If you’re searching for that perfect mix of crispy, sticky, sweet, and savory, the Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish boasts irresistibly crunchy chicken strips enveloped in a luscious honey garlic sauce that hits all the right flavor notes. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight meal or impressing friends at your next dinner, this recipe delivers a satisfying crunch and a burst of garlicky sweetness that keeps everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple you want to make over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create layers of texture and flavor. Each element plays a vital role, from the spices in the crispy coating to the sticky honey garlic sauce that seals the deal.
- Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless breasts allows for easy slicing into perfect strips that cook quickly and evenly.
- Eggs and water: These create a smooth dip that helps the flour coating stick, ensuring that satisfying crunch.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the crispy crust, providing that golden-brown texture everyone loves.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to awaken the chicken’s natural flavors and balance the sweetness.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Deepen the savory notes in the coating, giving each bite a warm, aromatic punch.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky undertone and beautiful color to the crust.
- Baking powder: A secret weapon for making the crust extra crispy and light.
- Oil for frying: Needed to achieve that perfect double crunch through frying.
- Olive oil: Used to gently sauté fresh garlic for the luscious sauce base.
- Fresh garlic: Minced to infuse the honey sauce with punchy, fragrant flavor.
- Honey: The star of the sauce, creating a sticky, sweet glaze that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Soy sauce: Brings savory depth and a slight umami richness to the sauce.
How to Make Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing those boneless, skinless chicken breasts into even strips. This preparation ensures each piece cooks uniformly and provides just the right bite size for dipping and saucing later. Taking a few extra minutes here sets you up for success in creating that crave-worthy double crunch.
Step 2: Set Up Your Coating Stations
Next, whisk the eggs and water together in a shallow bowl, creating a smooth batter. In another dish, mix the flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and baking powder. This flavorful flour mix is key to layering the spices and building the crispy texture you’ll love. The baking powder helps your crust puff up slightly as it fries, adding an irresistible lightness.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Strips
Now comes the satisfying step: dip each chicken strip first into the seasoned flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally back into the flour one more time. This double-dusting method ensures that lovely, thick crunch that defines the Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe. Be sure to press the flour mixture onto the chicken gently so it adheres well before frying.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat your frying oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully fry the chicken strips in batches, giving them space to cook evenly. Each side should take about 4 to 5 minutes until they turn a perfect golden brown and are cooked through. After frying, drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil and keep your chicken light and crispy.
Step 5: Create the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the chicken is frying, shift your attention to the sauce. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat and add the minced garlic, sautéing for about a minute until aromatic but not browned. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and black pepper, then let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes. This reduces it slightly to a sticky glaze that will cling beautifully to the chicken strips.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Finally, toss your freshly fried chicken strips directly into the honey garlic sauce while still hot. This ensures every piece is luxuriously coated with that sweet, savory glaze. Serve immediately to enjoy the full contrast of crunchy texture and sticky sauce that makes this Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe so outstanding.
How to Serve Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra pop of flavor and presentation, sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper over your sauced chicken. A few chopped green onions or sesame seeds also bring a fresh burst and a lovely visual touch, elevating this humble dish to something special at your table.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice, which soak up all the delicious honey garlic sauce. For a veggie boost, try a crisp cucumber salad or roasted broccoli with a hint of lemon to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve these chicken strips as finger food with toothpicks for casual get-togethers or plated elegantly with a drizzle of extra honey garlic sauce artistically spread around for dinner parties. Another fun idea is wrapping them in warm tortillas with fresh veggies for an irresistible honey garlic chicken wrap.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe keeps nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to allow the chicken to cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of time, freeze the cooked chicken strips on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months. Keep the sauce separate when freezing for best texture when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken strips in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness. Warm the sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave, then toss them together just before serving to brighten up the flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and may add even more flavor. Just slice them into strips similar in size to ensure even cooking.
Is it necessary to double-dip the chicken in flour and egg?
Yes, the double coating is essential to achieving that signature double crunch texture. It creates a thick crust that stays crispy even after adding the sticky honey garlic sauce.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
You can bake the chicken strips for a lighter version, but you won’t get quite the same level of crunch. Baking at a high temperature with a light spray of oil helps, but frying is best for that authentic double crunch.
How spicy is this Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?
This recipe is mild and leans toward sweet and savory rather than spicy, making it perfect for all ages. You can always add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mix if you want a subtle kick.
What’s the best type of honey to use?
Use a good quality, mild honey like clover or wildflower for the best balance. Stronger honeys like buckwheat can overpower the delicate garlic and soy flavors.
Final Thoughts
Making the Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is like cracking the code for a perfect blend of crispy texture with sweet, garlicky goodness. It’s a dish that feels special but is surprisingly easy to whip up any night of the week. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again, a true crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. Go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones – this chicken is pure happiness on a plate.
Print
Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken recipe features crispy fried chicken strips coated in a flavorful honey garlic sauce. Perfectly seasoned and double-dredged for maximum crunch, then tossed in a sweet and savory homemade sauce, this dish delivers an irresistible combination of textures and tastes ideal for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 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 (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
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. This allows the chicken pieces to cook quickly and evenly.
- Create the Batter: In one dish, whisk together the eggs and water until smooth. In another dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and baking powder.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture first, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour mixture again to achieve a double crunch coating.
- Heat the Oil: Pour enough oil into a deep skillet to submerge the chicken pieces partially and heat it over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the coated chicken strips in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the strips and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Combine and Coat: Toss the fried chicken strips in the prepared honey garlic sauce until they are evenly coated with the sweet and savory glaze.
- Serve: Serve the chicken immediately while crispy, optionally garnished with additional black pepper for extra flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, ensure the oil is properly heated before frying chicken strips.
- Use a kitchen thermometer for the oil; ideal frying temperature is between 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C).
- Adjust honey quantity in the sauce if a sweeter or less sweet flavor is preferred.
- Leftover chicken is best eaten fresh as it can lose its crispiness upon refrigeration.
- Serve with steamed rice or a side of vegetables to complete the meal.
