If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy textures with a luscious, sweet-savory glaze, then you are about to fall in love with the Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe. This recipe brings together juicy chicken strips enveloped in a satisfyingly crunchy coating and drenched in a sticky honey garlic sauce that makes every bite a burst of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress and delight with its aromatic, vibrant, and heartwarming appeal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe starts with simple, easy-to-find ingredients that each play an essential role. From the crispy coating to the glossy sauce, every component adds texture, depth, or color that makes the dish pop.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced into strips, they form the tender and juicy core of the dish.
- 2 large eggs: Whisked with water to help the coating stick perfectly to the chicken.
- 4 tablespoons water: Lightens the egg wash for better adhesion without overpowering flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the crunchy coating, providing that signature crispness.
- 4 teaspoons salt: Enhances overall flavor and seasons the coating thoroughly.
- 4 teaspoons black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and aromatic kick to the crust and sauce.
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder: Pours in extra garlicky goodness to the crunchy exterior.
- 2 tablespoons onion powder: Balances the garlic and deepens the savory notes.
- 2 teaspoons paprika: Gives a warm, smoky undertone and beautiful color to the coating.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Key to achieving that extra light and airy crunch on the chicken.
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to achieve a perfect, golden fry.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the garlic in the sauce, adding richness.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with its bright and pungent flavor.
- 1 cup honey: Provides that sweet, luscious glaze that makes the chicken irresistible.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Brings salty umami complexity to balance the honey’s sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Finishes the sauce with a subtle pungent warmth.
How to Make Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by slicing your chicken breasts into even strips. This helps the pieces cook quickly and uniformly, giving you that perfect bite every time. Having consistent pieces is also important so each strip gets coated evenly in the layers of flour and egg wash.
Step 2: Mix Your Coatings
Whisk together the eggs and water in one shallow dish—this will be your wet coating. In another bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and baking powder. The baking powder is a secret weapon here, working its magic to make your breading ultra-light and crunchy.
Step 3: Double Dredge for Maximum Crunch
For that signature double crunch, dip each chicken strip first into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and back into the flour mixture. This double dip ensures a thick, crispy coating that stays perfectly intact during frying.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat your frying oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken strips in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Each batch should take about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Once golden brown and cooked through, set the chicken on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step gives you the delightfully crisp exterior you’re after.
Step 5: Whip Up the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about a minute to release its heavenly aroma. Then add the honey, soy sauce, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens just enough to coat the chicken beautifully.
Step 6: Combine and Coat
Finally, toss your fried chicken strips in the thickened honey garlic sauce until every nook and cranny is luxuriously coated. This is where the magic really happens—the crunchy and sticky textures come together into pure bliss.
How to Serve Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or chopped green onions adds a fresh burst of color and a touch of sharpness that complements the rich honey garlic glaze. Toasted sesame seeds also make a beautiful and tasty garnish.
Side Dishes
Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to soak up every last drop of sauce. For a lighter side, a crunchy Asian slaw or steamed broccoli bring vibrant colors and balance to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this chicken atop a bed of noodles drizzled with extra sauce for a noodle bowl that is both comforting and elegant. For casual gatherings, stack the chicken strips on a platter with small ramekins of extra honey garlic sauce or spicy mayo for dipping and sharing joyfully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The juicy chicken remains delicious for up to three days, but keep the sauce separate if you want to maintain the best crunch before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken strips in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. This helps prevent them from sticking together. Frozen chicken lasts up to a month and can be reheated directly from frozen for convenience.
Reheating
To revive the crunch and warmth, reheat your chicken in a 350°F oven for around 10 minutes or until crispy and heated through. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the delightful texture, or re-coat with fresh sauce afterward for a saucier experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer a juicier texture and richer flavor that works beautifully with this recipe. Just keep the pieces similarly sized for even cooking.
Is it possible to bake instead of fry?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Coat as usual, place chicken strips on a greased rack over a baking sheet, and bake at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The crunch won’t be quite as intense but still delicious.
How can I make the sauce less sweet?
Simply reduce the honey slightly and add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice to add brightness and balance out the sweetness without losing the overall flavor profile.
What oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like peanut, canola, or vegetable oil. These oils let the chicken fry to golden perfection without imparting unwanted flavors.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the honey garlic sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat gently before tossing with the fried chicken to keep that perfect balance of warm sauce and crunchy chicken.
Final Thoughts
The Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its addictive combination of crispiness and sticky-sweet garlicky goodness makes it a guaranteed winner at any meal. I truly encourage you to try it out soon—once you do, this recipe will no doubt become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire, inviting smiles and satisfied sighs every time.
Print
Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken recipe features crispy fried chicken strips coated in a flavorful honey garlic sauce. The chicken is double-dredged in a seasoned flour mixture and eggs to create an extra crunchy texture, then fried to golden perfection. Tossed in a sweet and savory garlic-infused honey soy glaze, this dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner that combines crispiness with a sticky, delicious sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 4 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Oil for frying (enough for deep skillet frying)
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the boneless skinless chicken breasts into strips to ensure even cooking and allow for easy dipping and frying.
- Mix Coating Ingredients: In one dish, whisk together eggs and water to create an egg wash. In another large bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and baking powder to make the seasoned flour coating.
- Double Dredge the Chicken: Dip each chicken strip first into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and again back into the flour mixture. This double coating process creates an extra crunchy crust once fried.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Pour enough oil into a deep skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until hot enough for frying, approximately 350°F (177°C) if using a thermometer.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the coated chicken strips in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare Honey Garlic Sauce: In a separate saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to prevent bitterness.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in honey, soy sauce, and black pepper into the garlic oil. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly, intensifying the flavors.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Place the fried chicken strips in a large bowl and pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the sticky sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the honey garlic chicken hot, optionally garnished with additional black pepper or chopped green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature is maintained to avoid greasy chicken; use a thermometer if possible.
- Double dredging creates extra crunch but can be adjusted for lighter coating if preferred.
- The sauce can be adjusted in sweetness or saltiness by altering honey and soy sauce quantities.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated and reheated but is best freshly fried for maximum crispiness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
