Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken
A crowd-pleasing favorite featuring crispy, golden chicken bites 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 oil)
- •4 cloves garlic, minced
- •1/3 cup honey
- •3 tablespoons soy sauce
- •1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- •1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- •1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
- •2 stalks 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 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 for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- 4
Wipe out any burnt bits from the skillet, then add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 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 and bubble.
- 7
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated in the sticky glaze.
- 8
Remove from heat, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and serve immediately over steamed white rice.
💡 Chef tips
- For extra crispy chicken, ensure the oil is hot before adding the chicken and do not overcrowd the pan.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a pan to maintain the texture.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish features perfectly tender chicken with a glossy, amber-colored coating that smells intensely of caramelized garlic and honey.