If you dream of crispy, golden chicken dripping with a sticky-sweet garlic glaze, Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken will capture your heart (and taste buds) from the very first bite. Bursting with flavor in every crunchy forkful, this recipe layers up a shatteringly crisp crust and bathes it in an addictive honey garlic sauce. Perfect for impressing family or dazzling guests, it blends comfort and excitement in a single incredible main course. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken will become a new favorite at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t find a complicated shopping list here—each ingredient for Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken is simple but totally essential. Every item brings something special, whether it’s ultra-crispiness, savory depth, or that signature sticky sweetness. Here’s how each one shines:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless cuts make prep easy and ensure juicy, tender results.
- Buttermilk: The secret to succulent chicken—gives the chicken extra tenderness and a subtle tang.
- Cornstarch: Integral for the ultra-crunchy texture—it helps the coating bubble and crackle.
- All-purpose flour: Works with cornstarch to make the perfect crispy breading.
- Baking powder: A little lift goes a long way in creating that airy, crunchy crust.
- Garlic powder: Layers in savory depth alongside the fresh garlic in the sauce.
- Onion powder: Adds a gentle, fragrant sweetness to the breading.
- Smoked paprika: Subtle smoky warmth for a more complex flavor profile.
- Salt: Essential for sharpening and elevating all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Delivers a hint of mild heat.
- Eggs: Help the breading stick and provide rich color.
- Water: Loosens up the egg wash for even coating.
- Vegetable oil: For frying the chicken to a perfect, golden finish.
- Honey: The star of the sauce—a velvety sweetness that glazes every bite.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for a bold punch in the glaze.
- Soy sauce: Adds savory depth and balances the honey’s sweetness.
- Rice vinegar: Lends a touch of acidity to cut the richness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick if you like a bit of heat.
How to Make Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Slice and Marinate the Chicken
Start by carefully slicing each chicken breast in half horizontally—you’ll end up with thinner cutlets that cook quickly and evenly. Dunk them into a bowl with the buttermilk, ensuring each piece is nicely coated. Pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight if you’re planning ahead). This bath not only infuses tenderness but also builds a foundation for gorgeously crisp results later.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations
Gather three containers: one for your dry mixture (cornstarch, flour, baking powder, garlic and onion powders, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper), one for your egg wash (eggs and water whisked together), and a final resting plate for your breaded chicken. Setting up this assembly line now keeps things organized and stress-free as you move on to coating the chicken.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken—Double Crunch Style
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off (you want it moist, not drenched). Dredge each cutlet in the seasoned flour mixture, dip it into the egg wash, then back into the flour blend for a double coat—firmly press the flour on during the second dip. This “double crunch” trick is key for that thick, craggy crust everyone loves about Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
In a heavy skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking (around 350°F is perfect if you have a thermometer). Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan—5 to 6 minutes per side should do it for perfectly golden, crackling outsides and fully cooked, juicy centers. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, and listen for that telltale crunch as you stack them up!
Step 5: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
While your chicken rests, grab a small saucepan. Add honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir together water and cornstarch in a separate bowl to make a slurry. Whisk the slurry in and simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy—just 2 to 3 minutes. Your kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible!
Step 6: Drench or Dip—Your Choice
Once the chicken is at its crispiest, you’ve got two paths: generously drizzle the hot honey garlic sauce over every piece just before serving, or offer it on the side as a dip. Both options guarantee the magical blend of sweet, savory, and crunch Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken is known for.
How to Serve Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions or freshly chopped parsley brings a pop of color and a fresh bite—an effortless way to finish your Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken with style. Add a few toasted sesame seeds for subtle toasty notes and extra crunch, or even a scatter of thinly sliced chiles if you enjoy a hint of heat.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or even buttery noodles to soak up that phenomenal sauce. Crisp-tender steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or an Asian slaw also work wonders for balancing out the dish’s richness with fresh, light flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
You can pile Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken onto slider buns for impressive sandwiches or slice it into strips for an eye-catching salad topper. Serve atop warm rice bowls with colorful vegetables, or cut into bite-sized pieces as a standout party appetizer. However you present it, those golden pieces are sure to steal the spotlight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep things a bit crispier, store the sauce and chicken separately if possible, and only combine just before heating or serving.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the chicken (without sauce) as soon as it’s fully cooled. Place the pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually before moving them into a freezer bag or airtight container. This way, you’ll be able to re-crisp them without clumping together. Freeze the sauce separately; it reheats well on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
The best way to bring back that epic crunch is to heat leftover chicken in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until hot and crispy again. Drizzle or toss with reheated sauce when serving. If you’re in a rush, a quick zap in the microwave works too, though the texture won’t be quite as crisp.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and pack even more flavor. Just be aware the cook time may change slightly—always check for doneness, especially if keeping the pieces whole and thick.
What’s the secret to keeping the coating super crispy?
Letting the breaded chicken rest for five minutes before frying helps the coating set up, creating extra crunch. Fry in small batches to avoid cooling the oil or overcrowding the chicken, and always transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any extra oil.
Can I make Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken gluten-free?
Definitely—swap the all-purpose flour for a good gluten-free blend, and double-check that your baking powder and soy sauce are gluten-free. The cornstarch is already naturally gluten-free, so you’ll still get all that signature crunch!
Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes—bake the breaded chicken at 400°F on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for 20 to 25 minutes. While you won’t get quite the same deep-fried crunch, it’s still wonderfully crisp and a bit lighter.
Can I use this honey garlic sauce for other dishes?
Absolutely! Drizzle it over grilled shrimp, roasted vegetables, or even as a dip for crispy tofu. You’ll find yourself making extra sauce just to have on hand—it’s that good!
Final Thoughts
If you love bold flavor and irresistibly crunchy chicken, treat yourself and your loved ones to Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken soon. This recipe can turn any night into something special, and it’s one you’ll want to share again and again. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30-minute marinade)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. The chicken is double-coated for extra crunch, making it a favorite for dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally. Marinate in buttermilk. Combine dry ingredients for coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Dip chicken in flour mixture, egg wash, and flour again. Fry until golden brown.
- Make the Sauce: Combine honey, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Serve: Drizzle sauce over fried chicken or use as a dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crunch, let the breaded chicken rest before frying.
- Bake at 400°F for a lighter version (20–25 minutes).
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