Name: Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite sized pieces (about 1 -2 inch/2.5-5 cm); Oil, enough to fill skillet 1 inch/2.5 cm (use Canola oil or other vegetable oil); 2 egg whites; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Pinch salt or other seasonings; 4 tablespoons honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 3 if preferred); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or less if you like less peppery); Toasted sesame seeds; 1 green onion, sliced

Jump to Recipe

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes) is exactly the kind of speedy, irresistible dinner you’ll come back to, week after week. Juicy chicken bites, dressed in a shatteringly crisp coating, get tossed in a glossy, sticky honey garlic sauce that’s sweet, savory, and just a little peppery. In less time than it takes to get takeout, you’ll have a platter of golden perfection, ready to steal the show at any table.

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this recipe has a starring role, ensuring your Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes) is bursting with flavor and texture. No fancy ingredients here—just pantry staples that work together, each bringing their unique magic to the dish.

Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Pick your favorite—thighs for extra juiciness, breasts for a leaner option!

Canola or Vegetable Oil: Using a neutral oil makes sure the crispy coating turns out light and clean, not heavy.
Egg Whites: Whisked until fluffy, they help create that crisp, craggy exterior you crave.

Cornstarch: The secret to ultra-crunchy chicken—don’t skip it!
Salt or Seasonings: A little salt (and your favorite spices if you like) lifts all the flavors in the coating.

Honey: Gives the sauce its glistening, sticky sweetness—classic Chinese-style!
Garlic: The more the merrier, for irresistible aroma and a delicious kick.
Soy Sauce: A must for balancing sweetness with a punch of umami.

Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds just enough warmth and bite to make the flavors pop.
Toasted Sesame Seeds: For garnish and their nutty, toasty crunch.
Green Onion: Sliced fresh on top for color and a zippy finish.

How to Make Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes)

Step 1: Get Organized

A little prep goes a long way! Heat your oven to a warm 200F/93C—this keeps fried chicken perfectly crispy while you finish the rest. Line a baking sheet with parchment (a rack on top is a bonus for airflow) and set out a large pot for your honey garlic sauce, plus a skillet filled with about an inch of oil. This upfront setup makes the next steps a breeze.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg whites, cornstarch, salt, and any extra seasonings you love, until light and fluffy. Add your cut chicken pieces, toss to coat thoroughly, and let them marinate for 10–15 minutes. This not only flavors the chicken, but starts building that signature crunch.

Step 3: Heat Oil for Frying

While the chicken marinates, heat your oil over medium-high in a deep skillet or wok. You’re aiming for 350-360F/177-182C. If you don’t have a thermometer, test with a wooden chopstick—the oil should bubble steadily around it. This temperature is the sweet spot for golden, crispy chicken that cooks fast but stays juicy inside.

Step 4: Fry Chicken

When your oil’s ready, carefully add the chicken pieces one at a time. Don’t crowd the pan—batch frying is the key to super crispiness! Each batch takes about 3–4 minutes, with a flip halfway through. Remove pieces with a slotted spoon to drain on paper towels, then pop them on your prepared pan and into the warm oven. Let the oil heat back up before you tackle the next round. Repeat until all your chicken is crisped to perfection.

Step 5: Make Sauce and Add Chicken

In your sauce pot, combine honey, garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper. Bring it to a boil on medium-high and let it bubble for 1–2 minutes—just enough to thicken slightly and meld the flavors. If it looks too thick, a splash of water does the trick. Now, tip in your hot, fried chicken and toss everything together until each piece is glossy and well coated. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onion for the ultimate Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes) experience.

How to Serve Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes)

Garnishes

A flourish of toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions is the finishing touch that adds crunch, color, and a bit of savor. If you want, scatter extra chili flakes for gentle heat, or a squeeze of lime for brightness—the dish is open to your personal touch!

Side Dishes

This superstar chicken goes perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, fluffy fried rice, or stir-fried noodles. For a lighter spread, try crisp steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad. The honey garlic sauce is so irresistible, you’ll want plenty of sides to soak up every last drop!

Creative Ways to Present

While a classic platter always shines, you can also pile the chicken into lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held bite, or skewer pieces for a party-ready appetizer. Mini bowls with toothpicks make fun, shareable snacks—ideal for gatherings or an easy weeknight meal that feels special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cooled Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The coating softens a bit but the flavor stays completely delicious!

Freezing

For best results, freeze the cooked chicken pieces before tossing with sauce—just cool, then lay them on a sheet pan and freeze solid before transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re craving them, bake straight from frozen, then finish in the sauce for a just-made taste.

Reheating

To bring back the crisp, pop the chicken on a baking sheet in a hot oven (425F/220C) for 10–12 minutes. If already coated in sauce, reheat gently in a skillet so it warms through without overcooking. A final quick toss in fresh sauce is always welcome!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both work beautifully. Chicken breast results in a leaner, slightly firmer bite, while thighs are extra juicy and forgiving—pick whichever you love most.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce (tamari is a great choice) and check that your cornstarch is certified gluten-free. That’s all it takes for this dish to be friendly to gluten-sensitive eaters.

Can I air fry the chicken instead of deep-frying?

Yes, you can! Spray your marinated chicken pieces well with oil and air fry at 400F/205C for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. While not quite as shatteringly crisp, it’s still a fantastic, lighter option.

What other proteins can I use?

This method and sauce are amazing with shrimp, tofu, or pork—just adjust the cooking time as needed, and follow all the other steps for perfect results every time.

Can I double the sauce?

Definitely—if you love extra sauce for rice or noodles, simply double all the honey garlic sauce ingredients. You’ll have plenty to drizzle over everything!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a fast, absolutely craveable meal that feels restaurant-worthy without the wait, the Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken (30 Minutes) is about to become your new go-to. Gather your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this sweet, sticky, utterly irresistible chicken tonight!