Description
Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are tender, flavorful chicken breasts with a perfectly crispy double-coated crust infused with a blend of fragrant spices. They are finished with a luscious honey garlic sauce that balances sweet and savory notes, making this dish a delicious and satisfying main course. You can prepare this recipe either by frying on the stovetop or baking in the oven for a healthier twist.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups flour
- 4 tsp salt
- 4 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp freshly ground nutmeg
- 2 tsp ground thyme
- 2 tsp ground sage
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 4 eggs
- 8 tbsp water
- Canola oil for frying or baking
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3-4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and using a meat mallet, pound them to an even 1/2 inch thickness. Alternatively, slice the breasts horizontally into halves using a sharp knife to ensure even cooking.
- Mix Flour and Spices: Sift together the flour, salt, black pepper, ground ginger, nutmeg, thyme, sage, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl. This spice flour mixture is sufficient for two batches; store half in a sealed bag for later use.
- Make Egg Wash: Whisk together the eggs and water in a separate bowl to create the egg wash.
- Coat the Chicken: Season the pounded chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dip each piece first into the flour-spice mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally a second time into the flour-spice mix, pressing gently to ensure a good coat.
- Stovetop Cooking: Heat about half an inch of canola oil in a skillet over medium heat (around setting 4.5 out of 10). Fry the coated chicken breasts gently for 4-5 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack for a few minutes.
- Make Honey Garlic Sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until softened but not browned. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and black pepper. Simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent foaming over. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Dip and Serve: Dip the fried chicken breasts into the honey garlic sauce and serve immediately, ideally with noodles or rice.
- Oven-Baked Alternative: While preparing the chicken as above, preheat a baking sheet in a 425°F (220°C) oven. After coating, place the chicken pieces on a lightly floured board until all are ready.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Remove hot baking sheet from oven, lightly oil the bottom with canola or vegetable oil. Arrange chicken pieces spaced at least one inch apart to avoid steaming.
- Spray and Bake: Lightly spray tops of chicken pieces with canola oil using a spray bottle. Place baking sheet in the oven on the second-lowest rack. Bake for 15 minutes without opening the door.
- Flip Chicken: After 15 minutes, remove the pan and flip each piece carefully. Return to oven and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until chicken is golden brown and crispy.
- Finish and Serve: Dip the baked chicken in the honey garlic sauce and serve immediately for a crispier healthier option.
Notes
- The flour and spice mix can be prepared in advance and stored in the freezer for convenience.
- Maintaining oil temperature below medium heat prevents burning and ensures even cooking when frying.
- Using a spray oil bottle when oven-baking helps crisp the chicken without adding excessive oil.
- Do not crowd chicken pieces in the pan during baking to prevent steaming and sogginess.
- Watch the honey garlic sauce carefully while simmering, as it can foam and overflow quickly.
- This recipe serves well with simple sides such as steamed rice or noodles.