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Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes)

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes)
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This crispy honey garlic chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, sticky, and savory — just like your favorite Chinese takeout! Tender chicken bites are lightly coated, fried until golden, then tossed in a glossy honey-garlic sauce. It makes an irresistible appetizer or an easy weeknight main that comes together in just 30 minutes. Serve it over rice or enjoy as finger food — either way, everyone will be reaching for seconds!

Ingredients

Scale

Servings: 6 appetizers or 2–3 mains
Course: Appetizer / Main Dish • Cuisine: Chinese

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
    (cut into 1–2 inch pieces)

  • Oil for frying (enough to fill skillet 1 inch deep)

Marinade

  • 2 egg whites

  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch

  • Pinch of salt or preferred seasoning (Note 1)

Honey Garlic Sauce (Note 2)

  • 4 Tbsp honey

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 3 for extra garlic flavor)

  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tsp ground black pepper (adjust to taste)

Garnish (Optional)

  • Toasted sesame seeds

  • Sliced green onion

Instructions

📌 Get Organized

  1. Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C) to keep chicken warm between batches.

  2. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment and place a wire rack on top (optional).

  3. Add sauce ingredients to a medium pot — you’ll finish the chicken here.

  4. Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok until 350–360°F (177–182°C).

🥚 Marinate the Chicken

  1. Whisk egg whites, cornstarch, and salt until frothy.

  2. Add chicken pieces; toss to coat.

  3. Let marinate 10–15 minutes while oil heats.

🔥 Fry the Chicken

  1. Add chicken pieces one at a time to avoid sticking — do not overcrowd.

  2. Fry 3–4 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through.

  3. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then keep warm in oven.

  4. Bring oil back to temperature and repeat until all chicken is fried.

🍯 Make Sauce & Toss

  1. Bring sauce to a boil over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
    If too thick, add a splash of water.

  2. Add fried chicken to the pot; toss well to coat.

  3. Serve immediately topped with sesame seeds and green onion.

Notes

✔ Chicken thighs are juicier and harder to overcook
✔ Maintain oil temperature — too low = soggy, too hot = burnt
✔ Add ½ tsp chili flakes for a sweet-spicy kick
✔ Double the sauce if you love it extra sticky

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/crispy-chinese-honey-garlic-chicken-30-minutes/