If you are searching for a dish that perfectly balances bold flavors with a fantastic crunch, you have found your new favorite. This Easy Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe brings together crispy, golden chicken breasts coated twice for an irresistible texture. With a luscious honey garlic glaze that’s both sweet and savory, each bite is a celebration of comfort food at its best. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is a total winner that you’ll be eager to make over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious dish. Each component plays a simple yet crucial role, from the blend of spices that adds warmth to the double coating that guarantees crunch, to the honey garlic glaze that ties everything together. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts: Pounded to an even 1/2-inch thickness for quick, consistent cooking.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crispy coating.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors.
- Ground ginger: Adds a slightly spicy, aromatic note.
- Nutmeg: A pinch to deepen the spice profile subtly.
- Dried thyme and sage: Herbaceous layers for extra complexity.
- Cayenne pepper: A hint of heat that wakes up the palate.
- Paprika: Provides vibrant color and smoky undertones.
- Eggs and water: Create a smooth wash to help the flour adhere better.
- Olive oil and canola oil: For frying and sautéing to get that perfect golden crunch.
- Fresh garlic: Minced to infuse the glaze with punchy, savory flavor.
- Honey: The star sweetener that balances the garlicky glaze beautifully.
- Soy sauce: Adds depth and umami to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Offers a subtle tang to round out the glaze.
How to Make Easy Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pounding your chicken breasts until they are evenly about a half-inch thick. This ensures they cook quickly and uniformly, keeping the meat juicy inside while crisping the coating outside.
Step 2: Mix the Flour and Spices
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with salt, black pepper, ground ginger, nutmeg, dried thyme, dried sage, cayenne pepper, and paprika. This spice blend is the foundation of the crunch and flavor, so make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Create the Egg Wash
Whisk together the large eggs and water in a separate bowl. This mixture will help the flour mixture stick to the chicken, and double dipping will give you that extra crunchy exterior everyone loves.
Step 4: Double Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and then back into the flour mixture once more. This double coating is what creates the legendary crunch on the outside while keeping the chicken tender inside.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Heat canola oil in a frying pan over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Fry each chicken breast for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, keeping the crunch intact.
Step 6: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze
In a separate saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced fresh garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds. Stir in honey, soy sauce, black pepper, and rice vinegar. Simmer gently, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly and all the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 7: Coat the Chicken with Glaze
Once the chicken breasts are cooked, toss or brush them generously with the warm honey garlic glaze. The sticky, sweet-savory sauce perfectly complements the crispy double coating for an incredible flavor combination.
How to Serve Easy Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this dish beautifully. Try a sprinkle of chopped green onions or freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A scattering of toasted sesame seeds can add a subtle nutty crunch that pairs well with the glaze.
Side Dishes
Serve the chicken alongside fluffy steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad to balance the richness. Mashed potatoes or garlic butter noodles also make comforting accompaniments that soak up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of mixed greens drizzled with extra glaze for a warm salad. Alternatively, place the glazed chicken breast inside a soft sandwich bun with crunchy slaw for a crunchy-sweet sandwich experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the honey garlic glaze separate if possible and reapply when reheating to preserve the crispy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or placed in a heavy-duty freezer bag. They will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to retain crispiness. If you only have a microwave, reheat briefly and then crisp the coating in a hot skillet with a little oil for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and slightly more flavorful, but make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly. Pound them gently for even thickness just like the breasts.
Is it okay to bake instead of fry?
Yes, baking at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes can work. However, frying gives you that signature double crunch that baking alone may not achieve fully.
How do I make the honey garlic sauce less sweet?
Simply reduce the amount of honey or increase the vinegar slightly. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.
Can I prepare the chicken coating ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the flour and spice blend in advance and store in an airtight container for convenience. Coat and fry chicken fresh for best results.
What sides pair best with this recipe?
Fresh vegetables, rice, or even a light salad are perfect to balance the hearty flavors and crunchy texture of the chicken.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into crispy, double-coated chicken glazed with honey and garlic that perfectly marries sweet and savory notes. This Easy Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s quick to make and sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your household!
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Easy Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe delivers perfectly crispy and flavorful chicken with a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. The chicken breasts are pounded thin for even cooking, dredged in a seasoned flour mixture, and fried to golden perfection before being coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce that enhances every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 chicken breasts (pounded to even 1/2-inch thickness)
- 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 4.5 tsp salt
- 4.5 tsp black pepper (divided)
- 3.5 tbsp ground ginger
- 1.25 tbsp nutmeg
- 2.5 tsp dried thyme
- 2.5 tsp dried sage
- 1.25 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2.5 tbsp paprika
- 4 large eggs
- 8 tbsp water
- canola oil (or any high-heat oil for frying)
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 2.5 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 1 cup regular honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pound 4 chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Make seasoned flour mixture: In a large bowl, combine 2.25 cups all-purpose flour, 4.5 tsp salt, 4.5 tsp black pepper, 3.5 tbsp ground ginger, 1.25 tbsp nutmeg, 2.5 tsp dried thyme, 2.5 tsp dried sage, 1.25 tsp cayenne pepper, and 2.5 tbsp paprika. Mix well to evenly distribute spices.
- Prepare the egg wash: In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs and 8 tbsp water until smooth.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each pounded chicken breast first into the seasoned flour, then into the egg wash, and then back into the flour mixture for a double coating. Set aside.
- Fry the chicken: Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken breasts for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the honey garlic sauce: In a separate pan, heat 2.5 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 5 cloves minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in 1 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1.25 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp rice vinegar. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Coat the chicken with sauce: Add the fried chicken breasts to the pan with the honey garlic sauce and toss to coat fully and evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Plate the honey garlic chicken breasts immediately while hot, garnished if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying (around 350°F).
- Pound chicken breasts evenly to avoid uneven cooking and dryness.
- You can adjust cayenne pepper amount to control the heat level.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
- Leftover sauce can be stored separately and reheated gently.
