– **Title**: Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup panko bread crumbs
– 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
– **For the Honey Garlic Sauce**:
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
– Sesame seeds (for garnish)
– Chopped green onions (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. **Prepare the Chicken**:
– Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. **Set Up Breading Station**:
– In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In another bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed. In a third bowl, place the panko bread crumbs.
3. **Bread the Chicken**:
– Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in panko bread crumbs, pressing firmly to adhere.
4. **Heat Oil**:
– In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the chicken breasts without crowding the pan.
5. **Fry the Chicken**:
– Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. **Prepare Honey Garlic Sauce**:
– In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
7. **Glaze the Chicken**:
– Place the fried chicken breasts in the honey garlic sauce, ensuring they are coated evenly. Let them simmer in the sauce for a couple of minutes for added flavor.
8. **Serve**:
– Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Enjoy hot with rice or steamed vegetables on the side!
This dish features a deliciously crispy exterior with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for a delightful dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a tender and juicy bite. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use chicken thighs, which tend to be more flavorful and moist.
Panko Bread Crumbs: Panko gives the chicken a crunchy texture. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs can work, but for more crunch, consider crushing some cornflakes or using crushed potato chips.
Honey: Honey adds a wonderful sweetness, but maple syrup can be a great substitute for a slightly different flavor. Agave nectar also works well if you want something less viscous.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for this recipe. If you only have garlic powder on hand, use about a teaspoon, but fresh garlic really enhances the flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Any neutral oil works for frying. Canola oil or peanut oil are good options, but olive oil should be avoided for frying due to its lower smoke point.
How Do I Get the Chicken Crispy While Keeping It Juicy?
Getting crispy chicken that stays juicy requires a few key steps. First, flattening the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and don’t dry out. Use a meat mallet gently to flatten them to about 1/2 inch.
- For the breading, ensure each step is well-coated. Dip in flour, then egg, and finally press into panko crumbs firmly.
- Fry in hot oil; if the chicken sizzles immediately, you’ve got it right. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature.
- Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Letting it rest on paper towels helps keep it crispy.
How to Make Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a bit of time setting up your breading station, frying the chicken until it’s perfectly crunchy, and making the delicious honey garlic sauce. Ready to impress your taste buds?
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
First, take those chicken breasts and flatten them to about 1/2 inch thick. You can use a meat mallet or a rolling pin for this. Getting them even will help them cook nicely and evenly!
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Get three bowls ready. In the first bowl, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika together. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs and milk until combined. In the third bowl, pour in the panko bread crumbs—this is where the crunch magic happens!
3. Bread the Chicken:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Take each flattened chicken breast and first dip it into the flour mixture, shaking off any extra. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, coat it in the panko bread crumbs, pressing gently to make sure it sticks well.
4. 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 breaded chicken breasts. You may want to do this in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. When they’re done, place them on paper towels to drain any extra oil.
5. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a small saucepan, mix together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Heat it over medium-low, stirring often. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic releases a lovely aroma and the sauce thickens slightly—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
6. Serve:
Time to bring it all together! Drizzle the warm honey garlic sauce over your crispy fried chicken or toss to coat all the pieces. Don’t forget to sprinkle chopped green onions or chives on top for a fresh touch.
7. Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts hot, alongside your favorite sides like rice, colorful vegetables, or a fresh salad. Dig in and enjoy every crispy, sticky bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat; just adjust the cooking time as they may take a few extra minutes to cook through. Bone-in cuts can be used as well, but you’ll need to cook them longer, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Use Instead of Panko Bread Crumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work just fine! For a crunchier texture, you can also try crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers as an alternative. Just make sure they are seasoned to add flavor to the chicken!
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave. If it loses crispiness, a quick broil in the oven can help restore some crunch!
Can I Make the Honey Garlic Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the honey garlic sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to one week. Just reheat it gently on the stove over low heat before drizzling it over the chicken to ensure all the flavors are fresh.
