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Amazing Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken: My 1 Secret for Perfect Crunch

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is bite-sized chicken tossed in a sticky, sweet-garlic sauce with a perfectly crisp exterior. This copycat takeout recipe brings the flavors you love to your home kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
  • For the Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons water mixed with 1 tablespoon cornstarch (slurry)
  • Garnish:
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg and water together.
  3. Add the chicken pieces to the dry mixture and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Pour the egg mixture over the chicken, tossing again until each piece is lightly coated.
  5. Heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a large pot or deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Carefully add the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Remove the cooked chicken with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.
  8. To make the sauce, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a medium saucepan.
  9. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  10. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, about 1-2 minutes.
  11. Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss until all pieces are well coated.
  12. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can double-fry the chicken. After the first fry, let it rest for a few minutes, then fry again for 1-2 minutes until extra golden and crisp.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference for more or less heat.
  • This chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.

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