Description
This Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken thighs with crispy skin, pan-fried to golden perfection and coated in a savory-sweet honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner, this dish combines Asian-inspired flavors with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 4 boneless chicken thighs (skin on, about 1–1.2 lb / 500 g)
- 1.5 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
Coating and Frying
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (for coating)
- 1/4 cup oil (for pan frying)
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 bulb garlic (finely minced, about 10-12 cloves)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- Dried parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Debone the chicken thighs if needed, keeping the skin on. Wash and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness when frying.
- Optional Flattening: To help cook the chicken more evenly and keep it flat during pan-frying, lightly score the meat side a few times. Flip and gently pound the chicken with the back of a knife.
- Marinate: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
- Coat the Chicken: Lightly coat each chicken thigh with cornstarch, shaking off any excess to avoid soggy coating.
- Pan Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a large pan over low to medium heat. Place chicken thighs skin side down and fry for 4–5 minutes per side until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: Remove the chicken and set aside. Pour out excess oil, then melt butter in the pan over low heat. Add finely minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in honey and soy sauce, simmering until slightly thickened.
- Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Return the crispy chicken to the pan and coat both sides evenly with the honey garlic sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with dried parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry thoroughly to ensure maximum crispiness when frying.
- The optional step to score and pound the chicken helps it cook evenly and keeps it flat for frying.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- You can adjust the amount of honey for a sweeter or less sweet sauce according to taste.
- Use neutral oil with a high smoke point suitable for pan frying (like vegetable or canola oil).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
