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Crispy Honey Garlic Chinese Chicken Recipe with Easy Ginger Scallion Oil

crispy honey garlic chicken - featured image

A crispy, juicy chicken dish coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze and brightened with fresh ginger scallion oil. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (canola or peanut oil recommended)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for ginger scallion oil)
  • 3 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (for ginger scallion oil)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken thighs into 1.5-inch bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  3. Beat eggs in a separate bowl until smooth.
  4. Dip each chicken piece in the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the flour-cornstarch mixture. Shake off excess gently.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F (175°C), about 1-2 inches deep.
  6. Fry chicken in batches for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
  7. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
  8. Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil until shimmering but not smoking. Place white scallions, grated ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a heatproof bowl. Pour hot oil over the mixture, stir, and let cool slightly.
  9. Place fried chicken in a large bowl and toss quickly with the honey garlic sauce to coat.
  10. Arrange coated chicken on a platter, drizzle with ginger scallion oil, and scatter green scallion parts on top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F for crispiness. Fry in small batches to avoid soggy chicken. Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour and use tamari instead of soy sauce. Serve immediately after tossing in sauce to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, crispy chicken, Chinese chicken recipe, ginger scallion oil, easy dinner, weeknight meal