Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is a mouth-watering dish that combines the crunch of perfectly fried chicken cutlets with the sweet and savory flavors of honey garlic sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works great for both casual dinners and special occasions. This recipe is straightforward and will leave you with tender, juicy chicken with a crispy coating, all smothered in a delectable honey garlic glaze.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cut in half lengthwise and pounded to an even thickness to make four cutlets
- 2 large eggs, beaten + 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika is fine if you don’t have smoked)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 3 tablespoons cold water
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut and Pound: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four cutlets. Pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
- Set Up Breading Station: In one bowl, beat the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water. In another bowl, combine the flour, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge in Flour: Coat each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip in Egg: Dip the floured chicken cutlets into the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Coat Again in Flour: Return the chicken to the flour mixture and coat again, pressing the flour onto the chicken to create a thick crust.
3. Fry the Chicken:
- Heat Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry Cutlets: Fry the chicken cutlets in the hot oil for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Ensure the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Drain: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Heat over medium heat until the mixture starts to simmer.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Add this to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
5. Coat the Chicken:
- Add Chicken to Sauce: Add the crispy chicken cutlets to the saucepan, coating each piece thoroughly with the honey garlic sauce.
6. Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Pair with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Cook’s Notes:
- Pounding the Chicken: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less cornstarch slurry as needed.
Variations:
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Increase the cayenne pepper in the flour mixture and add a dash of hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce for an extra kick.
- Honey Garlic Chicken Wings: Use chicken wings instead of cutlets for a delicious appetizer. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for the breading to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. Adjust cooking time as needed since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it? Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken cutlets at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or until crispy and cooked through. Spray with cooking spray before baking to help them crisp up.
- Is there a substitute for cornstarch in the sauce? You can use arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour as a thickening agent instead of cornstarch.
- Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time? You can bread the chicken cutlets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Fry them just before serving for the best texture.
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that’s sure to impress. With its crispy coating and sweet, savory sauce, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers outstanding results. Enjoy your homemade take on this restaurant favorite!
