Crispy Garlic Chicken with Sweet Soy Sauce – A Flavor-Packed Dish

If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor, this Crispy Garlic Chicken with Sweet Soy Sauce is the answer! With crispy chicken coated in a savory-sweet garlic sauce, this dish delivers the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, it’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special treat for family and friends.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier meat)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the garlic sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium for a lighter version)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken)
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat each piece of chicken thoroughly with the flour mixture. This will help create a golden, crispy crust when fried.
2. Fry the Chicken
   Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce
   While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the saucepan while stirring continuously. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens into a glossy consistency.
4. Coat the Chicken
   Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried chicken pieces back into the skillet. Pour the sweet garlic sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to stick to the crispy chicken.
5. Serve and Enjoy
   Serve the Crispy Garlic Chicken hot with a side of steamed rice or your favorite vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Garlic Chicken with Sweet Soy Sauce

• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The sweet soy sauce and garlic create a rich, savory sauce that perfectly complements the crispy chicken.
• Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside: The fried chicken pieces are crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside, making every bite delicious.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe comes together quickly, perfect for a busy evening or a weekend treat.
• Customizable Sauce: You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey, or even swap out the rice vinegar for lemon juice for a tangy twist.

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Garlic Chicken

• Use Chicken Thighs for More Juiciness: For an even juicier result, try using chicken thighs instead of breasts. The extra fat makes them tender and flavorful.
• Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce, double the ingredients for the garlic sauce to ensure there’s enough to drizzle over the rice or veggies.
• Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure each piece of chicken gets crispy. Fry in batches if necessary.

Conclusion

This Crispy Garlic Chicken with Sweet Soy Sauce is the perfect dish for anyone who loves bold, savory flavors. The crispy, golden-brown chicken coated in a luscious garlic sauce makes for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re preparing it for dinner or serving it for a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Try it today and experience the irresistible combination of sweet and savory in every bite!