Imagine biting into a piece of chicken that is perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and bathed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. This is precisely what you get with double crunch honey garlic chicken. This recipe takes the beloved flavors of honey garlic chicken and elevates them with a unique double frying technique, giving the chicken an incredible crunch that pairs beautifully with its sticky, flavorful glaze. Originating from Asian-inspired cuisine, honey garlic chicken has become a favorite for many families seeking a delicious dinner option. It’s often served in restaurants and is popular for gatherings due to its mouthwatering taste and appealing presentation. Not only is it a great choice for weeknight meals, but it also impresses during dinner parties, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds! With each bite, you’ll discover why this recipe stands out, and you’ll be eager to share it with friends and family. The combination of textures and flavors in this dish captures the essence of comfort food while also embodying culinary sophistication.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on for maximum flavor and juiciness. The bone helps keep the meat moist during cooking, contributing to a tender bite that contrasts wonderfully with the crisp coating.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, which forms the crispy coating that gives the chicken its signature crunch. The type of flour used can impact the texture, so using unbleached flour is often recommended for the best results.
  • 1 cup cornstarch, essential for achieving that extra crunch in the coating; it helps create a light and crispy texture that elevates the overall dish. Cornstarch is a secret weapon in many Asian frying techniques.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder, which aids in puffing up the coating while frying, creating a lightness that makes each bite feel indulgent.
  • 1 teaspoon salt, to enhance the flavors of the chicken and seasoning; be sure to distribute it evenly across the flour mixture for uniform flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, for a slight kick that complements the sweetness of the sauce and adds depth to the flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder, to add depth and richness to the flavor profile of the chicken. Fresh garlic can also be used, but garlic powder ensures an even distribution of garlic flavor in the coating.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder, which pairs well with garlic and enhances the overall savory notes, rounding out the flavor experience.
  • 2 large eggs, providing the binding agent for the coating mixture. Eggs also help the flour adhere better to the chicken, ensuring that the crunch holds up during frying.
  • ½ cup water (or as needed), to adjust the consistency of the egg mixture for better coating. The amount may vary depending on humidity and the size of the eggs.
• For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
  • 1 cup honey, which gives the sauce its sweetness and a beautiful glaze that clings to the chicken. Use high-quality honey for a richer flavor; local honey can also add a unique taste.
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced, to bring a robust, aromatic flavor that is essential to the dish. The garlic should be fresh and finely minced to ensure it infuses properly into the sauce.
  • ⅓ cup soy sauce, adding a rich umami flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, which provides a tangy contrast and enhances the overall flavor profile, making the dish more complex and interesting.
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil, giving a nutty aroma and flavor that complements the honey garlic combination. Toasted sesame oil can add an additional depth of flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening), helping to achieve a glossy and thick sauce that adheres beautifully to the chicken. This step is crucial for the desired sticky finish.
• For Garnishing:
  • Chopped green onions, for a fresh and vibrant garnish that adds color and flavor. They can be added just before serving for a crisp texture.
  • Sesame seeds, toasted if possible, to provide an extra crunch and visual appeal; they add not only flavor but also a beautiful contrast against the golden chicken.

Steps / Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is essential to achieve a crispy texture, as excess moisture can lead to steaming rather than frying. Make sure to remove any excess skin or fat for a cleaner bite.
2. Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk together until well mixed, ensuring that all dry ingredients are evenly distributed to avoid clumping. You might want to sift the flour and cornstarch for an even lighter mixture.
3. Coat the Chicken: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add water to create a wet mixture. Dip each chicken thigh into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring a thorough coating. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well; this will give you the desired crunch. The more you press, the better the coating will adhere during frying.
4. First Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully place each chicken thigh into the hot oil and fry for about 8 minutes or until they are golden brown. Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature for consistency; maintaining the right temperature is key to achieving that crispy exterior. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil, which helps to maintain the crispiness.
5. Double Fry: Increase the heat to high, and once the oil is hot again, fry the chicken for an additional 3-4 minutes. This double frying technique creates an extra layer of crunch, ensuring that the coating is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. The golden brown color of the chicken will be your visual cue for doneness.
6. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the garlic to infuse its flavor into the sauce. Watch closely to prevent the garlic from burning; it should become fragrant and slightly softened.
7. Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the sauce while whisking continuously. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. This step is crucial to creating the sticky texture that will coat the chicken perfectly, ensuring that every piece is coated evenly.
8. Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken is double-fried, place it in a large bowl and pour the honey garlic sauce over the top. Toss gently until the chicken is evenly coated, ensuring each piece is generously covered with the sauce. The interplay of the sauce and crispy chicken is what makes double crunch honey garlic chicken so irresistible.
9. Serve: Transfer the coated chicken to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor. The contrast of the vibrant green onions against the golden chicken makes for an inviting presentation. Consider serving with a side of steamed rice or sautéed vegetables to round out the meal.

Tips & Tricks

For the best results, consider the following tips: You can learn more about this topic.

• Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Fresh garlic and pure honey will enhance the sauce’s taste. When selecting soy sauce, opt for a low-sodium variety to better control the saltiness of the dish. Pay attention to the freshness of your ingredients, as they significantly affect the final flavor.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can marinate the chicken in the flour mixture a few hours ahead. Just coat and fry it when you’re ready to serve. This can save time, especially on busy weeknights or when preparing for a gathering. Just ensure that the chicken stays refrigerated until it’s time to cook.
• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To retain crispiness, reheat the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy; an oven or air fryer is always the better option for reheating fried foods.
• Common Mistakes: Avoid overcrowding the frying pan, which can lead to uneven cooking and soggy chicken. Fry in batches if necessary to maintain the temperature of the oil. Another common mistake is not allowing the oil to reheat properly between fries; this can result in greasy or undercooked chicken.
• Pro Technique: For extra crunch, consider a third frying at a lower temperature to crisp up the coating without cooking the chicken further. This additional step can enhance the texture and create an even more satisfying crunch, ensuring that each piece maintains that sought-after crispiness even after sitting for a few minutes.

Conclusion

With its irresistible crunch and delightful sweet-savory flavor, double crunch honey garlic chicken is a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Perfect for easy weeknight meals or special occasions, this dish is not just comfort food; it’s sure to be a hit at any dinner gathering. The combination of techniques used ensures that each bite is a delightful experience, from the flavor-packed chicken to the glossy sauce. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this fantastic dish that brings the best of Asian-inspired cuisine to your table. Check out our related guide for more tips. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your results, as we love hearing about your culinary adventures! Don’t forget to savor the crunch, as it’s a hallmark of this delectable dish!

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DOUBLE CRUNCH HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN

Recipe by Ab sef

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: Asian Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 4-6 +

⏱️

Prep Time

30 min

🍳

Cook Time

20 min

🔥

Calories

450 kcal

Imagine biting into a piece of chicken that is perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and bathed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. This recipe takes the beloved flavors of honey garlic chicken and elevates them with a unique double frying technique, giving the chicken an incredible crunch that pairs beautifully with its sticky, flavorful glaze.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup water (or as needed)
• 1 cup honey
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (toasted, for garnish)

Directions

1.

Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

2.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until well mixed.

3.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add water to create a wet mixture. Dip each chicken thigh into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the flour mixture.

4.

Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry each chicken thigh for about 8 minutes until golden brown.

5.

Increase the heat to high and fry the chicken for an additional 3-4 minutes for double crunch.

6.

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring to a gentle simmer.

7.

Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce while whisking continuously. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

8.

Once the chicken is double-fried, place it in a large bowl and pour the honey garlic sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat.

9.

Transfer the coated chicken to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 450 kcal