Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken

Crispy golden chicken tossed in a rich honey garlic sauce that’s perfectly sweet, savory, and sticky. This better-than-takeout recipe comes together easily and pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1½ lbs chicken breast or boneless thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
Salt and black pepper to taste
Oil for frying

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

⅓ cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Optional Garnish

Sesame seeds
Sliced green onions
Chili flakes

Instructions

Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
In one bowl, mix flour and cornstarch. Place beaten eggs in another bowl.
Dip chicken into the flour mixture, then eggs, then back into the flour mixture for extra crispiness.
Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
In another pan, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed jasmine rice
Pair with stir-fried vegetables
Add broccoli or bell peppers directly into the sauce
Serve with noodles for a full meal

Q & A

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy.

Can I air fry it?

Absolutely. Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?

Toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving to maintain crispiness.

Can I make the sauce spicy?

Yes. Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or red pepper flakes for heat.

How long do leftovers last?

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.