🍯 Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 15 mins | Serves: 4
Ingredients
The Chicken:
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1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1/2 cup cornstarch (for that signature crunch)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
The Sauce:
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1/2 cup honey
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
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1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
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1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
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1 tsp sriracha (optional, for a hint of heat)
Instructions
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Prep the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in a bowl with salt, pepper, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
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Sear: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 3–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove chicken and set aside.
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Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, turn heat down to medium. Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar.
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Thicken: Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until it starts to bubble and thicken into a sticky glaze.
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Combine: Toss the crispy chicken back into the pan. Stir quickly to coat every piece in the glaze.
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Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice.
🥣 Slow Cooker Variation (Set & Forget)
If you prefer a tender, “melt-in-your-mouth” texture without the frying:
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Place un-breaded chicken pieces in the slow cooker.
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Whisk the sauce ingredients together and pour over the chicken.
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Cook on Low for 3–4 hours or High for 1.5–2 hours.
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Pro-Tip: 30 minutes before serving, whisk 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water and stir it into the crockpot to thicken the sauce into that beautiful glossy finish seen in your photo.
Three Ways to Level It Up
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For a Veggie Boost: Stir-fry some broccoli or snap peas in the same glaze.
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For Extra Crunch: Double-dredge the chicken (dip in whisked egg, then cornstarch) before frying.