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crispy honey garlic chicken copycat recipe
Sheila Browder

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 289

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

Calories: 289kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 3gFat: 9.5gSaturated Fat: 1.1gTrans Fat: 1.8gSodium: 240mgFiber: 5gSugar: 40g

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.

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