This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is one of my favorite quick meals to make when I want something golden, sticky, and full of flavor. I love how the chicken stays juicy on the inside while the outside gets beautifully crispy and glazed in a sweet, garlicky sauce. It’s the kind of comfort food I can whip up in less than 30 minutes and still feel like I made something special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love that this recipe gives me that restaurant-style crunch and shine right from my own kitchen. The honey garlic sauce is perfectly balanced between sweet, salty, and savory, and I can adjust it easily depending on my taste. It’s quick, family-friendly, and uses simple pantry ingredients that I almost always have on hand.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
500 g boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon oil (for coating before frying)
1/4 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons chicken broth or water
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for sauce)
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or chili paste for heat
Directions
I start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
I set up two bowls — one with the beaten eggs and the other with cornstarch.
I dip each chicken piece into the egg, then coat it well with cornstarch, shaking off the excess.
In a large frying pan, I heat oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, I fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side.
While the chicken cooks, I make the sauce. In another pan, I heat 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds.
I then add honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, and vinegar. I stir and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Once the chicken is done, I drain any excess oil and toss the crispy pieces in the honey garlic sauce until they’re evenly coated and glossy.
I serve immediately while the chicken is still crispy and the sauce is warm.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: Around 30 minutes
Variations
I sometimes add red pepper flakes or chili paste to make it spicy.
When I want a lighter meal, I bake the coated chicken at 200°C (400°F) for about 20–25 minutes instead of frying.
I’ve also tried using maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness.
Adding sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top gives a nice touch of texture and freshness.
Storage/Reheating
I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. When I reheat it, I use my air fryer at 175°C (350°F) for 6–8 minutes or an oven at 190°C (375°F) for about 10–12 minutes to help the chicken regain some crispiness. I avoid microwaving it because it tends to make the coating soft.
FAQs
What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?
I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy, but chicken breasts also work if I cut them evenly.
Can I make this without frying?
Yes, I can bake or air-fry the chicken instead. It’s a little less crispy but still delicious once coated in the sauce.
Can I use other sweeteners besides honey?
Definitely. Maple syrup, agave, or brown sugar work as great substitutes for honey.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If I want a thicker glaze, I let the sauce simmer a bit longer or add a small cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
What can I serve this with?
I like to serve it with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. It also goes perfectly with sautéed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas.
Conclusion
I love making this Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken because it’s simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of crispy chicken and sticky honey garlic glaze always feels like a treat, yet it’s made with easy ingredients I already have at home. It’s one of those recipes I come back to whenever I want something flavorful, comforting, and ready in no time.
This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken features tender, juicy chicken pieces with a golden, crunchy exterior, coated in a sticky, sweet, and garlicky sauce. A quick and satisfying comfort meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
500 g boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon oil (for coating before frying)
1/4 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons chicken broth or water
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for sauce)
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or chili paste for heat
Instructions
Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
Set up two bowls — one with beaten eggs and the other with cornstarch.
Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then coat with cornstarch, shaking off the excess.
Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat and fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side.
While the chicken cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in another pan and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
Add honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, and vinegar to the pan. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Drain excess oil from chicken and toss the crispy pieces in the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated and glossy.
Serve immediately while the chicken is crispy and the sauce is warm.
Notes
For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce.
You can bake the chicken at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes instead of frying.
Maple syrup, agave, or brown sugar can replace honey.
Top with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added texture and freshness.
To retain crispiness when reheating, use an air fryer or oven instead of a microwave.
