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Double-Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken

Double-Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken

Double-Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken is a crispy and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in two crunchy layers and glazed with a perfectly balanced honey-garlic sauce. This versatile recipe is simple to prepare at home, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, snacks, or party appetizers. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a luscious glaze that complements the irresistible crunch, pleasing both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Coating

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or rice flour for gluten-free option)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)

Honey Garlic Sauce

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil (for frying; use high smoke point oil like canola or peanut oil)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut into bite-sized pieces if desired for easier frying. Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
  2. Coat with flour: Place flour in a shallow bowl. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off any excess to help the egg wash adhere better and add to the initial crunch.
  3. Dip in egg wash: Beat the eggs thoroughly in a separate bowl. Dip each floured chicken piece into the egg, fully coating it to prepare for the breadcrumb layer.
  4. Coat with panko breadcrumbs: Transfer the chicken pieces from the egg wash into a bowl of panko breadcrumbs. Press lightly to ensure the crumbs stick evenly, creating the signature double crunch.
  5. Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully add the chicken pieces, frying for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper-towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
  6. Make the honey garlic sauce: In a small saucepan, combine minced garlic, honey, and soy sauce. Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly and garlic softens, becoming fragrant.
  7. Toss chicken in sauce: Place the fried chicken in a large bowl. Pour the warm honey garlic sauce over the chicken and gently toss to coat every piece evenly with the flavorful glaze.
  8. Serve immediately: Serve while still hot to enjoy the best crispy texture and the full impact of the sweet-savory sauce.

Notes

  • Dry chicken thoroughly before coating to improve adherence and crunchiness.
  • Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor in the sauce.
  • Fry chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and maintain oil temperature.
  • Coat chicken just before frying to prevent panko breadcrumbs from becoming soggy.
  • Simmer the sauce longer if you desire a thicker, glossier glaze that clings better.
  • For gluten-free preparation, substitute flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
  • Baking option: bake coated chicken at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway for crispiness.
  • Store leftover chicken separately from the sauce to maintain crunch; refrigerate up to 3 days.
  • Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) up to 1 month; thaw before reheating.
  • Reheat in an oven or air fryer to revive crispiness; warm sauce separately before tossing.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken, honey garlic chicken, double crunch chicken, honey garlic glaze, fried chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken, party appetizers, family-friendly chicken, sweet and savory chicken