Crispy Garlic Chicken – Crunchy, Savory, and So Satisfying!
Craving the ultimate takeout-style crispy chicken with a bold garlic twist? Look no further than this Crispy Garlic Chicken recipe! With golden, panko-coated chicken bites tossed in a sweet, savory, and garlicky sauce, every bite packs serious flavor and crunch. It’s a dish that will impress guests, satisfy your comfort food cravings, and become an instant favorite at your table.
Whether served as a main dish with rice or noodles, or as an appetizer for parties, this recipe combines layers of texture and flavor for a restaurant-quality experience at home.
🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Crispy Garlic Chicken
- Crispy Perfection – Double-coated in flour, egg, and panko for that unbeatable crunch.
- Flavor Explosion – Garlic, soy, hoisin, and honey come together in a glossy, addictive glaze.
- Totally Customizable – Make it spicy, sweeter, or add veggies to make it your own.
🛒 Ingredients List
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp ginger powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the Crispy Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Garlic Sauce:
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Add the chicken pieces and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to soak in. For deeper flavor, marinate up to 2 hours.
Step 2: Set Up Your Coating Stations
While the chicken marinates, prep your coating:
- Bowl 1: Mix flour and cornstarch.
- Bowl 2: Beat eggs.
- Bowl 3: Pour in panko breadcrumbs.
This 3-step coating creates the ultimate crispy shell!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade. Coat each piece first in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg, and finally coat in panko. Press gently to ensure the crumbs stick well. Set coated pieces on a tray.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches (to avoid overcrowding) for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Sauce
In a separate pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the remaining sauce ingredients and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Add the fried chicken to the garlic sauce and toss until fully coated. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors combine.
Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro.
🥢 What to Serve With Crispy Garlic Chicken
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Chow mein or stir-fried noodles
- Steamed broccoli or bok choy
- Asian-style slaw with sesame dressing
- Cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch
👨🍳 Pro Tips
- Make it spicy: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Want it extra crispy? Double-fry the chicken for extra crunch.
- Air fryer option: You can air fry the breaded chicken at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
📷 A Showstopper on the Plate
Crispy Garlic Chicken isn’t just mouthwatering—it’s beautiful. Golden chicken, glossy sauce, bright garnishes—it’s the kind of dish made for social sharing. Snap a photo and tag your food adventures!
📌 Save & Share
This recipe is perfect for dinner, meal prep, or even a game-day spread. Save it now—you’ll want to come back to this crowd-pleaser again and again.