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Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken – Sweet, Sticky & Better Than Takeout!

If you're craving something crispy, sweet, and garlicky, this Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is the ultimate better-than-takeout dinner recipe. 🍯🧄🥡 Imagine tender bites of juicy chicken, coated in a light, golden crust and tossed in a luscious, glossy honey garlic sauce — all made from scratch in under 45 minutes! This recipe brings together the bold, comforting flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout dish with the satisfaction of homemade cooking. Whether you're serving it with steamed rice, fried noodles, or stir-fried veggies, it’s an easy weeknight winner that will impress every time. If you're a fan of classic Asian-inspired dishes, you'll love Sticky Orange Chicken, Sweet and Sour Chicken, or Honey Sesame Chicken.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce low-sodium preferred
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional for heat
Garnish:
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls – for batter and sauce
  • Large skillet or wok – for frying
  • Tongs or slotted spoon
  • Paper towels & plate – for draining fried chicken
  • Whisk – for the sauce
  • Grater or garlic press – for garlic and ginger
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooking thermometer (optional, for oil temperature)

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Batter
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  2. ½ cup flour
  3. ½ cup cornstarch
  4. ½ tsp baking powder
  5. A pinch of salt and pepper
  6. In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg.
  7. Add the egg and about ¼ cup water to the dry mix and stir to form a thick, smooth batter.
✅ Tip: The batter should coat the chicken without dripping too much — adjust with more water or flour if needed.
    Step 2: Coat the Chicken
    1. Toss chicken pieces into the batter, making sure they’re fully coated.
    2. Step 3: Fry the Chicken
    Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat (to 350°F/175°C).
    1. Fry the chicken in batches, turning occasionally, for 5–6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
    2. Remove and drain on paper towels.
    ⚠️ Don’t overcrowd the pan — it lowers the oil temp and makes chicken greasy.
      Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
      1. In a clean skillet or saucepan, add:
      2. 1 tbsp sesame oil
      3. Minced garlic and grated ginger
      4. Cook for 1 minute, then add:
      5. ¼ cup honey
      6. ¼ cup soy sauce
      7. 1 tbsp rice vinegar
      8. ½ cup water
      9. Red pepper flakes (if using)
      10. Bring to a simmer, then whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens into a glaze.
      Step 5: Toss & Serve
      1. Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
      2. Serve immediately over white rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
      3. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

      Notes

      🔁 Variations
      1. Air Fryer Version
      Coat chicken and air fry at 390°F for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway.
      2. Baked Version
      Spread battered chicken on a parchment-lined tray. Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping once. Then toss in sauce.
      3. Extra Spicy
      Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or extra red pepper flakes to the glaze.
      4. No Frying Option
      Pan-sear chicken with just a bit of oil, then coat with sauce for a lighter option.
      5. Vegetarian Swap
      Use tofu cubes or cauliflower florets in place of chicken — batter and cook the same way!
      🧊 Storage & Reheating
      Refrigerator:
      Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
      Freezer:
      Freeze cooked, sauced chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or skillet.
      Reheating:
      For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven to crisp the chicken.
      Avoid microwaving for too long — it may make the chicken soggy.
      ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
      1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
      Yes — thighs are juicier and perfect for this recipe.
      2. Is this dish very sweet?
      It’s sweet-savory balanced — reduce honey slightly if you prefer less sweetness.
      3. What can I serve it with?
      White rice, jasmine rice, lo mein noodles, or steamed broccoli are great pairings.
      4. Can I use store-bought honey garlic sauce?
      Sure — but the homemade version is fresher, tastier, and customizable.
      5. How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
      Double-fry: Fry once, rest for 10 minutes, then fry again for 2–3 minutes.
      6. Can I prep it ahead of time?
      Yes — you can fry the chicken earlier in the day and reheat before tossing in sauce.
      7. Is this gluten-free?
      Not by default. Use GF flour, cornstarch, and tamari to make it gluten-free.
      8. Can I make the sauce thicker?
      Yes — increase the cornstarch slurry or simmer longer.
      9. Can I cook this with a stir-fry method instead?
      Yes — skip the batter and sauté chicken pieces in oil until cooked, then toss in sauce.
      10. Does it really taste like takeout?
      Yes — even better! Crispier chicken, cleaner ingredients, and richer flavor.
      ✅ Conclusion
      This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect homemade comfort dish that satisfies every takeout craving — without leaving the house. Juicy chicken, crackly coating, and a glossy, sticky sauce that hits every flavor note from sweet to savory to just a little spicy — this is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
      Whether you're cooking for family or hosting a dinner night, this chicken will impress — and disappear fast!
      Want more sticky, satisfying meals?
      Korean Popcorn Chicken
      Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
      Crispy Beef and Broccoli