No need for takeout or delivery! This Honey garlic chicken is easy to make and tastes fresher and better than from a restaurant. Crisp chicken pieces are drenched in a sweet, spicy, and garlicky sauce for an Asian-inspired dish you’ll love with steamed rice.
Honey Garlic Chicken
The chicken tapa and the toyomansi pork chops recipes we have on the blog are just a few examples of how a simple swap of ingredients can mean a delightful whole new dish to enjoy. Both were marinated in the same mixture of soy sauce, citrus juice, and garlic, and yet each is a whole new experience for the palate.
Another great example is this honey garlic chicken.
One regular on our dinner rotation is a salmon (recipe on my other blog) marinated in honey, soy sauce, and garlic. I love how easily the fish comes together super moist and flavorful using staple ingredients I already have in the pantry.
I thought I’d re-create the same medley of flavors using chicken, and I am glad to report it turned out beautifully!
Most of the work in this recipe is velveting the chicken by coating the pieces in cornstarch slurry and deep-frying until golden. This technique keeps the meat juicy and tender and adds a light, crisp coat.
Quick Tips
To make slicing easier, freeze the chicken breast for a few minutes until slightly firm. Cut across the grain for a tender chew.
Serving suggestions
Enjoy honey garlic chicken as a main dish for lunch or dinner. Serve with steamed rice and stir-fry noodles for a hearty Chinese take-out meal at home.
Storing leftovers
Keep in a container with a lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat to an internal temperature of 165 F, adding a splash of water if needed. Or warm up in the microwave at 2 to 3-minute intervals until heated through.
More restaurant favorites
Asian Jalapeno Chicken is easy to make with simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes! A delicious medley of sweet and savory flavors with a kick of spice, it’s a full-flavored dish that’s sure to hit the spot!
Honey Garlic Chicken
Looking for the perfect weeknight dinner? Honey Garlic Chicken is easy to make yet full of flavor. Enjoy the juicy chicken with a sweet, spicy, and garlicky sauce with steamed rice for a hearty Asian-inspired meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Marinating: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thigh or breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- canola oil
- green onions, chopped
For The Honey Garlic Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup light soy sauce
- juice from 1 lime
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and grated
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken, soy sauce, and Chinese cooking wine. Marinate in the refrigerator for about 20 to 30 minutes. Drain chicken, discarding liquid.
- In a bowl, combine egg whites and cornstarch. Whisk together until well-blended and frothy. Add chicken and mix to fully coat.
- In a thick-bottomed, deep pan over medium heat, heat about 2-inches deep of oil.
- Add chicken pieces one at a time to prevent from lumping together. Deep-fry for about 5 to 6 minutes or until golden, stirring as needed. Cook chicken in batches, DO NOT OVERCROWD pan.
- With a slotted spoon, remove from heat and drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, combine honey garlic sauce ingredients: honey, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, Sriracha sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk together until well-blended.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat the sauce mixture until bubbly. Add chicken and gently toss until coated with sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- To make slicing easier, freeze the chicken breast for a few minutes until slightly firm.
- Cut across the grain for a tender chew.
“This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.”
