If you are searching for a dish that brings irresistible crunch and bursting flavor in every bite, this Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a perfectly light and crispy batter, all smothered in a glossy, aromatic honey garlic sauce that delivers just the right balance of sweetness and savory depth. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or a small gathering, this recipe never fails to impress with its combination of textures and classic Chinese flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe are straightforward but critical to achieving the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a unique role, from marinating the chicken to creating a light batter and making the luscious honey garlic glaze.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (300g/10 oz): Ideal for moist and tender meat that holds up well to frying.
- Light soy sauce (1 tbsp + 1 tbsp): Adds umami and saltiness, used both in marinade and sauce.
- Chinese cooking wine (2 tsp + 2 tsp): Intensifies flavor with a subtle hint of sweetness and depth.
- Cornflour (2 tsp for marinade + ½ cup + 6 tbsp for batter): Essential for that signature crispy coating.
- Plain/all-purpose flour (4 tbsp): Combines with cornflour to give the batter the right structure.
- Cold soda water (7–8 tbsp): Keeps the batter light and bubbly, perfect for extra crunch.
- Baking powder (¼ tsp): Helps the batter puff up for an airy texture.
- Kosher salt (¼ tsp): Perfect seasoning without overpowering the dish.
- Vegetable or canola oil (2–3 cups): For deep frying, neutral tasting and high smoke point.
- Honey (⅓ cup/100g): Sweet base for the sticky, flavorful sauce.
- Glucose or light corn syrup (1.5 tbsp/25g): Adds shine and helps create that glossy finish on the sauce.
- Vermicelli rice noodles (25g, optional): When fried, they add a delightful, crispy contrast as a garnish.
- Sesame seeds: Nutty garnish to finish off the dish.
- Finely sliced green onions: A fresh, sharp counterpoint to the rich sauce.
How to Make Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining your chicken pieces with light soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, and a bit of cornflour. This simple marinade not only infuses the chicken with savory notes but also helps tenderize the meat, setting the stage for that superb texture and flavor combo you’re craving. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes so every piece soaks up the goodness.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter and Dredge
While the chicken is marinating, you’ll whip up the batter that gives this recipe its signature crunch. Mix cornflour, flour, a pinch of baking powder, and salt, and then gently whisk in cold soda water until it’s thick but smooth—think luscious and velvety, not runny. Before you dip each piece, coat the chicken lightly with a bit of cornflour to help the batter stick better.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat the oil in a deep pan or wok to around 350°F (175°C). This temperature is just right for frying the chicken through quickly while keeping it crispy. Dip each chicken bite in the batter, let the excess drip off, then carefully drop them in the oil. Fry in batches to keep the temperature steady, and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until they turn an irresistible golden color. Drain on paper towels to shed any extra oil.
Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, glucose or corn syrup, light soy sauce, and cooking wine. Gently warm the mixture until it becomes syrupy and blended smoothly. This sauce is the heart of your Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe, bathing those crunchy bites in glossy, sweet umami brilliance.
Step 5: Toss and Garnish
Finally, toss your freshly fried chicken pieces in the rich honey garlic sauce until each piece is perfectly coated in that luscious glaze. If you’re using vermicelli rice noodles, deep fry them until they puff up and crisp beautifully—they make a stunning and crunchy addition on the side or sprinkled on top. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions for freshness and visual appeal.
How to Serve Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions adds not just color but a combination of nuttiness and freshness that balances the dish’s richness. The optional crispy fried vermicelli noodles offer a fun texture twist that elevates the overall experience. These simple garnishes transform the meal from good to restaurant-worthy in an instant.
Side Dishes
This chicken shines alongside fluffy steamed jasmine rice or fragrant fried rice, which soaks up every drop of that luscious sauce. For a lighter contrast, try serving with stir-fried greens like bok choy or snap peas, adding vibrant crunch and a burst of green to the plate. You can even pair it with a simple cucumber salad to cut through the sweetness and round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe in lettuce cups for a handheld delight full of crisp textures. Alternatively, arrange the chicken on a large platter over a bed of crunchy vermicelli or rice noodles for an eye-catching centerpiece at your dinner table. Adding a drizzle of extra honey garlic sauce over the top and a sprinkle of chili flakes can also pack in an exciting flavor punch and elevate presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the honey garlic sauce separately if possible to maintain the crispiness of the chicken. When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, you can freeze the fried chicken pieces without sauce in a single layer on a baking tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Freeze the honey garlic sauce separately in a small container or ice cube tray for convenience.
Reheating
For reheating, the best method is baking in the oven at 350°F (175°C) on a wire rack over a baking sheet to retain crispness. Heat the sauce gently on the stove, then toss the chicken in it right before serving. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the chicken soggy, losing that signature crunch we love.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs are more forgiving and juicy, chicken breasts can work if cut into bite-sized pieces. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out faster.
What can I substitute for Chinese cooking wine?
If you don’t have Chinese cooking wine, you can use additional light soy sauce or dry sherry as alternatives. These will add similar depth though the flavor profile might be slightly different.
Is it necessary to use cold soda water in the batter?
Yes, cold soda water introduces bubbles that lighten the batter, creating that desirable crisp coating. Using room temperature water will result in a denser batter and less crunch.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
You can adapt this recipe by using gluten-free flour blends and gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari). Be sure your other ingredients, including baking powder, are gluten-free as well.
How do I prevent the chicken from getting soggy?
Drain the fried chicken well on paper towels and avoid tossing it in the honey sauce until right before serving. Also, reheating in the oven instead of the microwave helps maintain that delicious crispness.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Its crave-worthy combination of crunchy batter and sweet, garlicky sauce is pure comfort with a delightful Asian twist. Dive in, get your hands busy, and treat yourself to this flavorful, fun meal that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. I promise, once you try it, it will quickly become a beloved favorite you’ll want to make time and time again.
Print
Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A delicious recipe for Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken featuring tender chicken thighs marinated and coated in a light, crispy batter, then fried to golden perfection and tossed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Garnished with sesame seeds, green onions, and optional crispy vermicelli noodles, this dish delivers authentic Chinese flavors with a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 300g (10 oz) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 2 tsp Chinese cooking wine (or substitute with soy sauce)
- 2 tsp cornflour (cornstarch)
Batter
- ½ cup cornflour (cornstarch)
- 6 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 4 tbsp plain/all-purpose flour
- 7–8 tbsp cold soda water (club soda or seltzer water; NOT sparkling mineral water)
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp kosher salt (halve if using table salt)
Frying
- 2–3 cups vegetable oil (or canola oil)
Honey Garlic Sauce
- ⅓ cup (100g) honey
- 1.5 tbsp (25g) glucose or light corn syrup
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 2 tsp Chinese cooking wine (or more soy sauce)
Garnishes & Optional
- 25g (2 oz) vermicelli rice noodles (optional; use rice noodles, not bean noodles)
- Sesame seeds
- Finely sliced green onions
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with light soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, and 2 teaspoons cornflour. Mix thoroughly and marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare the Chicken for Frying: Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in cornflour, shaking off any excess to ensure a light coating that will help achieve crispiness.
- Make the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup cornflour, 6 tablespoons cornflour, plain flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add cold soda water while whisking until you achieve a thick but smooth batter perfect for frying.
- Heat the Oil: Pour 2 to 3 cups of vegetable oil into a deep pan or wok and heat to 350°F (175°C), suitable for deep frying to get a crispy texture.
- Fry the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the prepared batter, allowing excess to drip off. Carefully lower into the hot oil, frying in batches to prevent overcrowding. Fry until golden and crispy, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, glucose or light corn syrup, light soy sauce, and Chinese cooking wine. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce becomes syrupy and well blended.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Place the fried chicken pieces in a large bowl and toss with the warm honey garlic sauce until evenly coated, enhancing flavor and adding a glossy finish.
- Optional Noodles: If using vermicelli rice noodles, deep fry them separately in hot oil until they puff up and turn crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Plate the honey garlic chicken and garnish with sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions. Serve with crispy vermicelli noodles either on the side or on top for added texture and presentation.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for better flavor; longer marinating times are acceptable if convenient.
- Ensure oil temperature stays consistent around 350°F (175°C) for best frying results.
- Use cold soda water to achieve a light, crispy batter.
- Vermicelli noodles are optional but add a nice crunchy texture that complements the dish.
- Adjust sweetness of the sauce by varying honey and glucose amounts to suit personal preference.
