Introduction
Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This recipe features tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a sticky honey garlic sauce. Whether you’re looking to recreate your favorite takeout dish at home or impress your guests with a delicious meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to make this delightful dish, along with tips and variations to make it your own.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
There are several reasons why you’ll love making Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken. Firstly, it’s a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course. Secondly, it’s easy to prepare and can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Additionally, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a great option for family dinners. Lastly, the combination of crispy chicken and sticky honey garlic sauce creates a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Cornstarch: ½ cup.
- Egg Whites: 2 egg whites.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying.
- Honey: ¼ cup.
- Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced.
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons.
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon.
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon.
- Green Onions: Chopped, for garnish.
- Sesame Seeds: For garnish.
Equipment Used
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the cornstarch and egg whites to create the batter.
- Deep Skillet or Wok: For frying the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Paper Towels: To drain the fried chicken pieces.
- Small Skillet: For making the honey garlic sauce.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Spatula: For stirring and tossing the chicken in the sauce.
- Serving Utensils: For serving the crispy honey garlic chicken.
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch and egg whites to create a batter. Add the chicken pieces and coat them evenly.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the honey garlic sauce until they are well coated. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice or vegetables.
Nutritional Information
Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is not only delicious but also provides a balanced meal. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. You can add different vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra flavor and nutrition. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter version, bake the chicken pieces instead of frying them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of meat? A: Yes, you can use other types of meat such as pork or shrimp for this recipe.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and toss it in the sauce.
Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free? A: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Pro Tips By Emma
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure they cook evenly and stay crispy.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the chicken immediately after tossing it in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the cornstarch and egg whites to create the batter.
- Deep Skillet or Wok: For frying the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Paper Towels: To drain the fried chicken pieces.
- Small Skillet: For making the honey garlic sauce.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Spatula: For stirring and tossing the chicken in the sauce.
- Serving Utensils: For serving the crispy honey garlic chicken.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 pound 450g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Cornstarch: ½ cup.
- Egg Whites: 2 egg whites.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying.
- Honey: ¼ cup.
- Garlic: 3 cloves garlic minced.
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons.
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon.
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon.
- Green Onions: Chopped for garnish.
- Sesame Seeds: For garnish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch and egg whites to create a batter. Add the chicken pieces and coat them evenly.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the honey garlic sauce until they are well coated. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice or vegetables.
Notes
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced garlic. Add Ginger: Incorporate freshly grated ginger into the sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Incorporate Citrus: Add a splash of fresh orange or lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, tangy twist.