Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight
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.
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
To elevate your Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken recipe, consider these enhancements:
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.
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.