Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

why make this recipe

Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the sweetness of honey and the savory flavor of garlic. It’s an easy-to-make recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests. The combination of flavors makes it a family favorite, while the crispy texture of the chicken adds a satisfying crunch. This meal pairs well with rice or noodles, making it a versatile option that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

how to make Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Making Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken at home is not difficult. It requires a few ingredients and some simple steps that even beginner cooks can follow. Here’s how to make this mouth-watering dish from scratch.

Ingredients :

• 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• Oil for frying
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Directions :

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce better. Once you have cut the chicken, coat it thoroughly with cornstarch. This step adds a nice crunch when frying.

2. Heat the Oil: In a skillet, pour enough oil to cover the bottom and heat it over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough so that the chicken fries quickly, becoming golden brown and crispy while retaining moisture inside.

3. Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet; otherwise, they may steam instead of fry. Let the chicken cook until it is golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil.

4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir the mixture together, allowing it to simmer. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens a bit. This will create a flavorful glaze.

5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the crispy chicken back into the skillet. Toss the chicken pieces gently in the sauce, ensuring they are well coated. This will give you that delicious honey garlic flavor in every bite.

6. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for garnish. This adds not only a pop of color but also an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy your meal!

how to serve Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Serving Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is quite simple. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or fried rice, allowing the sauce to drizzle over the grains for added flavor. You can also serve it with sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad to add some crunch and balance out the meal. For a more authentic feel, consider offering some spring rolls or dumplings as a side dish.

how to store Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

If you have leftovers, storing them properly will keep them fresh. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to reheat only the amount you plan to consume, as repeated heating can affect the texture and flavor. When reheating, do so in a skillet over medium heat for the best results, adding a splash of water if needed to help rejuvenate the sauce.

tips to make Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Choice: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs works beautifully, as they stay juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, you can also use chicken breast, but be careful not to overcook it as it can dry out.

• Adjust Sweetness: If you like a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of honey. Likewise, if you enjoy sweetness, feel free to add more honey to suit your taste.

• Frying Technique: Ensure that the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. If the oil is not hot, the chicken may absorb too much oil and become greasy.

• Serving Fresh: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so try to make only what you expect to eat in one sitting. If you find you have a lot left, consider saving only the chicken and sauce separately to keep them from sogging up together.

variation

If you want to switch things up, there are several variations you can try with this recipe. Here are a few ideas:

• Add Vegetables: Include vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the dish for a more balanced meal. You can stir-fry them quickly and toss them in with the chicken and sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.

• Different Proteins: You could substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. Adjust the cooking time as needed since shrimp cooks faster, and tofu may need to be fried until crispy.

• Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chopped chili peppers to the sauce. This will give your dish a spicy twist that pairs well with the sweetness of the honey.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use various proteins. Shrimp, pork, and even tofu are excellent alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time according to the protein you choose.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, you can quickly heat and combine them.

What should I serve with this dish?
Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken goes well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. Additionally, you can serve it with stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace chicken with tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before frying for a better texture.

How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
For extra crispy chicken, double fry it. Fry the chicken pieces once until golden, let them rest for a few minutes, and then fry them again until they are crispy. Use cornstarch for a light, crisp coating.

With these directions, tips, and variations, you’re all set to create a scrumptious dish of Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken. Enjoy this delightful recipe that not only brings joy to your taste buds but also warmth and comfort to your dining experience!

Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

Print Recipe

A delightful dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the savory flavor of garlic, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• Oil for frying
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces and coating with cornstarch.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, then drain on paper towels.
4. Make the sauce by adding honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to the skillet; simmer until thickened.
5. Combine the fried chicken with the sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or noodles for added flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Chinese chicken, honey garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, family favorite