Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Crispy skin and tender meat marry beautifully with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. You’ll love how simple this recipe is to make and how impressive it tastes.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken thighs (skin on, about 1–1.2 lb / 500 g)
• 1.5 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup cornstarch (for coating)
• 1/4 cup oil (for pan frying)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 bulb garlic (finely minced)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (additional for sauce)
• 1 tbsp honey
• Dried parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Debone the chicken thighs if needed, making sure to keep the skin on. Wash them gently and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Step 2: Lightly score the meat side of each thigh a few times, then flip and gently pound with the back of your knife for even cooking.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine 1.5 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken thighs in this marinade and let rest for at least 15 minutes.
4. Step 4: Lightly coat each marinated chicken thigh with cornstarch, shaking off any excess to create a crispy crust.
5. Step 5: Heat oil over low-medium heat in a large pan. Place chicken skin side down and pan fry for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Step 6: Remove chicken from the pan and set aside. Pour out excess oil, leaving a little for flavor.
7. Step 7: Melt butter in the same pan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in honey and the additional 1 tbsp soy sauce, simmering until sauce thickens slightly.
8. Step 8: Return chicken to the pan and coat each piece generously with the honey garlic sauce. Garnish with dried parsley if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken in cornstarch before frying.
• Use chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time to avoid drying out.
• Fresh garlic adds intense flavor, but garlic powder can be substituted in the sauce for a milder taste.
• Serve over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain crispiness, or in the microwave if short on time. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken juicy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used but they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Watch the cooking time closely to keep them juicy.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure safety and juiciness.

Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 261 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken is a flavorful and crispy pan-fried chicken dish featuring juicy boneless chicken thighs coated with a savory soy and oyster sauce marinade, then crisped to perfection with a cornstarch crust. The chicken is finished in a luscious honey garlic butter sauce for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, garnished with dried parsley to enhance its visual appeal and taste.

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Ingredients

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Chicken and Marinade

• 4 boneless chicken thighs (skin on, about 1–1.2 lb / 500 g)
• 1.5 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Black pepper to taste

Coating and Frying

• 1/4 cup cornstarch (for coating)
• 1/4 cup oil (for pan frying)

Honey Garlic Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 bulb garlic (finely minced, about 10–12 cloves)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey

Garnish

• Dried parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Debone the chicken thighs if needed while keeping the skin on. Wash them gently under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness when cooked.
2. Score and Pound: Lightly score the meat side of each chicken thigh a few times to allow even cooking, then flip and gently pound with the back of your knife to tenderize and flatten slightly.
3. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to taste. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly with this marinade and let them rest for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
4. Coat in Cornstarch: Lightly dredge each marinated chicken thigh in 1/4 cup cornstarch, shaking off any excess to create a thin crust that will crisp up during frying.
5. Pan Fry the Chicken: Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large pan over low to medium heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the skin turns golden brown and crisp, and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety and juiciness.
6. Remove and Drain Excess Oil: Carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and pour out most of the oil from the pan, leaving just a little for flavor in the sauce.
7. Prepare Honey Garlic Sauce: Lower the heat and add 2 tablespoons butter to the same pan. Once melted, add the finely minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon honey, simmering gently until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
8. Coat Chicken in Sauce: Return the crispy chicken thighs to the pan and coat each piece generously with the honey garlic sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
9. Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle dried parsley over the chicken for a fresh herbal aroma and appealing presentation before serving hot.

Notes

• Make sure to pat the chicken completely dry before coating with cornstarch for maximum crispiness.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken is cooked through to avoid under or overcooking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer or add a small pinch of cornstarch slurry to thicken.
• Skin-on chicken thighs provide better flavor and a crispier texture compared to skinless.
• This recipe pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Keywords: Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken, pan-fried chicken, Asian chicken recipe, crispy chicken thighs, honey garlic sauce