Description
This crispy honey garlic chicken recipe is a quick and easy dinner idea, perfect for beginner cooks. Featuring juicy chicken with a sweet, sticky garlic glaze, it’s a healthier homemade twist on classic takeout that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Pinch of salt (or additional seasoning such as soy sauce, sesame oil, or Shaoxing wine)
- Oil for frying (canola, peanut, sunflower, or other high smoke point oil)
Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 3 for stronger flavor)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- 1 green onion, sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg whites, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until light and frothy. Add the chicken pieces and toss until well coated. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Heat the Oil: Fill a deep skillet or wok with about 1 inch of oil and heat over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, dip the handle of a wooden spoon in the oil—if it bubbles steadily, it’s ready.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the marinated chicken into the hot oil in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3–4 minutes until golden brown and crisp, flipping once halfway. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Keep warm in a low oven if needed.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate pan, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly for about 1–2 minutes, until slightly thickened. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
- Combine and Serve: Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce and toss to coat thoroughly. Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve hot over rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.
Notes
- Double the sauce if you’d like extra to drizzle over rice. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Add chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicier version. Tofu or cauliflower can be used instead of chicken for a vegetarian option. Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to ensure the chicken gets crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup cooked chicken
- Calories: 224 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 428 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.05 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 48 mg