Description
This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken recipe features bite-sized chicken thighs coated in a seasoned flour mixture, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a luscious honey garlic sauce infused with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. The combination of crispy texture and sweet-savory spices makes it an irresistible dish perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup flour (for coating)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (or rice flour for gluten-free option)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Optional Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Start by cutting 2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
- Mix the coating: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined, creating a seasoned coating for the chicken.
- Coat the chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is evenly and fully coated to achieve a crispy exterior when fried.
- Heat the oil: Warm oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot enough for frying, which typically means shimmering but not smoking.
- Fry the chicken: Add the coated chicken pieces in batches to the hot skillet. Fry each side for about 4-5 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to maintain the oil temperature.
- Make the sauce: While the chicken is frying, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and begins to bubble, indicating it’s well blended and slightly thickened.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Once the chicken pieces are cooked and crispy, pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over them. Toss gently to ensure every piece is nicely coated in the flavorful glaze.
- Serve: Plate the crispy honey garlic chicken and optionally garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions to add extra texture and freshness.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute rice flour for all-purpose flour in the coating.
- Ensure oil is hot enough before frying to prevent greasy chicken.
- Fry chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower oil temperature and reduce crispiness.
- Adjust honey amount to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
