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Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 15 reviews
  • Author: Lora
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes frying or 25-30 minutes baking
  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Make Egg Wash: Whisk together the eggs and water in a separate bowl to create the egg wash.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Dip and Serve: Dip the fried chicken breasts into the honey garlic sauce and serve immediately, ideally with noodles or rice.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.