Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Easy Recipe for Dinner

Do you crave a flavorful, crispy dish for dinner? My Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is the answer! This easy-to-follow recipe combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. You can whip it up in no time, impressing your family or guests. Plus, with tips to keep your chicken crispy, this dish is perfect for any night of the week. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

– 1/2 cup cornstarch

To make crispy honey garlic chicken, start with fresh chicken thighs. I prefer boneless and skinless for easy cooking and eating. The flour and cornstarch mix gives the chicken a perfect crunch.

Spices and Seasonings

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

The spices enhance the flavor. Baking powder helps the coating puff up. Salt and pepper add basic seasoning. If you like a kick, add cayenne pepper.

Honey Garlic Sauce Essentials

– 3 tablespoons honey

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

– Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

The sauce is the star of this dish. Honey brings sweetness, while garlic adds depth. Soy sauce gives a savory taste, and rice vinegar helps balance the flavors. Green onions and sesame seeds make it look great on the plate.This dish is simple yet full of flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Next, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Dry chicken gives you a crispier finish when frying.

Making the Batter

In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. This blend creates a tasty and crunchy coating. Pour the buttermilk into a separate bowl. The buttermilk helps the flour mixture stick to the chicken.

Cooking the Chicken

Dredge each piece of chicken in the buttermilk. Then, coat it in your flour mixture. Make sure each piece is fully covered. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Aim for about 350°F or 175°C.

Preparing the Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the garlic smells great.

Final Assembly

Once the chicken is golden brown, add it to the saucepan with the honey garlic sauce. Toss the chicken to coat each piece evenly. Serve the honey garlic chicken on a platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful finish.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Crispy Chicken

To get crispy chicken, start by drying the chicken pieces well. Use paper towels to remove any moisture. This step helps the coating stick better. For frying, the oil temperature is key. Heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C). If it’s too cold, the chicken will absorb oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks.

Enhancing Flavor

To boost flavor, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce. These herbs add depth and freshness. When balancing sweetness and saltiness, taste as you go. A bit more soy sauce can enhance the salty taste. If it feels too sweet, add a splash of vinegar. This will brighten up the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Pair crispy honey garlic chicken with steamed rice or a fresh salad. These sides complement the rich sauce well. For drinks, iced tea or a light beer works nicely. To make your dish look great, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Arrange the chicken neatly on a plate for a nice visual appeal.

Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken

To make your chicken spicy, add sriracha or chili paste to the sauce. Start with one teaspoon and taste. You can always add more if you want more heat. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds. Some like it hot, while others prefer mild.

Baked Version

If you want a healthier option, try baking the chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. The chicken should be crispy and golden.

Alternative Proteins

You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breast, tofu, or shrimp. If using chicken breast, cut it into smaller pieces for even cooking. For tofu, use firm tofu and press it to remove excess water. Shrimp cooks quickly, so reduce the cooking time to just 3 to 4 minutes. Adjust the cooking method based on the protein type for best results.

Storage Info

Leftover Storage

Store any leftover crispy honey garlic chicken in the fridge. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty for about three days. I recommend using glass containers. They do not absorb odors and are easy to clean.

Reheating Instructions

To enjoy your chicken again, you should reheat it carefully. The best way is to use an oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method keeps it crispy. You can also use a skillet. Heat it over medium heat and add the chicken. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning to crisp all sides.

Freezing Tips

Yes, you can freeze crispy honey garlic chicken! First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. This keeps it good for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven or skillet. This will help restore its crispy texture.

FAQs

How do I make my honey garlic sauce thicker?

To thicken your honey garlic sauce, you can use a few easy methods. One way is to let the sauce simmer longer on low heat. This reduces the liquid and makes it thicker. You can also mix a little cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this to the sauce and stir well. Heat it again until it thickens. Another option is to add more honey. Honey has a natural thickness that can help.

What is the best way to reheat crispy chicken?

To reheat crispy chicken, use your oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the chicken crisp and hot. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes. Both methods keep the chicken crunchy and tasty.

Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can use different meats for this recipe. Chicken breast is a great choice, but you can also try pork or turkey. If you want a non-meat option, tofu works well too. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps. Cooking times may vary, so check for doneness.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, swap regular flour for gluten-free flour. You can find many types, like almond or rice flour. For the sauce, check your soy sauce. Use a gluten-free version or tamari. This way, you can still enjoy the dish without gluten.

You learned how to make crispy honey garlic chicken with simple steps and ingredients. We covered the main ingredients, the cooking process, and even tips for perfect results. You can adjust flavors or try different proteins to keep it fresh. Don’t forget how to store and reheat leftovers for later enjoyment. I hope you feel ready to create this dish in your kitchen. Enjoy your cooking and share your meals with others!