20-Minute Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken
20-Minute Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken
This 20-Minute Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick, flavorful dinner made with tender chicken pieces coated in a golden, crispy crust and tossed in a sweet, savory, garlicky honey sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil, plus more if needed
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger, optional
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
For Garnishing:
- 1 tablespoon sliced green onions
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
How to Make Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken
1. Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Cut it into small, bite-sized pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly.
2. Season the chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Add the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Toss well to coat every piece with the seasoning.
3. Coat with cornstarch
Add the cornstarch and toss until each chicken piece is lightly and evenly coated. Shake off any excess coating. The cornstarch is what helps create that crisp, golden exterior.
4. Heat the pan
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the cooking oil. Allow the oil to become hot before adding the chicken. A hot pan helps the coating become crispy instead of soggy.
5. Cook the chicken
Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving a little space between them. Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, turning when the bottoms become golden brown. Work in batches if necessary so the pan doesn’t become overcrowded.
Cook until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Make the honey garlic sauce
While the chicken cooks, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, water, cornstarch, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth.
7. Add the sauce
Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the sauce into the skillet and gently toss the chicken to coat.
8. Let the sauce thicken
Cook for about 1–2 minutes, stirring gently. The sauce will quickly become glossy and slightly thick, clinging to the crispy chicken.
9. Garnish and serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and crispy.
Best Serving Ideas
Serve this honey garlic chicken with:
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Fried rice
- Stir-fried noodles
- Steamed broccoli
- Green beans
- Roasted vegetables
- A simple cucumber salad
Tips for Extra-Crispy Chicken
- Dry the chicken first: Excess moisture can prevent the coating from becoming crisp.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed.
- Use a hot skillet: This helps create a golden crust quickly.
- Add the sauce at the end: Tossing the chicken in the sauce too early can make the crispy coating soft.
- Serve immediately: The chicken is at its crispiest right after cooking.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat the chicken in a skillet or air fryer rather than the microwave. Keep in mind that the coating may not be quite as crispy after refrigeration.
Quick Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
This recipe delivers crispy chicken, sticky honey sweetness, savory soy sauce, and plenty of garlic in just 20 minutes—an easy weeknight dinner the whole family can enjoy.