staples, but each one plays a starring role in delivering big taste and irresistible crunch. Let’s break down what makes every component of Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes) so essential.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs or breasts serve as the juicy foundation, cut into bite-sized pieces to maximize surface area for crispiness.
Oil for frying: Canola or another neutral vegetable oil provides a high smoke point and a light finish, perfect for frying the chicken to a shattering crunch.
Egg whites: Whipping these until fluffy helps create a delicate, airy coating that turns beautifully crisp when fried.
Cornstarch: The secret weapon for ultra-crispy chicken; it forms a thin, crunchy shell around each bite.
Salt and seasonings: A pinch of salt elevates all the other flavors; feel free to add a touch of your favorite spices for extra personality.
Honey: This adds the signature sweet, sticky sheen to the dish and helps the sauce cling to every bite.
Garlic: Fresh cloves (use two or three, depending on preference) give the sauce its bold, aromatic kick.
Soy sauce: Provides savory depth and balances the sweetness of the honey in the sauce.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and bite to contrast the sweetness.
Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkle on for a nutty crunch and extra visual appeal—don’t skip these!
Green onion: Freshly sliced greens give a pop of color and a fresh burst of flavor to finish the dish.

How to Make Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes)

Step 1: Get Organized

Start by preheating your oven to a low “Warm” setting (about 200F/93C), which keeps batches of chicken fresh and crunchy while you finish frying. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil and set a rack on top if you have one—this simple prep makes serving a breeze. Then, add your honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper to a saucepan (large enough for all the fried chicken later) and prep your oil for frying in a deep skillet or wok, filling it to about 1 inch deep.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

In a bowl, whisk egg whites, cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and any other seasonings you like until silky and frothy. Toss your chicken pieces in this mixture to coat well, and let them chill out for 10 to 15 minutes. This quick marinade is the magic behind the light-yet-hearty crunch you’ll get after frying.

Step 3: Heat Oil for Frying

While the chicken marinates, heat your oil to 350-360F (177-182C). Use a frying or instant-read thermometer if you have one—consistency is key for that signature crunch. No thermometer? No problem: a small bit of the marinade dropped into the oil should instantly sizzle and float. Getting the oil temperature right ensures each piece crisps up golden and bubbly, not greasy.

Step 4: Fry Chicken

Gently lower each marinated chicken piece into the hot oil, making sure not to crowd the pan. Work in batches (usually two or three) to maintain the oil’s temperature. Fry each batch for about 3–4 minutes, giving each morsel a flip for even browning. When golden and crunchy, use a slotted spoon to move the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate, then slide it onto your prepared baking sheet and keep it warm in the oven while you finish the rest.

Step 5: Make Sauce and Add Chicken

Bring the honey-garlic sauce you prepped earlier to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Let it bubble away for 1–2 minutes until just thickened and wonderfully fragrant. If it gets too thick, add the tiniest splash of water. Now toss in your hot, crispy chicken and stir until every piece is glossed in sticky, sweet-and-savory sauce. Heap it onto a plate, shower it with sesame seeds, and top with green onions for a knockout finish!

How to Serve Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes)

Garnishes

For that final restaurant-style flair, sprinkle your Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes) with toasted sesame seeds and a handful of sliced green onions. Not only do they add a subtle nutty note and freshness, but they make the dish look vibrant and inviting—almost too good to eat (almost!).

Side Dishes

This golden chicken craves some cozy companions! Serve it atop fluffy steamed jasmine rice to soak up all those extra dribbles of sauce, or alongside quick-fried veggies like snap peas or broccoli for a colorful contrast. If you’re going all out, homemade fried rice or even simple lo mein noodles are fabulous choices.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes) into a party-worthy treat by piling it onto a platter with toothpicks for finger food fun. You can also tuck it into lettuce cups for a lighter, crunchy bite or wrap it in steamed bao buns with pickled veggies for a street-food-style meal at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for up to three days, though the coating might lose some crispness over time.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the chicken (ideally without sauce) in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags or containers. It’ll stay fresh for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as directed below for best results.

Reheating

To bring back that glorious crunch, reheat leftover Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes) in a 400F/200C oven for about 10 minutes, or in an air fryer if you have one. Microwaving works for speed, but the oven or air fryer method is your best bet for reviving texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work wonderfully for Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes). Thighs are a bit juicier, but breasts give you slightly firmer bites—use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

What if I don’t have a thermometer for frying?

No worries! Drop a bit of the chicken batter into the oil; if it sizzles immediately and floats to the top, the oil is ready. Just keep an eye on your oil’s temperature and adjust the heat to avoid burning or undercooking the chicken.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative (like tamari or coconut aminos), and make sure your cornstarch and other seasonings are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy recipe to adapt.

What oil should I use for frying?

Canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil are top choices for frying because of their neutral flavor and high smoke points. Olive oil isn’t recommended, as its lower smoke point can affect the final flavor and crispiness.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken crispy?

For the ultimate crunch, keep fried chicken pieces in a single layer on a rack in a warm oven while you fry the rest. This avoids steaming and ensures each bite stays shatteringly crisp until you’re ready to sauce and serve.

Final Thoughts

There’s something a little magical about making Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes) from scratch—watching simple kitchen staples transform into glossy, restaurant-worthy bites is truly rewarding. Don’t be surprised if this dish quickly becomes a staple in your weekly meal rotation. Give it a go, and get ready for plenty of compliments at the table!

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes) Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 15 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Instructions

GET ORGANIZED: Heat oven to Warm temperature or 200F/93C. Prepare baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil to keep chicken warm. Add sauce ingredients to a pot. Prepare oil for frying.
MARINATE CHICKEN: Whisk egg whites, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl. Mix in chicken and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
HEAT OIL FOR FRYING: Heat oil in a skillet on the stove to 350-360F/177-182C.
FRY CHICKEN: Fry marinated chicken pieces in batches for 3-4 minutes. Drain on a paper towel and keep warm in the oven.
MAKE SAUCE AND ADD CHICKEN: Boil honey garlic sauce, add fried chicken, toss to coat, and serve garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.