If you’re craving the ultimate marriage of crispy texture and sweet-savory flavor, Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken is about to be your newest obsession. This irresistible chicken dish boasts a shatteringly crunchy exterior wrapped around juicy, perfectly cooked chicken, all bathed in a sticky, garlicky honey sauce that you’ll want to drizzle over absolutely everything. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to wow guests—get ready for a plate-licking experience that truly lives up to its name!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every single ingredient in this Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken recipe serves a purpose, from creating that famously crunchy crust to building a sauce that’s lick-the-bowl delicious. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick prep and even cooking—plus, they soak up all the flavors beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour: Creates the base of the crispy coating, giving the chicken a sturdy crunch.
- Cornstarch: The secret to that ultra-light, airy, delicately crisp crust—team this with flour for serious crunch power.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the coating and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Black Pepper: Gives a subtle, peppery bite that keeps the chicken from tasting flat.
- Paprika: Offers both warmth and a pop of golden color to the crust, making every bite more appealing.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the coating with unmistakable garlicky depth—an absolute must!
- Onion Powder: Adds a mellow, savory foundation that complements the garlic perfectly.
- Cayenne Pepper: A little goes a long way—it kicks in a gentle heat that balances the sweet sauce.
- Eggs: Help the breading stick and lend richness to the final crust—don’t skip them.
- Milk: Loosens up the egg mixture, ensuring even coating and a tender bite.
- Vegetable Oil: With its high smoke point, this is ideal for frying the chicken to golden perfection.
- Honey: The star sweetener in the sauce, bringing sticky, glossy allure to every piece.
- Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic guarantees that signature, heady aroma in the sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth and a touch of umami—perfect with sweet honey.
- Water: Just enough to thin the sauce as it simmers and thickens.
- Cornstarch (for sauce): Helps the sauce become lusciously thick and clingy.
How to Make Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken for Maximum Crunch
Start by laying each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap and pounding gently until they’re an even thickness—this guarantees even cooking and a juicy result. If the breasts are very large, slice them in half for perfectly portioned pieces that get crispy right through.
Step 2: Mix Up Your Crunchy Breading
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. This aromatic blend gives the chicken serious crunch and flavor in every bite. Make sure the dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed so each piece gets a fair share of seasoning.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the milk until smooth. This silky bath is the secret glue that adheres all that lovely seasoned breading to the chicken. Don’t rush this step—whisking until no streaks remain is key for a consistent coating.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture first, making sure it’s well coated, then press it firmly into the flour mix, turning to completely cover all sides. For the signature Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken effect, press the breading on tightly—don’t be shy!
Step 5: Fry Until Deeply Golden and Crunchy
Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to a depth of about an inch and heat over medium heat. Working in batches, add the breaded chicken and fry for 4 to 5 minutes per side until each piece is golden brown and the center is cooked through (aim for 165°F if you have a thermometer). Set the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to keep it extra crisp.
Step 6: Simmer the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, garlic, and soy sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat—your kitchen will smell amazing! Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then whisk into the simmering sauce. Keep stirring until it thickens and becomes glossy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 7: Drizzle and Serve
Arrange your hot, double-crunchy chicken on a serving platter and immediately drizzle over the warm honey garlic sauce. Or, if you love an extra sticky coating, toss the chicken directly in the sauce before serving. Get ready for that first glorious bite!
How to Serve Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, shower your Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, thinly sliced green onions, or toasted sesame seeds. These little touches add not only bright color but an extra layer of freshness and nutty flavor to every plate.
Side Dishes
This crave-worthy chicken is right at home next to steaming jasmine rice, fluffy mashed potatoes, or a medley of stir-fried veggies. For an easygoing weeknight, pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli to balance the meal with some light, vibrant crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, slice the Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken into strips and serve it over rice bowls or stuffed into wraps with crunchy slaw. Hosting a party? Skewer bite-sized pieces and set out as a finger food with extra sauce for dipping—guests will love every sticky, crispy morsel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers. The breaded chicken will keep its crunch best when it’s not soaked in sauce; refrigerate for up to 3 days and assemble just before enjoying again.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken! Place the cooled, unsauced fried chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Freeze the cooled sauce separately in a small container.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat frozen or refrigerated chicken in a 375°F oven or air fryer until hot and crunchy—about 10 to 15 minutes for thawed pieces. Warm the honey garlic sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, then drizzle it over the hot chicken and enjoy as if it were freshly made!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be even juicier than breasts, just adjust the cooking time as needed since they may be slightly thicker.
Is there a gluten-free option for Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken?
Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour and cornstarch with gluten-free counterparts, and check that your soy sauce is gluten-free as well. The results are still super crunchy and delicious.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
While the signature crunch is best from frying, you can bake the chicken: place breaded pieces on a wire rack over a baking sheet, spritz with cooking spray, and bake at 425°F until golden and cooked through, about 20–25 minutes.
How spicy is Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken?
The recipe delivers just a gentle heat from the cayenne pepper—nothing overwhelming. If you’re sensitive to spice, use a bit less cayenne; if you love it hotter, add more to taste!
Can I make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Warm it up before serving, and give it a good stir to restore its smooth texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as making your own perfectly crispy, saucy chicken dinner at home, and this Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken really delivers. I can’t wait for you to take your first bite because I know it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, too. Happy cooking and enjoy every crunchy, sticky, garlicky bite!
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Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken recipe features crispy fried chicken breasts coated in a flavorful honey garlic sauce. The chicken is double-dipped for an extra crunchy texture and then tossed in a sweet and savory sauce that’s sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- vegetable oil for frying
Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Pound and Prep Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness and cut into halves if large.
- Prepare Coating: Whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.
- Egg Wash: Whisk eggs with milk in a bowl. Dip chicken in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.
- Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Sauce: Simmer honey, garlic, and soy sauce in a saucepan. Thicken with water and cornstarch.
- Coat Chicken: Drizzle or toss fried chicken with warm honey garlic sauce.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double dip the chicken for a second coating.
- Pair with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Use a thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F internally.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
