Why You’ll Love Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken — Quick and Easy Recipe
This recipe delivers perfectly crispy chicken with a rich honey-garlic glaze that’s sweet, savory, and irresistible. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and is flexible enough to pair with rice, noodles, or wraps for a complete meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chicken:
chicken thighs skin on
soy sauce
oyster sauce
garlic powder
salt
black pepper
cornstarch
oil for pan-frying
For the glaze:
butter
fresh garlic
soy sauce
honey
optional dried parsley for garnish
Directions
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Prepare the chicken: debone if needed but keep the skin on, wash and pat dry. Optionally score the meat side for even cooking.
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In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes.
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Lightly coat each piece with cornstarch, shaking off excess.
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Heat oil in a pan over low-medium heat, place chicken skin side down, and fry until golden and crispy (about 4–5 minutes per side).
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Remove the chicken and set aside. Pour out excess oil. Melt butter, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then stir in honey and soy sauce and simmer until slightly thickened.
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Return chicken to the pan and coat with the glaze. Garnish with dried parsley if desired and serve.
Servings and timing
Serves: 2
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze.
• Citrus honey garlic: Stir in a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
• Air fryer method: After coating with cornstarch, cook in an air fryer at 200°C (390°F) for 12–15 minutes until crisp.
• Sesame finish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the glazed chicken for texture.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3–4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep the exterior crispy, adding a little water or extra sauce if needed to loosen the glaze.
FAQs
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Chicken thighs with the skin on are recommended because the skin crisps beautifully while keeping the meat juicy.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts may dry out faster. Adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Do I have to marinate the chicken?
Marinating adds flavor but you can skip it in a pinch; the coating and glaze will still be tasty.
Is oyster sauce necessary?
Oyster sauce adds depth and umami, but you can substitute with hoisin sauce if needed.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free to adapt the dish.
How do I keep the chicken extra crispy?
Serve immediately after pan-frying before adding the glaze, or reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can marinate the chicken ahead of time, but fry and glaze just before serving for best texture.
What should I serve with this honey garlic chicken?
Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, noodles, or even tortillas make great accompaniments.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before starting the recipe for even cooking.
How sweet is the sauce?
The sauce is mildly sweet from the honey with savory notes from the soy and butter, balanced but not overly sugary.
Conclusion
This quick and easy honey garlic crispy chicken offers a delightful combination of crispy skin, juicy meat, and a sweet garlic glaze that elevates a simple dinner into something special. With minimal prep and common ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a satisfying, flavorful meal.
