Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken
A crowd-pleasing favorite featuring crispy, bite-sized chicken pieces tossed in a sticky, savory-sweet garlic glaze.
Ingredients
- •1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- •1/2 cup cornstarch
- •1/2 teaspoon salt
- •1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- •3 tablespoons neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola)
- •4 cloves garlic, minced
- •1/3 cup honey
- •1/4 cup soy sauce
- •2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- •1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- •1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
- •2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and cornstarch until every piece is evenly and thoroughly coated.
- 2
Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- 3
Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary, and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- 4
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 5
Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl, then pour the mixture into the skillet.
- 6
Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken into a syrupy consistency.
- 7
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss well to coat every piece in the sticky glaze.
- 8
Remove from heat and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving immediately.
💡 Chef tips
- For extra crunch, double-fry the chicken: fry once at medium heat, remove, turn heat to high, and flash-fry for 1 minute before adding the sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a pan to restore the crispiness of the coating.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish features golden-brown, crispy chicken coated in a glossy, amber-colored sauce that smells intensely of toasted garlic and sweet honey, offering a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.