No need for takeout or delivery! This Honey garlic chicken is easy to make and tastes fresher and better than from a restaurant. Crisp chicken pieces are drenched in a sweet, spicy, and garlicky sauce for an Asian-inspired dish you'll love with steamed rice.
The chicken tapa and the toyomansi pork chops recipes we have on the blog are just a few examples of how a simple swap of ingredients can mean a delightful whole new dish to enjoy. Both were marinated in the same mixture of soy sauce, citrus juice, and garlic, and yet each is a whole new experience for the palate.
Another great example is this honey garlic chicken.
One regular on our dinner rotation is a salmon (recipe on my other blog) marinated in honey, soy sauce, and garlic. I love how easily the fish comes together super moist and flavorful using staple ingredients I already have in the pantry.
I thought I'd re-create the same medley of flavors using chicken, and I am glad to report it turned out beautifully!
Most of the work in this recipe is velveting the chicken by coating the pieces in cornstarch slurry and deep-frying until golden. This technique keeps the meat juicy and tender and adds a light, crisp coat.
Quick tips
To make slicing easier, freeze the chicken breast for a few minutes until slightly firm. Cut across the grain for a tender chew.
Serving suggestions
Enjoy honey garlic chicken as a main dish for lunch or dinner. Serve with steamed rice and stir-fry noodles for a hearty Chinese take-out meal at home.
Storing leftovers
Keep in a container with a lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat to an internal temperature of 165 F, adding a splash of water if needed. Or warm up in the microwave at 2 to 3-minute intervals until heated through.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thigh or breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ยผ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- canola oil
- green onions, chopped
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- ยฝ cup honey
- ยผ cup light soy sauce
- juice from 1 lime
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and grated
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken, soy sauce, and Chinese cooking wine. Marinate in the refrigerator for about 20 to 30 minutes. Drain chicken, discarding liquid.
- In a bowl, combine egg whites and cornstarch. Whisk together until well-blended and frothy. Add chicken and mix to fully coat.
- In a thick-bottomed, deep pan over medium heat, heat about 2-inches deep of oil.
- Add chicken pieces one at a time to prevent from lumping together. Deep-fry for about 5 to 6 minutes or until golden, stirring as needed. Cook chicken in batches, DO NOT OVERCROWD pan.
- With a slotted spoon, remove from heat and drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, combine honey garlic sauce ingredients: honey, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, Sriracha sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk together until well-blended.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat the sauce mixture until bubbly. Add chicken and gently toss until coated with sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- To make slicing easier, freeze the chicken breast for a few minutes until slightly firm.
- Cut across the grain for a tender chew.
Nutrition Information
โThis website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.โ
Sheena Jose says
Hi! I really wanted to try this recipe but I couldn't find chinese cooking wine, I wonder which alternative I can use for it. Thank you so much
Lalaine Manalo says
You use dry sherry as an alternative ๐
Wolfgang Puck says
I would have added corn starch to the sauce and one and a half times it. Then added some sesame seeds and young pea pods right before serving.
Lalaine Manalo says
Feel free to add them if you like ๐
Nana says
where to buy Chinese cooking wine? what is the productโs brand name? Does it say Chinese cooking wine on the label or rice wine? Walmart in my town doesnโt have it. I like to try this with Chinese cooking wine. Can u buy Sherrie wine at Walmart?
Lalaine Manalo says
I buy mine from Asian supermarkets. It's called Shao Xing. You can use dry sherry if you can't find Chinese wine.
Dustin says
Hi is there any substitute for the chinese cooking wine? There's no available here in Saudi of such wine. Thanks.
Lalaine says
Hello Dustin,
You can try dry white wine or apple juice, if you prefer non-alcoholic. The flavor is not quite the same but acceptable substitutes. ๐
Susi says
Well, honestly, this is the absolute first time I've subscribed to anyone's foodblog. Wow! That's all I have to say. I absolutely love your writing, and although I haven't tried any of the recipes as yet, as a not-so-bad-myself home chef, I can already tell you the dishes are delicious. Do know you'll be seeing my comments on here often. Saludos, from Honduras.
Lalaine Manalo says
Wow, Susi! Your comment just made my day! Thank you so much.
Ce says
Can you marinade 24hrs or is that too long?
Lalaine Manalo says
Marinading the meat for too long might break down the proteins and make the texture mushy.
Andrew says
Hi I made this tonight is the chicken supposed to have a batter on it , I followed the recipie?
Lalaine Manalo says
The chicken doesn't have a thick coating. The cornstarch and egg whites are for "velveting" the meat to keep them juicy and tender.
Therese says
Hi! Can I use a lemon instead of lime?
Lalaine says
Yes ๐
Therese says
Thanks for the reply Ms. Lalaine! Super loved your recipes โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ
Lalaine Manalo says
Thank you so much!
Lea A. says
I have never cooked in my entire life and today I mustered up the courage to try and make this. I added potatoes and stupidly forgot the lime, but it still turned out tasty and was a hit with my brother. Thank you so much for sharing recipes that are very easy to follow. I feel very proud of myself today.
Lalaine says
Awww, thank you for sharing. I am so glad to be a part of your kitchen adventures, happy to know the recipe worked well for you ๐
Jael Generoso says
Yummy! my family and I liked it. Thanks!!!
Lalaine says
Yey! I am glad they enjoyed it ๐
Irina says
I just made this with chicken thighs and drumsticks with the skin on and it was really good too.
Lalaine says
What a great idea! Thanks for the feedback, Irina. ๐
Beverly says
Loved it. Added a little ginger to the sauce, otherwise followed the recipe. Delicious way better than take out!
Lalaine says
Thanks for the feedback, Beverly. I am glad you enjoyed it ๐
Starlene says
You could probably use chicken stock as well.
Barbara Magsipoc says
Hi Lalaine,
Where can we buy Sriracha sauce? Looks easy to make and delicious..
Lalaine says
They are available in most Asian supermarkets or even most major chains like Walmart of Target. If you can't find it, substitute dried chili pepper flakes for a little bit of spice ๐
Nina says
Any alternatives on chinese cooking wine? Thanks!
Lalaine says
You can use sherry wine ๐
michael says
it sounds very nice and easy to make
Lalaine says
Thanks, I hope you give it a try ๐