Double-Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken
Double-Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken features crispy, golden-brown chicken coated in a flavorful double layer that delivers an unbeatable crunch. Topped with a luscious, sticky honey garlic glaze, this dish perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or special gatherings, it’s loved by all ages and holds up well for meal prep.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF version)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Frying and Garnish
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional garnish)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- Prep and Pound the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken pieces and pound them to an even thickness. This ensures uniform cooking and tender meat while achieving a perfect crispy coating.
- First Coating with Flour: Lightly season the flour with salt and pepper, then dredge each chicken piece thoroughly in the flour. This dry layer helps the egg wash adhere better in the next step.
- Dip in Egg Wash: Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl. Dip each floured chicken piece into the egg wash completely. This sticky layer is essential for the panko breadcrumbs to cling and create the signature double crunch.
- Coat with Panko Breadcrumbs: Press the chicken pieces firmly into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. Take care to pack the crumbs well to maximize crunchiness.
- Frying to Golden Perfection: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each piece about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: While frying, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar in a small saucepan. Gently heat until the sauce thickens slightly, then remove from heat.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the warm honey garlic sauce over the crispy chicken or toss the chicken in the sauce in the pan for even coverage. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Use pounded chicken for even cooking and tenderness.
- Do not skip the double coating (flour then egg) for best crunch.
- Maintain oil temperature at medium-high to avoid greasy or undercooked chicken.
- Make the sauce fresh with minced garlic and gentle heat for optimal flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crispiest texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Double Crust Chicken, Sticky Sauce Chicken, Comfort Food, Asian Chicken, Gluten-Free Chicken