This Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a tasty and sweet dish that’s sure to please! Tender chicken pieces are coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce that makes every bite delicious.
I love how quick it comes together. Just sauté the chicken, whisk the sauce, and let it bubble away. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner—plus, it pairs great with rice!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly here. I prefer thighs for their juiciness, but feel free to use breasts if you want a leaner option.
Cornstarch: This ingredient is essential for creating that crispy texture. If you’re avoiding cornstarch, try using potato starch or all-purpose flour instead. Just keep in mind, the texture will differ slightly.
Honey: Honey gives this dish its signature sweetness. If you’re vegan or want a lower-calorie option, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar. They both work well in the sauce!
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is my go-to for this recipe as it balances flavor without overwhelming saltiness. If you’re gluten-free, opt for tamari or coconut aminos, which offer similar taste profiles.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a tangy kick. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can serve as substitutes. They’ll give a comparable acidity to the dish.
How Do I Achieve Extra Crispy Chicken?
Achieving that irresistible crispy chicken takes a little patience, but it’s worth it! Here are some tips to ensure your chicken has that perfect crunch:
- Coat the chicken pieces evenly with cornstarch. Make sure they’re well covered; shake off any excess.
- Heat the oil properly. Medium-high heat is best; a drop of water should sizzle when it hits the oil.
- Fry in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and make the chicken soggy.
- Let the chicken rest on paper towels after frying. This helps absorb extra oil and keeps it crispy.
How to Make Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook. In just about 35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper together. Toss the chicken pieces into the mixture until they are well coated. This step helps to create a crispy texture when frying.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in batches. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
3. Make the Sauce:
After removing the chicken, leave about 1 tablespoon of oil in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Next, pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water into the skillet. Stir everything together well and bring the mixture to a simmer. If you enjoy a little heat, you can add the chili flakes at this stage.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce, stirring continuously. Keep cooking for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely, giving you that sticky consistency.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Add the fried chicken pieces back into the skillet. Toss them in the thickened sauce until every piece is well coated. This will give your chicken that delicious honey garlic flavor!
7. Serve:
Serve the honey garlic chicken over hot, steaming white rice. Don’t forget to sprinkle it generously with chopped cilantro or green onions and a few sesame seeds for that finishing touch!
This recipe results in a sticky, sweet, and flavorful chicken dish with a beautifully glossy honey garlic sauce that clings nicely to each bite. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add more flavor to the dish. Feel free to use either, depending on your preference!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! If you like more heat, simply increase the chili flakes in the sauce. You can also add a dash of sriracha or hot sauce when mixing the sauce for an extra kick!
What Can I Serve With Honey Garlic Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, but you can also serve it with fried rice, quinoa, or even a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.