Honey Garlic Chicken is a popular Chinese-inspired dish that perfectly balances sweetness and savoriness in every bite. Crispy fried chicken pieces are tossed in a glossy sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and garlic — creating a sticky, flavorful coating that’s absolutely irresistible. It’s quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and best served over steamed rice or noodles for a delicious home-style meal.
Ingredients :
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 cup water or chicken broth
1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for slurry)
Directions :
Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Toss them in cornstarch until evenly coated.
Fry Until Crispy:
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and water or broth.
Cook the Sauce:
In a clean pan, heat a small amount of oil. Pour in the sauce mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Combine Everything:
Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce. Toss well to coat each piece evenly. Let it cook for another minute so the chicken absorbs the flavor.
Serve and Enjoy:
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over steamed white rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Tips:
For extra crunch, double-fry the chicken pieces briefly before adding them to the sauce.
Adjust sweetness or saltiness by adding more honey or soy sauce based on your preference.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or a few slices of red chili to the sauce.