Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Did you know that over 70% of people enjoy chicken as their go-to protein for dinner? If you’re among them, the Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe could be your new favorite. This dish not only promises a satisfying crunch but also offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that elevate a simple meal. Curious about the marinating technique that makes the chicken so tender, or how to perfectly balance the sauce for that ideal taste? Let’s explore what makes this recipe a standout choice for your weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try this Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken recipe, you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite. It’s quick to prepare, taking only 20-30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

The crispy exterior, paired with juicy chicken thighs, delivers a satisfying texture. You’ll love the sweet and savory honey garlic sauce made from simple pantry ingredients like honey, garlic, and soy sauce. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to choose between thighs or breasts and serving with sides like steamed rice or vegetables. Additionally, the chicken is oven-baked for crispiness, ensuring a delicious finish.

History

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken combines rich flavors with a fascinating history rooted in traditional Chinese cooking.

This dish uses key ingredients like honey, garlic, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine, showcasing classic Chinese flavors. The cooking techniques, including marinating and stir-frying, are common in Chinese cuisine. It is particularly appealing for its quick preparation time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

You’ll notice it balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes, typical of many beloved Chinese dishes. As it gained global popularity, various cultures adapted the dish, often incorporating local ingredients to suit different tastes.

Techniques like double frying and velveting guarantee that the chicken remains crispy yet tender. Over time, diverse sauce variations have emerged, adding to its appeal in both restaurants and home kitchens.

Recipe

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors, making it a favorite for family dinners or a quick weeknight meal. The tender chicken thighs are marinated to infuse them with rich flavors and then fried to a golden crisp. The honey garlic sauce, with its luscious texture and aromatic profile, coats the chicken beautifully, creating a dish that’s both visually appealing and delicious.

To elevate this dish, use dark meat chicken thighs, as they’re more tender and juicy compared to white meat. The combination of frying and simmering in a flavorful sauce guarantees that every bite is packed with taste. Additionally, the cooking time is approximately 20 minutes, which makes it a convenient option for busy evenings. Serve this dish over boiled rice, and you have a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:
– 500g boneless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup cornflour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon ginger juice
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons oil for frying
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, diced
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 cup chicken stock
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
– Chilli sauce or red pepper flakes (optional)
– Finely chopped parsley for garnish
– Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
– Boiled rice for serving

Cooking Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing the chicken. Dredge the boneless chicken thighs in cornflour mixed with salt and pepper. Pat them dry with paper towels to guarantee a crispy texture. Cut the thighs into bite-sized pieces and marinate them with light soy sauce, ginger juice, ground black pepper, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil for at least 30 minutes.

2. Heat oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. In the same pan, add butter and let it melt. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook until aromatic.

4. In a separate bowl, combine honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, light soy sauce, and lemon juice. Stir well and then pour the mixture into the pan with garlic and onion. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

5. Once the sauce is simmering, add the cornstarch slurry to thicken it. Stir continuously until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. If you desire added heat, mix in some chili sauce or red pepper flakes.

6. Return the crispy chicken to the pan, and stir-fry it in the sauce until it’s evenly coated. Let it simmer for another minute for the flavors to meld.

7. Serve the crispy honey garlic chicken over boiled rice. Garnish with finely chopped parsley, sesame seeds, and additional chili flakes if desired.

Extra Tips:

For the best results, verify that your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve that crispy texture. You can also customize the sauce by adjusting the sweetness or adding more spice according to your preference.

If you want to prep ahead, marinate the chicken the night before for deeper flavors, and enjoy a quick cooking process on the day of serving.

Final Thoughts

While this Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is certain to impress at the dinner table, it’s the combination of flavors and textures that truly makes it a standout dish.

To achieve the best results, remember to marinate your chicken for at least an hour, which enhances the flavor considerably. Drying the chicken is essential for a crispy texture, so don’t skip that step.

Using the velveting technique keeps the chicken moist during frying. When cooking, double frying guarantees even crispiness. Additionally, this recipe is designed to be a quick preparation time of just 20 minutes for a delicious meal.

Finally, serve your dish over boiled rice to soak up that delectable sauce. With these tips in mind, you can easily create a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal right at home. Enjoy your culinary success!

FAQ

If you’re curious about making Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken or have questions about the recipe, you’ve come to the right place.

To make this dish, you’ll need boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cornflour, garlic, soy sauce, and honey. It takes about 20-30 minutes to cook, using techniques like dredging, frying, and simmering the sauce. Sautéing for tender chicken is a key technique that can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

You can serve it as a standalone meal, but it’s best over boiled rice. If you prefer a spicy kick, adjust the chili sauce to your liking.

For variations, try using pork or beef instead of chicken. If your sauce isn’t thickening, simmer longer or add more flour.

Enjoy your cooking adventure!