If you’re craving a dish that’s crispy, sweet, and bursting with garlic flavor, look no further than this Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe. It’s a fantastic twist on classic fried chicken with a signature double coating that delivers irresistible crunch in every bite, paired with a luscious honey garlic sauce that perfectly balances sweet and savory. Whether you want a flavorful weeknight dinner or a dish that impresses your friends, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe relies on simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building the robust flavor and texture — from the crispy coating to the glossy honey garlic glaze.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: sliced into strips for easy breading and frying.
- 2 large eggs: used to help the flour coating stick perfectly to the chicken.
- 4 tablespoons water: mixed with eggs to create the batter-dip.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: the essential base for that crunchy crust.
- 4 teaspoons salt: elevates the flavor throughout the dish.
- 4 teaspoons black pepper: adds a sharp, fragrant heat.
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder: infuses savory garlic flavor even before the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons onion powder: gives subtle depth and warmth.
- 2 teaspoons paprika: adds color and a mild smoky note.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: creates extra puff and crunch in the coating.
- Oil for frying: choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: for sautéing garlic to build the sauce’s flavor.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: essential for that punchy honey garlic sauce.
- 1 cup honey: delivers irresistible sweetness to the glaze.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: brings umami and saltiness for balance.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: adds a final touch of spiciness to the sauce.
How to Make Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Strips
Begin by slicing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into even strips. This not only ensures quicker, uniform cooking but also helps the crunchy coating adhere nicely to every bite-sized piece.
Step 2: Mix Your Coatings
In one bowl, whisk together the eggs and water to create your wet mixture. In another, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and baking powder. This seasoned flour mix is the secret behind the incredible texture and flavor of the Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe.
Step 3: Double Dip the Chicken
Dip each chicken strip first into the flour mixture, then the egg wash, and once again into the flour. This double coating is key to achieving the signature crunchy crust that holds up beautifully once fried and sauced.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Heat enough oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to submerge the chicken strips halfway. Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pan, for about 4 to 5 minutes per side or until the coating turns a gorgeous golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Drain and Rest
Once fried, transfer the chicken strips onto paper towels to drain excess oil. This step ensures your Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe stays crispy and not greasy.
Step 6: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a separate saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about one minute until fragrant but not browned. Then stir in the honey, soy sauce, and black pepper. Let this simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and develops that sticky, shiny glaze.
Step 7: Toss and Coat
Finally, toss your perfectly fried chicken strips in the warm honey garlic sauce until completely coated. The sauce clings to the double-crunch coating delivering every bite with an amazing balance of texture and flavor.
Step 8: Serve Immediately
Serve your Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe right away so the crust stays supremely crunchy while bursting with sticky, flavorful sauce.
How to Serve Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper over the top for an added kick. You can also toss in some thinly sliced green onions or sesame seeds to add freshness and a delicate crunch contrast.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or crunchy coleslaw. You could also serve it alongside roasted veggies or garlic mashed potatoes to keep the meal fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken strips on skewers with extra sauce drizzled on top for an appetizer-style presentation. Alternatively, pile them on a slider bun with lettuce and pickles for a tasty sandwich version of the Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain maximum crispness, keep the sauce separate and toss the chicken strips in it just before serving again.
Freezing
Freeze cooked, cooled chicken strips in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Keep sauce aside in a sealed container. Frozen chicken will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat chicken strips in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore their double crunch. Warm the sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave and combine just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and flavor. Just slice them into strips of similar size to ensure even cooking and follow the same breading and frying process.
Is there a healthier way to make this recipe?
You can bake instead of fry the chicken strips to reduce the oil content. Use a wire rack on a baking sheet so the chicken crisps up nicely, and brush them lightly with oil before baking at 425°F (220°C) until golden and cooked through.
How do I make the sauce less sweet?
Simply reduce the amount of honey or balance it with a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice. Adjusting the soy sauce quantity can also help deepen the savory notes to balance sweetness.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes! The honey garlic sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently before tossing with freshly fried chicken for maximum flavor.
What oil is best for frying?
Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils prevent the chicken from tasting greasy or burnt while allowing the double crunch coating to fry to perfection.
Final Thoughts
This Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving time and time again because it hits every note: crispy texture, sweet and savory sauce, and lots of comforting garlic flavor. Trust me, once you make it, it’s going to be on regular rotation in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate—grab those ingredients and treat yourself to a meal that’s pure joy from the first crunch to the last sticky bite.
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Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings 1x
Description
Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken is a deliciously crispy fried chicken dish coated in a flavorful honey garlic sauce. The chicken is double-breaded for extra crunch and then tossed in a sweet and savory sauce with garlic, honey, and soy sauce, making it perfect for a satisfying dinner or appetizer.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 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
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, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: In one dish, whisk together 2 large eggs and 4 tablespoons of water. In a separate large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons salt, 4 teaspoons black pepper, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 2 tablespoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons paprika, and 2 teaspoons baking powder to create the dry coating mixture.
- Double Breading: Dip each chicken strip first into the flour mixture, then into the egg and water mixture, followed again by the flour mixture to ensure a double coating for extra crunch.
- Heat Oil for Frying: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat enough oil over medium-high heat to submerge the chicken strips partially and achieve a crispy fry.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry chicken strips in batches for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Once fried, place the chicken on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare Honey Garlic Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in 1 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-10 minutes until it slightly thickens and the flavors meld.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Add the fried chicken strips to the saucepan and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the honey garlic sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken immediately. Optionally garnish with additional black pepper for an extra hint of spice.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce to control the saltiness of the sauce.
- Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps maintain crispiness.
- Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil before tossing in sauce.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
