Name: Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1–2 inch pieces; 2 egg whites; 1 tbsp cornstarch; Pinch of salt; Oil for frying (enough to fill skillet 1 inch deep, about 2–3 cups); 4 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2–3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1–2 tbsp water (optional, to thin sauce); 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds; 1 green onion, sliced thin

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1–2 inch pieces
2 egg whites
1 tbsp cornstarch
Pinch of salt
Oil for frying (enough to fill skillet 1 inch deep, about 2–3 cups)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

4 tbsp honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1–2 tbsp water (optional, to thin sauce)

Optional Garnish:

1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
1 green onion, sliced thin

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Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together egg whites, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until foamy. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat well. Let sit for 15 minutes while heating oil.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet or wok, pour in oil until about 1 inch deep. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350–360°F. (If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a bit of marinade into the oil — it should sizzle immediately.)

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Working in small batches, fry chicken pieces for 3–4 minutes or until golden and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel–lined wire rack and keep warm.

Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper. Stir constantly and bring to a gentle boil for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. If too thick, add a splash of water.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss the crispy chicken in the warm sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

Double-fry the chicken for extra crispiness: fry once at 325°F, rest, then fry again at 375°F.
To reheat, use an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–8 minutes. Avoid microwaving.
Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Author: Evelyn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Dinner
Method: Deep-fry, Toss
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Diet: Gluten Free