Name: Chinese Crispy Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: PT-486227H26M4S
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 3 chicken breasts, sliced into long, thick strips; 240 ml (1 cup) buttermilk; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp white pepper; ¼ tsp garlic powder; 180 g (1 1/2 cups) plain (all-purpose) flour; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground black pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp celery salt; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp chilli flakes; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and minced; 1 fat clove of garlic, peeled and minced; 1 red chilli, finely chopped; 1 tsp lemongrass paste; 6 tbsp soy sauce; 4 tbsp honey; 4 tbsp brown sugar; Pinch of black pepper; Boiled rice; 2 spring onions/scallions, sliced into thin strips; 1 tsp sesame seeds; 1 tsp dried chilli flakes; Green stir-fried or steamed vegetables

Jump to Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for that perfect sweet, sticky, crispy chicken that’s better than takeout, you’re going to fall in love with Chinese Crispy Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce. Each bite brings golden, crunchy coating wrapped around juicy chicken, all enveloped in a glossy, garlicky honey sauce with just the right balance of heat and fragrant Asian flavors. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or treating yourself to a cozy weekend meal, this showstopper recipe transforms humble ingredients into a feast everyone will remember (and beg you to make again!).

Chinese Crispy Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

No fancy gadgets or impossible-to-find ingredients here—the real magic of this dish is how each component plays its own delicious part, from the buttermilk marinade that keeps your chicken tender to the aromatic punch of ginger, garlic, and honey. With the right handful of essentials, you’ll get restaurant-worthy results every time.

Chicken breasts: Sliced into long, thick strips (or chunks if you prefer), these are the perfect canvas for all that crispy coating and saucy goodness.
Buttermilk: Acts as both a tenderizer and flavor booster, keeping the chicken juicy all the way through.
Salt: Used in the marinade and coating for essential seasoning.
White pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity; a staple in Asian-inspired chicken dishes.
Garlic powder: Gives a savory depth to both the marinade and the crispy coating.
Plain (all-purpose) flour: Forms the base of the crunchy coating—don’t skip sifting it for an ultra-light texture.
Ground black pepper: Layers in gentle spice within the crispy coating.
Celery salt: Brings that extra layer of savory flavor to your coating—just a pinch does wonders.
Dried thyme: Infuses the coating with aromatic undertones you’ll taste in every bite.
Paprika: For both color and a gentle smokiness in each crispy piece.
Baking powder: The secret to that incredible crunch—it helps the coating puff and crisp up beautifully.
Chilli flakes: Add a flicker of heat that perfectly balances the sweet honey sauce.
Vegetable oil: Essential for deep-frying; choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
Ginger: Fresh, peeled, and minced for a zingy note in your honey garlic sauce.
Garlic: The garlicky heart of the dish—mince it finely to avoid harsh bites.
Red chilli: Adds fresh, fiery brightness to the sauce.
Lemongrass paste: Just a teaspoon takes your sauce to the next level with a hint of citrusy aroma.
Soy sauce: Brings rich savoriness and deep color to the honey garlic sauce.
Honey: For the signature sticky sweetness that glazes every crispy bite.
Brown sugar: Balances out the flavors, intensifying the caramel notes of the sauce.
Boiled rice: The perfect side to soak up every last drop of sauce.
Spring onions/scallions: Thinly sliced for a kick of freshness and color as garnish.
Sesame seeds: Pop them on top for a subtle nuttiness and a bit of crunch.
Dried chilli flakes: Sprinkle for extra heat and beautiful contrast on the plate.
Green stir-fried or steamed veg: Add on the side to complete your plate with balance and color.

How to Make Chinese Crispy Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

To kick things off, combine your chicken strips with buttermilk, salt, white pepper, and garlic powder. This bath not only infuses the meat with flavor but guarantees every piece stays ultra-tender after frying. Pop it all in the fridge, cover it up, and give it a minimum of 3 hours (up to 6 if you can plan ahead). Trust me, this hands-off step makes all the difference.

Step 2: Heat Oil and Prep Coating

As the chicken marinates, set up for frying by preheating your oven to low (for keeping that first batch of fried chicken warm). Fill a large pan no more than a third full with vegetable oil or get your deep fryer going. Test with a cube of bread; if it bubbles up fiercely and quickly, the oil’s ready. While you wait, assemble all the crispy coating ingredients in a bowl—this seasoned flour mixture will transform every chicken piece into crunchy magic.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Remove your marinated chicken from the fridge. Working piece by piece, dredge the chicken in your crispy coating mix, pressing well to get every nook covered. Place the coated strips in a single layer on a tray, so they’re ready to go straight into the hot oil. (Tip: Letting the coated chicken rest for a few minutes helps the crust stick even better.)

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Now for the fun part! Carefully add 4 to 5 pieces of chicken at a time into the hot oil—don’t crowd the pan, or you’ll lose that essential crunch. Fry for 3 to 5 minutes per batch, turning as needed, until each piece is gloriously golden and cooked through (no pink in the center). As they finish, transfer them to the oven so every bite is hot when you serve.

Step 5: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

When your last batch of chicken is almost done, pivot to the sauce! In a frying pan on medium heat, add the oil, followed by minced ginger, garlic, red chilli, and lemongrass paste. Sauté just long enough for the aromas to leap out—about 30 seconds. Next, stir in soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and a pinch of pepper. Bring that heavenly sauce up to a boil, lower the heat a little, and let it bubble away until it thickens and turns irresistibly glossy (about 5 minutes).

Step 6: Toss and Coat

Now, add your golden chicken into the bubbling honey garlic sauce. Give it all a good stir to make sure every crispy piece is thickly coated with the sticky, aromatic glaze. This is where Chinese Crispy Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce truly comes to life!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your chicken straight away, ideally over a fluffy mound of rice. Don’t forget to finish with a sprinkle of spring onions, sesame seeds, and extra dried chilli flakes for that restaurant-level wow on your dinner table. Add some green veggies on the side to round things out beautifully.

How to Serve Chinese Crispy Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect finish, don’t skip the garnish! A handful of fresh spring onion strips adds a bright, zesty crunch, while sesame seeds provide a gentle nuttiness. Sprinkle a few extra chilli flakes if you want to impress spice lovers—it all comes together for a dish that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

Chinese Crispy Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce pairs beautifully with simple, steamed jasmine rice or classic fried rice to catch every drop of that luscious sauce. Add a pile of stir-fried green veggies, like bok choy or green beans, for a fresh, colorful plate that feels complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your meal into a showstopper by serving the chicken in individual bowls, nestled in a “rice nest” with a vibrant array of veggies around the edge. Or create a sharing platter, piling the crispy chicken high and letting everyone drizzle on extra honey garlic sauce as they dig in. For parties, try skewering the coated chicken pieces on cocktail sticks for bite-sized, flavor-packed appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Chinese Crispy Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce (lucky you!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep any rice or veggies in separate containers for freshness.

Freezing

Crispy coated chicken can be frozen before being sauced! Lay cooked, unsauced chicken pieces on a tray and freeze until solid. Transfer them to freezer bags for up to 1 month. For the sauce, freeze it separately in a small container—just thaw and reheat when it’s time to eat.

Reheating

To get back some of that delightful crunch, reheat chicken in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 10–12 minutes, until crispy and hot. Warm the sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave, then toss them together just before serving. Avoid microwaving the coated chicken straight from the fridge—it’ll turn soggy!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be even juicier and can stand up to the hearty coating and sticky sauce. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since thigh pieces may require a little longer to cook through.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk in the marinade?

Yes! Mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’ll have a homemade buttermilk alternative that does the job beautifully.

Can I make Chinese Crispy Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce gluten-free?

Definitely. Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and double-check your soy sauce is gluten-free as well. The results will be just as satisfying!

What’s the best oil for frying the chicken?

Use a neutral, high-heat oil such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. Avoid olive oil as it has a lower smoke point and can affect the flavor of your Chinese Crispy Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce.

How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat?

The recipe has a gentle kick from red chilli and flakes, but it’s easy to dial up or down. For a milder dish, skip the extra chilli, or ramp it up with more flakes if you want serious heat. It’s all about making Chinese Crispy Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce your own!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making Chinese Crispy Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce at home—the comforting crunch, the sweet and savory sauce, and the little flourishes of garnish that bring your plate to life. It’s a meal that’s surprisingly easy yet impressive enough for any occasion. Gather your favorite people, give this recipe a go, and savor every bite!