Go Back
Crispy honey garlic chicken pieces on a white plate with ingredients around.

CRISPY CHINESE HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN

Sana Umer
This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is tender, crunchy, and coated in a sweet-savory sauce. Quick and flavorful, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or takeout-style meals at home that the whole family will love.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 servings
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

  • ¼ cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon ginger minced
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

For Garnish:

  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Chicken: Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch, salt, and pepper until coated.
  • Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden and crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • Make Sauce: In the same pan, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer. Stir in cornstarch slurry until sauce thickens.
  • Combine: Add crispy chicken back into the pan, tossing to coat evenly with sauce.
  • Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Chicken can be prepped and coated ahead of time; fry just before serving.
  • Customizing the Flavor: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables.
  • Allergy-Friendly Options: Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch if needed.
  • Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently to maintain crispiness.
Keyword Chinese chicken recipe, crunchy chicken, easy weeknight dinner, homemade Chinese chicken, quick stir-fry, sweet garlic chicken