Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe

Irresistible Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe

Crispy chicken transforms with this mouthwatering double crunch honey garlic chicken breasts secret weapon in home cooking.

Crunchy layers promise maximum flavor and texture in every delectable bite.

Unbelievably simple ingredients create restaurant-quality magic right in your kitchen.

Each golden-brown piece delivers sweet and savory notes that dance across your palate.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike will adore this foolproof technique.

Fragrant garlic and rich honey combine to make an irresistible coating that seals in juiciness.

You can become a culinary hero with just a few easy steps and some basic pantry staples.

This recipe guarantees a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Chicken Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy protein base for the dish.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle spice.
Coating Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Base for crispy exterior.
  • Ground Ginger, Nutmeg, Thyme, Sage, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Blend of warm and aromatic spices for depth of flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs, Water: Create binding wash for dry coating.
  • Canola Oil, Vegetable Oil: Used for frying and baking.
Honey Garlic Sauce Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Base for sauce.
  • Garlic: Fresh and pungent flavor.
  • Honey: Sweet and sticky component.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness.

How to Make Crunchy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Breasts

Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2 inch thickness using a meat mallet.

Alternatively, slice breasts horizontally using a sharp knife.

Step 2: Create Seasoning Mixture

Combine flour with these spices:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Ground ginger
  • Nutmeg
  • Thyme
  • Sage
  • Paprika
  • Cayenne pepper

Pro tip: This mixture makes enough for two batches, so store half in a Ziploc bag for future use.

Step 3: Make Egg Wash

Whisk eggs with water until well blended.

Step 4: Coat Chicken

  • Season chicken with salt and pepper
  • Dip chicken in seasoned flour mixture
  • Coat in egg wash
  • Dredge again in flour mixture, pressing spices firmly into meat

Step 5: Fry Chicken

Heat canola oil in skillet to medium-low heat (around 4-5 on dial).

Fry chicken gently for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

Step 6: Prepare Honey Garlic Sauce

  • Heat olive oil in saucepan
  • Add minced garlic, cook until softened
  • Pour in honey and soy sauce
  • Add black pepper
  • Simmer 5-10 minutes, watching carefully to prevent foaming

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Drain chicken on wire rack for a few minutes.

Dip cooked chicken in honey garlic sauce.

Serve with rice or noodles.

Oven-Baked Alternative:

Step 8: Preheat Baking Sheet

Heat baking sheet in 425°F oven.

This prevents sticking and ensures crispy crust.

Step 9: Prepare Baking Pan

  • Lightly oil baking pan with canola oil
  • Arrange chicken pieces with space between them
  • Spray chicken tops with vegetable oil

Step 10: Bake Chicken

  • Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes without opening oven.
  • Flip chicken pieces.
  • Bake additional 10-15 minutes until crispy.
  • Dip in sauce and serve immediately.

Tips for Crispy Garlic Chicken

  • Use plastic wrap to evenly flatten chicken breasts to 1/2 inch thickness for consistent cooking and tender results.
  • Prepare extra flour and spice mixture in advance, storing half in a freezer bag for quick future meal preparation.
  • Maintain just below medium heat (around 4.5 on dial) when frying to ensure golden, crispy exterior without burning the chicken.
  • When baking, leave at least one inch between chicken pieces to guarantee crispy texture and avoid moisture buildup.
  • Use a canola oil spray bottle to lightly coat chicken tops before baking, promoting an even, crunchy golden-brown crust.

Storage and Reheating for Honey Garlic Chicken

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum flavor and texture.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
  • Use short 30-second intervals, rotating the chicken to ensure even heating. Add a small splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent toughness.

What Goes with Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Pair Honey Garlic Chicken with Complementary Flavors:
  • Crisp Asian Slaw: Toss a tangy cabbage and carrot slaw with rice vinegar and sesame oil to cut through the richness of the chicken and add refreshing crunch.
  • White Wine Harmony: Select a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer that balances the honey's sweetness and stands up to the garlic's bold flavor.
  • Coconut Rice Companion: Prepare coconut rice with a hint of lime zest to provide a creamy, tropical backdrop that enhances the chicken's complex spice blend.
  • Pickled Vegetable Side: Create quick pickled cucumbers or radishes with rice vinegar and chili flakes to introduce a bright, acidic contrast to the dish's deep flavors.

Flavor Variations for Honey Garlic Chicken

  • Healthier Oven-Steamed Chicken: Use skinless chicken breasts and replace flour with almond flour for a lower-carb option. Spray with olive oil instead of canola for heart-healthy cooking.
  • Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Substitute wheat flour with gluten-free rice flour or cornstarch. Ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free to maintain safe preparation.
  • Spicy Herb Chicken Alternative: Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the flour mixture for extra heat. Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano for enhanced flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Low-Sodium Version: Replace eggs with plant-based milk or buttermilk alternative. Reduce soy sauce and use low-sodium tamari to decrease salt content while maintaining rich taste.

FAQs

  • Why is double dredging important for this chicken recipe?

Double dredging creates an extra thick, crispy coating by first coating the chicken in seasoned flour, then egg wash, and then flour again. This technique ensures a crunchy exterior that locks in moisture and adds more flavor to the chicken.

  • Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

While the recipe is designed for chicken breasts, you could potentially adapt it for chicken thighs or pork cutlets. Just ensure the meat is pounded to an even thickness to guarantee consistent cooking.

  • What makes the spice blend unique in this recipe?

The spice blend combines multiple seasonings like nutmeg, thyme, sage, and cayenne pepper, creating a complex and rich flavor profile that goes beyond typical chicken seasoning. The combination provides depth and a subtle heat to the chicken.

  • Is the oven-baked method as crispy as frying?

The oven-baked method can achieve similar crispiness when following the specific instructions, like preheating the baking sheet and spraying chicken with oil. The key is maintaining high heat and not opening the oven door during cooking to preserve the crisp texture.

Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts – Why They’re So Loved

  • Elevate Home Cooking: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal with crispy, flavorful breasts that impress family and guests effortlessly.
  • Versatile Culinary Technique: Master two cooking methods – frying and baking – giving you flexibility to prepare the dish based on your kitchen equipment and preference.
  • Customizable Flavor Profile: Create a bold spice blend with pantry staples like ginger, thyme, and cayenne, allowing you to adjust heat and seasoning to personal taste.
  • Quick Meal Solution: Prepare a delicious main course in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner plans.
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Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe

Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe


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4.9 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent double crunch honey garlic chicken breasts deliver irresistible flavor with crispy exterior and sweet-savory glaze. Golden-brown perfection awaits you in this simple yet extraordinary dish that promises restaurant-quality enjoyment at home.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

Seasoning and Coating:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 4 teaspoons salt
  • 4 teaspoons black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoons ground thyme
  • 2 teaspoons ground sage
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons paprika

Binding and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 4 eggs
  • 8 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 34 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • canola oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare chicken breasts by either pounding them to an even thickness or carefully slicing horizontally to ensure uniform cooking.
  2. Create a complex seasoning blend by combining flour with an aromatic mix of spices including salt, black pepper, ground ginger, nutmeg, thyme, sage, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Pro tip: Prepare extra seasoning mix and store for future use.
  3. Whisk eggs with water to create a smooth egg wash that will help the seasoning adhere to the chicken.
  4. Thoroughly coat each chicken piece by first seasoning with salt and pepper, then dredging in the spice mixture, dipping in egg wash, and coating again with the seasoning blend, pressing firmly to ensure maximum flavor coverage.
  5. For stovetop method, heat canola oil in a skillet to just below medium temperature, carefully managing heat to prevent burning while ensuring even cooking.
  6. Fry chicken pieces gently for 4-5 minutes per side until achieving a golden, crispy exterior that indicates perfect doneness.
  7. For honey garlic sauce, sauté minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat, being careful not to brown the garlic.
  8. Incorporate honey, soy sauce, and black pepper into the garlic base, simmering carefully to prevent foaming and develop a rich, glossy sauce.
  9. For oven-baked version, preheat a baking sheet in a 425°F oven to promote crispiness and prevent sticking.
  10. Lightly oil the hot baking sheet and arrange coated chicken pieces with space between them to ensure maximum crispiness.
  11. Lightly spray chicken tops with vegetable oil to enhance browning and create a crisp exterior.
  12. Bake on the second-lowest oven rack, first for 15 minutes without opening the door, then flip pieces and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes.
  13. Once cooked, immediately dip chicken in prepared honey garlic sauce and serve while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • Prep chicken evenly to ensure consistent cooking and crispy texture throughout the meat.
  • Use a sharp knife or meat mallet to create uniform thickness, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
  • Double-dredging technique creates an extra crunchy exterior that locks in moisture and enhances flavor profile.
  • Carefully monitor oil temperature when frying to prevent burning while maintaining a golden, crisp coating.
  • Preheating baking sheet in oven helps achieve restaurant-style crispiness without deep-frying.
  • Space chicken pieces apart during baking to prevent steaming and maintain crunchiness.
  • Spray oil on chicken helps create additional golden brown and crispy exterior when baking.
  • Store extra seasoned flour mixture in freezer for quick preparation of future meals.
  • Watch honey garlic sauce while simmering to prevent boiling over and burning.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 670
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 73 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 46 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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