How to Make Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken
1. Prep and Coat the Chicken
Cut your chicken into even-sized pieces. Combine cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Add the chicken and toss until coated.
This coating gives the chicken its signature crispiness without needing a deep fryer.
2. Cook Until Crispy
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden on all sides—usually around 6–8 minutes.
Remove the cooked pieces and set them aside.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat and add garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in:
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Honey
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Soy sauce
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Vinegar
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Water
Bring the mixture to a simmer. For a thicker, stickier sauce, whisk in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch.
4. Coat the Chicken
Return the crispy chicken to the skillet and toss until each piece is glossy and coated in the sticky honey garlic glaze.
The sauce will bubble and cling to the chicken, creating that classic sweet-and-savory shine.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for extra flavor and color.
Tips for the Perfect Crisp
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Don’t overcrowd the pan. This ensures every piece crisps evenly.
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Cornstarch creates the best texture, but flour works in a pinch.
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Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites.
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Add red pepper flakes if you love a sweet heat combo.
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Double the sauce if you’re serving with rice—it’s irresistible.
Delicious Variations
Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken
Add sriracha, chili paste, or crushed red pepper to the sauce.
Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Use the same recipe but substitute wings—bake or air-fry them before tossing in the sauce.
Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls
Serve with roasted veggies, rice, and toasted sesame seeds for a healthy, colorful meal.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is everything a homemade meal should be: simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. With its crunchy coating and sticky-sweet glaze, this crowd favorite proves that great cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep this recipe close—you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
