Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken

Key Ingredients
Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender, they form the juicy base for this dish. Pounding them ensures even cooking.
All-Purpose Flour: Creates the crisp, golden coating.

Eggs: Acts as the binding agent to help the flour mixture stick to the chicken.

Cayenne Pepper: Adds a subtle heat to the coating. Adjust or omit based on your spice preference.

Honey: The star of the sauce, delivering natural sweetness and a sticky glaze.

Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the sauce with a bold, aromatic punch.

Soy Sauce: Balances the sweetness with a salty, umami depth.

Cornstarch Slurry: Ensures the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.

Vegetable Oil: Neutral in flavor, perfect for frying the chicken to crispy perfection.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, combine:
½ cup honey
4 cloves of minced garlic
⅓ cup soy sauce
Bring to a Boil:
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to boil.
Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix:
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
Stir until smooth, then pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens.
Remove from Heat:
Once thickened, set the sauce aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Mix the Coating:
In a bowl, combine:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Prepare the Egg Wash:
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons water
Coat the Chicken:
Dip each piece of chicken (e.g., thighs, tenders, or nuggets) into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Transfer the chicken to the flour mixture and coat thoroughly, pressing gently to adhere the flour.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking (approximately 350°F or 175°C).
Fry the Chicken:
Place the coated chicken pieces in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Drain Excess Oil:
Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Toss in Sauce:
In a large bowl, toss the fried chicken pieces with the prepared honey garlic sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Serve:
Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes such as steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.