Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken
Equipment
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Frying Pan
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Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
Chicken & Coating
- 4 boneless skin-on chicken thighs, see note
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
Sauce
- 6 –8 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp water
Optional Garnishes
- Cucumbers
Instructions
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Finely mince the garlic. In a bowl, combine cornstarch and a pinch of salt. Coat the chicken thighs evenly and set aside.
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Heat a splash of neutral oil in a pan over medium. Place the thighs skin-side down and cook about 5 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove the chicken and discard some excess oil if there’s a lot.
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In the same pan, add the minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, sugar, and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce reduces and becomes a glossy glaze.
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Return the chicken to the pan and toss or spoon the glaze over each piece until well coated.
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Slice the chicken into strips and serve over steamed rice. Add thinly sliced cucumbers for freshness and extra sauce if desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
The Chicken That Never Lets Me Down: Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken!
No matter how tired I am, crispy chicken brightens my day. This recipe skips a heavy batter and uses a light cornstarch coating on boneless skin-on thighs to build a golden, crunchy crust. The honey garlic glaze is simple but powerful — pour it over the crispy chicken, slice it over rice, and add cucumber for brightness.
The Sticky, Sweet, Garlicky Sauce You’ll Want on Everything
The sauce uses soy sauce, honey, a little sugar, water, and lots of garlic. Simmered briefly, it reduces into a shiny glaze that clings to the chicken. The balance of sweet and salty plus the garlic makes it irresistible — I often spoon extra over rice.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skin-on chicken thighs (about 16 oz)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
- Neutral oil, for searing
For the Sauce:
- 6–8 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp water
Optional Garnish:
- Thinly sliced cucumbers
How to Make Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken
Finely mince the garlic. Combine cornstarch and salt in a bowl, then coat each thigh on both sides.
Heat a pan over medium with a splash of oil. Place the chicken skin-side down and sear 5 minutes, then flip and cook another 5 minutes until both sides are golden and crisp. Remove and set aside.
Pour off excess oil if needed. Add the garlic, soy sauce, honey, sugar, and water to the pan. Simmer 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glaze.
Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat thoroughly in the glaze.
Slice into strips and serve over steamed rice. Add cucumbers for crunch and brush with extra sauce if you like.
Tips & Variations
Use skin-on thighs: They stay juicy and crisp up nicely.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give each piece room to sear so it crisps instead of steams.
Add more garlic if you love it: The sauce handles extra cloves well.
Add heat: Chili flakes or a dash of sriracha give a spicy kick.
Make it a bowl: Serve over rice with sliced cucumbers for freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes. Keep the skin on if possible and reduce cook time slightly since breasts are leaner.
Is cornstarch necessary?
It helps form a light crust and gives the sauce something to cling to. If you skip it, pat the chicken very dry before searing.
Will it stay crispy when reheated?
The skin will soften a bit, but reheating in a pan or oven helps regain some texture better than the microwave.
Can I bake or air fry instead?
Yes. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–14 minutes or bake at 425°F (220°C) until golden. Add the glaze after cooking.
Try These Next
- For another sweet-savory option, try Korean fried chicken tenders.
- For a quick comfort meal, try garlic butter chicken.
- If you want more heat, try peanut chili oil noodles.