Description
Irresistibly crispy Double Crunch Honey Chicken with a golden coating and sweet honey glaze. This restaurant-quality recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with an ultra-crunchy exterior that stays crispy even under the glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons garlic powder (for marinade)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika (for marinade)
½ teaspoon black pepper (for marinade)
½ teaspoon salt (for marinade)
1½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons garlic powder (for coating)
1 teaspoon paprika (for coating)
1 teaspoon salt (for coating)
½ teaspoon black pepper (for coating)
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 large eggs
¼ cup milk
1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
½ cup regular breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder (for final coating)
½ teaspoon salt (for final coating)
Vegetable oil for frying
½ cup honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare marinade by combining buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Add chicken and coat completely. Refrigerate 30 minutes to 4 hours.
2. Set up three shallow dishes: First with flour mixture (flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne), second with beaten eggs and milk, third with combined panko and regular breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and salt.
3. Remove chicken from marinade and pat completely dry with paper towels. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
4. Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in large deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F.
5. Dredge each chicken piece in flour mixture, coating completely and shaking off excess.
6. Dip floured chicken into egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
7. Press chicken firmly into breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete coverage on all sides.
8. Carefully place 2-3 pieces of chicken in hot oil. Fry 6-7 minutes without moving until golden brown.
9. Flip chicken and fry another 5-6 minutes until second side is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
10. Transfer cooked chicken to wire rack placed over baking sheet. Repeat with remaining pieces.
11. While chicken rests, make honey glaze: Melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.
12. Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes to saucepan. Simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
13. Let chicken rest 3-5 minutes, then drizzle with warm honey glaze or serve glaze on the side for dipping. Serve immediately for maximum crunch.
Notes
For extra crispy coating, do a triple dredge: flour-egg-breadcrumbs-egg-breadcrumbs.
Maintain oil temperature between 325-350°F for best results. Use a thermometer.
Don’t overcrowd the pan – fry in batches to maintain oil temperature.
For a healthier version, bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Store leftover chicken in airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freeze cooked chicken (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
Glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
For gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Asian-Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: double crunch chicken, honey chicken, crispy chicken, fried chicken, chicken recipe, easy dinner
