Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the savory crunch of perfectly fried chicken cutlets with a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, instructions, and tips to create this mouthwatering dish. Additionally, we’ll provide variations and answer frequently asked questions to help you achieve the best results.

Introduction

There’s something irresistible about crispy fried chicken, especially when it’s coated in a rich, flavorful sauce. This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken recipe takes the classic fried chicken cutlet to the next level by pairing it with a homemade honey garlic sauce. The result is a dish that’s both sweet and savory, with just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and guaranteed to impress.

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 tbsp water
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (regular is fine if you don’t have smoked)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ cup vegetable oil

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• ½ cup honey
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp corn starch + 3 tbsp cold water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets

1. Cut and Pound the Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make four cutlets. Pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin, which ensures they cook evenly.
2. Set Up Breading Station: In a shallow dish, beat the eggs with 1 tbsp water. In another shallow dish, combine the flour, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture, coating well. Shake off any excess flour.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Fry the Chicken: Add the chicken cutlets to the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Drain and Keep Warm: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Keep warm while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce, cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Coat the Chicken: Place the cooked chicken cutlets in a large bowl or on a serving platter. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, turning to coat each piece evenly.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the crispy honey garlic chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Cooking Notes and Variations

Cooking Notes

• Pounding Chicken: Ensuring the chicken cutlets are an even thickness helps them cook more evenly and prevents dry spots.
• Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a crispy exterior. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy.
• Sauce Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more or less cornstarch slurry based on your preference. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch mixed with water.

Variations

1. Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
2. Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour for the breading and tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
3. Baked Version: For a healthier option, bake the breaded chicken cutlets at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A: Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. They may take a bit longer to cook through, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain crispiness.

Q3: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes, the honey garlic sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently on the stovetop before using.

Q4: Can I freeze the breaded chicken cutlets?

A: Yes, you can freeze the uncooked breaded chicken cutlets. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the frying time.

Q5: What sides go well with Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken?

A: This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a simple vegetable stir-fry. A fresh salad or roasted vegetables also complement the flavors nicely.

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful combination of crunchy, savory chicken and a sweet, tangy sauce. This recipe is straightforward and perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special celebrations. With the provided instructions, variations, and tips, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress. Enjoy this delicious meal with your favorite sides and savor the amazing flavors!