Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers maximum crunch and flavor in every bite. The double dredging in seasoned flour and egg wash creates a beautifully crispy crust that stays crunchy even after the sauce is added. The honey garlic sauce is the perfect balance of sweetness, garlic punch, and umami from the soy sauce. Plus, it’s straightforward to prepare with simple pantry ingredients and cooks up in under an hour.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 4 tablespoons cornstarch

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 2 teaspoons black pepper

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 2 large eggs

• 4 tablespoons water

• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup honey

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. I start by flattening the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.

2. In a large bowl, I mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

3. In another bowl, I whisk the eggs with water to create the egg wash.

4. Each chicken breast gets dredged first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dipped into the egg wash, and finally coated again with the flour mixture, pressing it in well to create that thick crust.

5. I heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, I fry the chicken breasts for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until they’re crispy, golden, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After frying, I drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.

6. For the sauce, I heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, I stir in honey, soy sauce, and black pepper, letting it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly thickens.

7. I drizzle the honey garlic sauce generously over the crispy chicken before serving. Alternatively, I serve the sauce on the side as a dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Calories per serving: 630 kcal

Variations

• I sometimes add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

• Using boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts adds extra juiciness.

• For a lighter version, I bake the chicken instead of frying, though it won’t be as crispy.

• Tossing in some toasted sesame seeds on top adds a nice nutty crunch.

• I’ve paired this chicken with steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad for a balanced meal.

storage/reheating

I store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, I warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F until crispy again, then drizzle with reheated sauce on top or serve the sauce warmed on the side.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay juicy. Adjust cooking time as thighs may need a bit longer.

How do I keep the chicken crispy after adding the sauce?

I like to drizzle the sauce just before serving or serve it on the side to keep the crust crispy.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

I can bread the chicken in advance and refrigerate it, then fry just before serving for the best texture.

What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work well due to their high smoke points.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

By substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free soy sauce, I can make it gluten-free.

Conclusion

Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect balance of crispy, crunchy coating and sticky, flavorful sauce that never fails to impress. Whether I’m making it for a cozy dinner or sharing with friends, this dish is always a hit. It’s indulgent, delicious, and easy enough to make any night of the week.