Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines juicy, tender chicken cutlets with a flavorful honey garlic glaze. The crispy coating, spiced with cayenne and paprika, provides the perfect contrast to the sweet and savory sauce. This dish is a great choice for family dinners or special occasions, and it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Perfect Texture: Crispy, golden chicken with a glossy, sticky glaze.
• Bold Flavors: A balance of sweet honey, garlicky goodness, and a hint of spice.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise and pounded to an even thickness)
• 2 large eggs, beaten + 1 tbsp water
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
• ½ cup honey
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp cold water
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
1. Place a saucepan over medium heat and add soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic. Stir until well combined.
2. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil.
3. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
4. Slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove the sauce from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Coating
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and 1 tablespoon of water together.
Step 3: Coat and Fry the Chicken
1. Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated.
2. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces and fry for about 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
1. Add the fried chicken pieces to the bowl with the honey garlic sauce.
2. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
1. Serve the crispy honey garlic chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as rice, vegetables, or salad.
Tips
• Pounding the Chicken: Ensure even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Adjust Spice Level: Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat, or reduce for a milder flavor.
• Crispier Chicken: Let the coated chicken rest for a few minutes before frying to help the coating adhere better.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze the fried chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven and toss in the sauce before serving.
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. With its perfectly crispy coating and rich, sticky glaze, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
