Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes) Recipe
{"Maintain oil at 350–360°F for best crispness; fry in batches and avoid overcrowding.","Use chicken thighs for juicier results or breasts for a leaner option.","If the sauce thickens too much, loosen with a small splash of water; if too thin, simmer 30–60 seconds longer.","For a gluten-free option, use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce.","Garnish amounts are to taste; sesame seeds add nuttiness and slight crunch while green onion adds freshness.","Leftovers: refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. Re-crisp in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes.","Freezing: cool completely, freeze up to 2 months. Reheat from thawed in oven/air fryer; sauce may be a bit thinner after freezing."}
Time: Prep: 10 mins, Cook: 20 mins, Total: 30 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1–2 inch (2.5–5 cm) pieces
- Neutral oil for frying, enough to fill skillet 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep (canola or other vegetable oil)
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Pinch of salt (or preferred seasonings)
- 4 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 3 if preferred)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- 1 green onion, sliced
Instructions
- Whisk egg whites, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Marinate 10–15 minutes while heating the oil.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat to 350–360°F (175–182°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, a drop of batter should sizzle and float quickly.
- Fry chicken in batches without overcrowding, 3–4 minutes per batch, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined rack. Keep warm in a low oven as you finish remaining batches.
- In a separate pot, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring, until slightly thickened (1–2 minutes). If too thick, add a splash of water. Add crispy chicken and toss to coat.
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onion.