As summer rolls in, our gatherings yearn for dishes that make taste buds dance. That’s where crispy honey garlic chicken steps in. Imagine fragrant, juicy chicken pieces, crunchy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside.
Pair this dish with a cool pasta salad or some crispy potato wedges, and you’ve got a feast!
The Essential Pairings
So, what can you serve alongside crispy honey garlic chicken? Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
1. Fresh Italian Pasta Salad
This salad adds a refreshing element with its mix of veggies, chickpeas, and a zesty dressing. It balances the sweetness of the chicken beautifully.
2. Steamed Broccoli
The crunch of both dishes offers variety. Plus, broccoli packs a nutrient punch, rounding out your meal healthily.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy and creamy, these potatoes make for a comforting side that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the chicken.
4. Quinoa Salad
Loaded with lots of veggies, this salad complements the sweetness of honey with its earthy flavors.
5. Asian Slaw
Crisp and tangy, an Asian slaw adds a refreshing crunch that balances the dish’s richness.
These pairings promise to enhance your dining experience.
Let’s be honest for a moment: we all crave that perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and garlicky goodness. Crispy honey garlic chicken has become a household favorite of mine. Why? It’s straightforward to make and complements a variety of dishes.
Plus, the leftovers are fantastic in salads or wraps. Now, let’s dive deeper into this mouth-watering dish.
What is Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken?
Crispy honey garlic chicken is essentially chicken pieces that have been coated to give them an irresistible crunch.
Once fried to golden perfection, they are tossed in a sweet, garlicky sauce. Think of it as an explosion of flavor — the honey lends sweetness while the garlic provides a punch. This dish balances textures and tastes so well that it’s nearly impossible not to love it.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken
Let’s be real; who doesn’t love a dish that combines crunch and flavor? The chicken boasts a topping that’s sweet and savory, making every bite an adventure.
Picture this: You bite into the crispy crust of a chicken piece, and it shatters like a cookie. Then, you hit the juicy tender meat, which is bathed in a sauce that dances on your taste buds. The combination provides not just sustenance but a delightful culinary experience.
Here are some compelling reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for this dish:
- Simplicity: There’s no need to subscribe to complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Most of the items you need are pantry staples.
- Versatility: Whether served as a main course, in a wrap, or on a salad, this chicken fits in beautifully everywhere.
- Make-ahead Magic: You can prep it in advance. Store it in the fridge, and when it’s time to eat, just reheat and enjoy.
If your mouth is watering now, just wait until you try it!
The Ingredients You Will Need To Make Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken
Gather your ingredients before starting — it makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2–3 tablespoons neutral oil, for frying
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic seasoning
- 1 teaspoon finely ground onion granules
- 1 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- A pinch of kosher sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ cup corn flour
- 2 pounds chicken thigh fillets, trimmed and cubed
- 6–8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ cup pure golden honey
- ¼ cup tangy chili glaze
- ¼ cup rich, low-sodium soy sauce
- a splash of rice vinegar
- a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce
These ingredients combine to create something beautiful and delicious.
Directions
Now that you have everything, let’s launch into the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Trim the chicken thigh fillets and cut them into cubes. This step sets the stage for maximum flavor. Thigh meat is juicier and more forgiving than breast meat. Place the cubes in a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a separate bowl, combine granulated garlic seasoning, onion granules, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This medley gives the chicken a well-rounded flavor. Add the seasoning mix to the chicken cubes and toss them to ensure every piece is coated evenly.
Step 3: Create the Coating
Sprinkle corn flour over the seasoned chicken and toss once more. This gives us the crisp we’re looking for when frying. Corn flour creates a delightful texture as it fries, ensuring that golden crunch.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat neutral oil over medium-high heat. How do you know when it’s hot enough? Drop a breadcrumb into the oil; it should sizzle right up. This ensures your chicken will fry correctly.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
In batches, add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, ensuring you don’t crowd the pan. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy — this takes about 5–7 minutes per batch. You want a beautiful golden finish.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, take a saucepan and heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for a minute. Next, pour in honey, soy sauce, chili glaze, rice vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well until combined. Simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 7: Toss the Chicken
When the chicken is perfectly crispy, remove it from the skillet and drain on paper towels. In a large bowl, pour the sauce over the chicken and toss gently until all pieces are nicely coated.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your beautiful crispy honey garlic chicken. Garnish it with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an elegant touch. Now, dig in and savor every bite.
Notes
Here are a few tips to elevate your dish:
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh garlic, high-quality honey, and the best soy sauce you can find for the richest flavors.
- Season Everything: Don’t skip seasoning the chicken before frying. It lays the foundation for flavor.
- Watch the Oil Temperature: Too hot, and the chicken burns. Too cool, and it absorbs excess oil. A good thermometer helps.
- Batch Cooking: If making a large batch, keep the cooked chicken warm in the oven at 200°F while frying remaining pieces.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the honey or chili glaze according to your taste preferences.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven, ensuring they regain their crispness.
Serving Suggestions
Consider these wonderful suggestions to complement your crispy honey garlic chicken:
1. Serve on a bed of rice
The dish can sit atop fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, soaking up excess sauce.
2. Wraps in Lettuce Leaves
For a light lunch, try wrapping the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves, adding herbs for freshness.
3. Asian Noodle Bowl
Over soba noodles with sliced cucumbers and carrots, this chicken can transform into a fabulous meal.
4. Pair with Coleslaw
A crunchy slaw can cut through the richness, making a balanced plate.
5. Pizza Topping
Shred the chicken and place it on a pizza as a unique topping, paired with mozzarella cheese.
With these options, you can enjoy the dish however your heart desires.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken?
If you’re keen to modify the recipe, consider these substitutes:
1. Chicken Breast
Using chicken breast instead of thighs can lead to a leaner dish, although it may require careful cooking to avoid dryness.
2. Tofu
For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with firm tofu. Press and cube the tofu, then fry in the same way.
3. Cauliflower
Bite-sized cauliflower florets can stand in for chicken perfectly, making it a fantastic vegan dish.
4. Tempeh
Rich in protein and flavor, tempeh can be seasoned similarly and fried to crispy perfection.
5. Turkey Thigh
If you want a variation, turkey thighs can work as a substitute with a similar flavor profile.
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Trim the chicken thigh fillets and cut them into cubes. This step sets the stage for maximum flavor. Thigh meat is juicier and more forgiving than breast meat. Place the cubes in a mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine granulated garlic seasoning, onion granules, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This medley gives the chicken a well-rounded flavor. Add the seasoning mix to the chicken cubes and toss them to ensure every piece is coated evenly.
- Sprinkle corn flour over the seasoned chicken and toss once more. This gives us the crisp we’re looking for when frying. Corn flour creates a delightful texture as it fries, ensuring that golden crunch.
- In a large skillet, heat neutral oil over medium-high heat. How do you know when it’s hot enough? Drop a breadcrumb into the oil; it should sizzle right up. This ensures your chicken will fry correctly.
- In batches, add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, ensuring you don’t crowd the pan. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy — this takes about 5–7 minutes per batch. You want a beautiful golden finish.
- While the chicken cooks, take a saucepan and heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for a minute. Next, pour in honey, soy sauce, chili glaze, rice vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well until combined. Simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- When the chicken is perfectly crispy, remove it from the skillet and drain on paper towels. In a large bowl, pour the sauce over the chicken and toss gently until all pieces are nicely coated.
- Plate your beautiful crispy honey garlic chicken. Garnish it with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an elegant touch. Now, dig in and savor every bite.
Nutrition
Notes
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh garlic, high-quality honey, and the best soy sauce you can find for the richest flavors.
- Season Everything: Don’t skip seasoning the chicken before frying. It lays the foundation for flavor.
- Watch the Oil Temperature: Too hot, and the chicken burns. Too cool, and it absorbs excess oil. A good thermometer helps.
- Batch Cooking: If making a large batch, keep the cooked chicken warm in the oven at 200°F while frying remaining pieces.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the honey or chili glaze according to your taste preferences.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Crispy honey garlic chicken is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that ties us together around the dining table. This recipe serves up comfort, nostalgia, and fun memories. Whether you’re hosting a lively gathering or enjoying a weeknight meal, the fusion of flavors makes it an instant classic.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients, crank up your stove, and whip up a batch. You’re in for a treat that will please everyone at the table. And enjoy not just the food but the moments it creates.
The fun is in the journey — let’s cook together.