If you crave a dish that delivers an irresistible combo of crispy, juicy chicken with a sticky, flavorful glaze, then you are going to fall in love with the Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe. This dish takes ordinary chicken breasts and transforms them into golden, crunchy strips that are perfectly coated with a luscious honey garlic sauce, blending sweet, savory, and aromatic notes in one bite. Whether it’s a family dinner or a treat for guests, this recipe guarantees a satisfying texture and bold flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for the Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe might look simple, but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of texture and taste. From the blend of spices in the crispy coating to the rich honey garlic sauce, every component adds layers of deliciousness that make this dish truly special.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star ingredient, sliced into strips for easy frying and coating.
- Large eggs: Used to bind the coating to the chicken and keep it crunchy.
- Water: Mixed with eggs to create a smooth dip for the chicken strips.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crispy outer layer.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and seasoning.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to both the coating and sauce.
- Garlic powder: Provides a warm, mellow garlic flavor in the crust.
- Onion powder: Adds a hint of sweetness that complements the garlic.
- Paprika: Gives a mild smoky flavor and beautiful color to the crunchy coating.
- Baking powder: The secret to that extra light and crispy texture in the batter.
- Oil for frying: Essential for achieving that golden, crunchy exterior.
- Olive oil: Used to gently sauté minced garlic for the sauce, adding richness.
- Minced garlic: Key to the honey garlic sauce, giving it an aromatic punch.
- Honey: Naturally sweet, it creates the signature glaze that balances the savory elements.
- Soy sauce: Adds a salty umami depth to the sauce.
How to Make Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips just the right size for crispy frying and easy dipping. This cut ensures each piece cooks evenly and creates that perfect bite-sized texture.
Step 2: Mix Your Coatings
In one shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and water until well combined; this will help the flour stick better. In another, combine the flour with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and baking powder. This flavorful blend forms the crispy, savory crust that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken in a Double Dredge
For the signature double crunch, dip each chicken strip first into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and again into the flour. This two-step coating method creates an extra thick and crunchy layer that holds up beautifully against the sauce without getting soggy.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat your frying oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken strips in batches so they have space to crisp evenly. Fry each side for about 4-5 minutes until they’re a gorgeous golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, drain the cooked strips on paper towels to remove any excess oil, preserving that crunchy texture.
Step 5: Create the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant, about one minute. Then stir in the honey, soy sauce, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Let it simmer gently for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly into a glossy glaze that coats the chicken perfectly.
Step 6: Combine and Coat the Chicken
Once the chicken strips have cooled just enough, toss them in the warm honey garlic sauce until every piece is luxuriously coated. This step locks in flavor and gives your dish that beautifully sticky finish everyone will adore.
How to Serve Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a few chopped fresh herbs like parsley or green onion adds bright color and an extra pop of flavor. These simple garnishes make the dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair this crunchy, saucy chicken with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up all the sauce. For a fresh contrast, a crisp green salad or quick steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas balance the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests even more, serve the chicken on a bed of garlic fried rice or wrap the strips in warm tortillas with shredded lettuce and a drizzle of the sauce for an unexpected twist. You can also serve it alongside a vibrant slaw for added texture and color on the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe tastes fantastic the next day! Store cooked chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the honey garlic sauce separate if you want to maintain the extra crispiness in the chicken.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken strips after they’ve cooled completely. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For a crispy finish, reheat the chicken strips in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes rather than microwaving. Warm the honey garlic sauce separately on the stove, then toss the reheated chicken in the sauce just before serving to recapture that fresh homemade flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be sliced and used for this recipe to add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust frying time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is it possible to bake instead of fry the chicken?
Yes, for a lighter option bake the coated chicken strips on a greased baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The crust might not be as crispy but will still be delicious.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
The key is the double-dredge step: flour, then egg, then flour again. This triple layer helps the coating stick firmly during frying, keeping that signature double crunch intact.
Can I make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce stores well in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently on the stove before tossing with freshly cooked chicken for the best flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free flour blends designed for frying and triple-check your soy sauce label for gluten content.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into crunchy, saucy chicken that balances sweet and savory so perfectly. The Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is such a joy to make and eat, promising to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try and watch this dish become an instant classic for friends and family alike!
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
Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken features crispy fried chicken strips coated in a flavorful honey garlic sauce. This dish combines a crunchy seasoned coating with a sweet, garlicky glaze, making it perfect for a satisfying yet easy-to-make meal in under 40 minutes. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
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 suitable for frying to ensure even cooking and easy coating.
- Mix Coatings: In one dish, whisk together the eggs and water. In a separate dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and baking powder thoroughly.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken strip first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour mixture to achieve a double breaded, crunchy coating.
- Heat Oil: Pour oil into a deep skillet and heat over medium-high heat to prepare for frying the chicken strips.
- Fry Chicken: Fry the coated chicken strips in batches, cooking each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain the excess oil on paper towels.
- Make Honey Garlic Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and black pepper, then simmer the mixture for 5-10 minutes until it slightly thickens to a glaze consistency.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Place the fried chicken strips in a large bowl and toss them with the honey garlic sauce until they are evenly coated with the sweet and savory glaze.
- Serve: Serve the honey garlic chicken immediately, optionally garnishing with additional black pepper for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F for optimal frying crispiness.
- Adjust honey and soy sauce quantities to taste for sweeter or saltier variations.
- Ensure chicken strips are fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
- Leftover chicken can be reheated in a skillet to retain crispiness.
