Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes) Recipe

This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is your fast-track ticket to takeout-style flavor at home—ready in just 30 minutes! It’s perfectly crispy, sweet and savory, with bold garlic flavor and a glossy honey-soy glaze. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this easy dinner is guaranteed to impress! 🍗🔥

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• ⅓ cup honey 🍯
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
• Sesame seeds & green onions (for garnish, optional)

🔄 Substitutions

• Chicken: Use tofu, shrimp, or cauliflower for alternative proteins.
• Cornstarch: Swap with potato starch or arrowroot powder.
• Soy Sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
• Honey: Substitute with maple syrup or agave for a different sweetness profile.

👨‍🍳 How to Make

✅ Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dip each into beaten egg, then coat in cornstarch until evenly covered.

✅ Step 2: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat oil in a deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once hot (about 350°F / 175°C), fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.

✅ Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, and brown sugar. Simmer over medium heat for 2–3 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens and turns glossy.

✅ Step 4: Toss and Coat

Place the crispy chicken into a large bowl. Pour the hot honey garlic sauce over the chicken and gently toss to coat.

✅ Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over steamed white rice, fried rice, or noodles! 🍚🍜

🌶️ Mix-ins (Optional)

• Crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat 🌶️
• Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra crunch
• Pineapple chunks for a sweet-sour twist 🍍

✅ Recipe Tips

• Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature steady and ensure maximum crispiness.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—it causes soggy chicken.
• Let the sauce simmer just until thick—don’t overcook or it may harden.

📦 Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Use an oven or air fryer to crisp it back up—avoid the microwave for best texture.
• Freezer: Freeze unsauced fried chicken pieces for up to 2 months. Add sauce fresh when ready to eat.

🌀 Recipe Variations

• Orange Garlic Chicken: Swap honey for orange juice and zest 🍊
• Lemon Garlic Chicken: Use lemon juice + zest for a bright, zippy twist 🍋
• Korean-Style Honey Garlic: Add gochujang and a drizzle of sesame oil

❓ FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep everything ahead and store separately. Fry and toss just before serving for best results.

Is this dish very sweet?
It’s sweet and savory. Adjust the honey or sugar to your taste preference.

Can I bake or air fry the chicken?
Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes or air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes. Spray lightly with oil for crispness.