Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

If you are craving a dish that balances irresistible crunch with a glossy, sweet-savory glaze, this Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. The tender chicken pieces are marinated and coated to perfection, then deep-fried until golden and crisp. Tossed in a luscious honey garlic sauce that’s bursting with flavor, this dish offers that perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or impressing friends with Asian-inspired flavors, this recipe delivers true comfort food joy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe lies in a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create a symphony of taste and texture. From the soy sauce that adds umami depth to the cold soda water that keeps the batter light and airy, each component plays an essential role in making this dish truly special.

• 300g boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly tender and juicy, thighs stay moist through frying.
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce: Adds a salty, savory undertone to the chicken marinade.
• 2 tsp Chinese cooking wine: Enhances the flavor with a hint of aromatic sweetness (can be swapped with soy sauce if needed).
• 2 tsp cornflour (cornstarch): Used in the marinade to tenderize and create a smooth coating base.
• ½ cup cornflour: Critical for the dredging step to ensure that crispy crust we all love.
• 6 tbsp cornflour: Combined with flour for the batter, delivering that delightful crunch.
• 4 tbsp plain/all-purpose flour: Balances the batter’s texture for golden, crispy results.
• 7–8 tbsp cold soda water: This keeps the batter light and bubbly—key for crispy, not heavy chicken.
• ¼ tsp baking powder: Helps the batter puff up slightly for extra crunch.
• ¼ tsp kosher salt: Essential seasoning; adjust if using table salt.
• 2–3 cups vegetable oil: For deep frying; neutral flavor and high smoke point make it perfect.
• ⅓ cup (100g) honey: The star of the sauce, bringing natural sweetness and shine.
• 1.5 tbsp glucose or light corn syrup: Adds viscosity to the sauce, ensuring it clings beautifully to the chicken.
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce: Adds dimension and salt balance to the honey garlic glaze.
• 2 tsp Chinese cooking wine: Enhances sauce complexity with its fruity notes.
• 25g vermicelli rice noodles (optional): These fry up crunchy and add a fun texture contrast.
• Sesame seeds: For a toasty finish and a bit of crunch on top.
• Finely sliced green onions: Fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens every bite.

How to Make Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining the chicken pieces with soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, and cornflour in a bowl. This marinade not only infuses the chicken with deep flavor but also tenderizes it gently. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes—patience here means juicy bites later.

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken

Once marinated, coat each piece generously in cornflour and shake off any excess. This step forms the first protective layer that will help your chicken achieve that coveted crispy exterior.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

Whisk together cornflour, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually pour in cold soda water, stirring until you achieve a thick, smooth batter. The addition of soda water is a secret to lightness, introducing airiness that ensures the coating isn’t heavy or doughy.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Heat your vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to around 350°F (175°C). Proper oil temperature is crucial to get that golden crust without greasy results.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Dip each chicken piece into the batter, allow extra to drip off, then carefully lower into the hot oil. Fry in small batches so the pieces have space to crisp evenly. Cook until they turn a beautiful golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes, then remove and drain on paper towels. This wait ensures each chicken bite stays satisfyingly crunchy.

Step 6: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small saucepan, mix honey, glucose (or corn syrup), soy sauce, and cooking wine. Warm gently over low heat until the sauce thickens into a syrupy glaze. This luscious sauce clings beautifully to the chicken, providing the signature sweet and tangy glaze.

Step 7: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

Transfer the fried chicken pieces to a large bowl and toss them in the warm honey garlic sauce until every piece is evenly coated with a glossy finish. This step creates that delicious harmony of crispy exterior and sticky, flavorful glaze.

Step 8: Fry the Vermicelli Noodles (Optional)

If using vermicelli rice noodles, deep fry them separately until they puff up and turn crispy. Drain on paper towels and prepare them as a crunchy, playful side texture to pair with your chicken.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Garnish your crispy honey garlic chicken generously with sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions. If you have the fried vermicelli noodles, serve them on the side or piled on top for an extra layer of delightful crunch.

How to Serve Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing your dish with sesame seeds adds a subtle nuttiness and a pretty contrast against the shiny sauce, while finely sliced green onions provide a fresh, peppery bite to balance the sweetness. These simple garnishes really elevate the dish’s flavor and appearance.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or fragrant fried rice to soak up the sauce. Stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or snap peas bring crunch and brightness, making for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the chicken on a bed of crispy fried vermicelli noodles, creating a playful nest effect. Alternatively, plate it family-style with bowls of sauce, rice, and chopped fresh herbs so everyone can customize their bites, making the meal as interactive as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, place your chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The honey garlic coating may soften with time, but reheating restores some crispness.

Freezing

You can freeze fried chicken pieces before tossing them in sauce for up to one month. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with the sauce freshly prepared.

Reheating

To bring back the crispiness, reheat the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. This method refreshes the crunch while warming the chicken through—then toss in freshly made honey garlic sauce for the best flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine but be sure not to overcook it, as breast meat can dry out faster. Thighs are preferred for their juiciness and richer flavor, but with careful cooking, breast can be just as tasty.

What is the purpose of using cold soda water in the batter?

Cold soda water introduces bubbles that make the batter lighter and crunchier when fried. It helps prevent the coating from becoming dense or greasy, giving your chicken that signature crisp texture.

Is glucose necessary in the honey sauce?

Glucose or light corn syrup helps thicken the honey sauce and keeps it sticky and shiny. If you don’t have it, honey alone will still work—just be aware the sauce might be slightly less viscous.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

While frying yields the crispiest results, you can bake the chicken for a lighter dish. Coat the pieces as directed, then bake on a wire rack at a high temperature until crispy, though the texture will have some differences from deep frying.

What can I substitute for Chinese cooking wine?

If you don’t have Chinese cooking wine, extra light soy sauce or a dry sherry can work as substitutes. The flavor will vary slightly, but these alternatives will maintain depth in the marinade and sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again. The combination of crunchy chicken and sticky, sweet garlic sauce is truly comforting and delightful, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring all to yourself. Once you try it, I bet it will become a staple in your meal rotation, too—so roll up your sleeves, get frying, and enjoy every crispy, honey-glazed bite!

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