Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Welcome to a culinary delight that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen: Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts. This recipe has garnered a loyal following for its irresistible combination of juicy chicken with a crunchy exterior, all enveloped in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Prepare to amaze your taste buds with a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish has captured the hearts of many for good reason. It’s quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for hectic evenings. The chicken breasts are pounded to a perfect thickness, ensuring they fry up quickly and evenly, while staying tender and juicy. The honey garlic sauce adds a delightful finish, balancing sweetness with a hint of saltiness. This meal pairs beautifully with noodles or rice and some sautéed vegetables, creating a harmonious and satisfying dinner.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Meat mallet or sharp knife
• Plastic wrap
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Skillet
• Wire rack
• Medium saucepan
• Baking sheet (for oven-baked version)
• Spray bottle (for oil)

Ingredients

• 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
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 4 eggs
• 8 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3-4 cloves minced garlic
• 1 cup honey
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• Canola oil for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to pound them to a 1/2 inch thickness, or slice them in half horizontally with a sharp knife.
2. In a bowl, sift together flour, salt, black pepper, ground ginger, nutmeg, thyme, sage, paprika, and cayenne pepper. This mixture is enough for two batches, so store half for later use.
3. In another bowl, whisk together eggs and water to create an egg wash.
4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Dip each breast first in the flour mixture, then in the egg wash, and again in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure good contact.
5. Heat a skillet with 1/2 inch of canola oil over medium heat. Fry chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
6. For the Honey Garlic Sauce, heat olive oil in a saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook until softened. Add honey, soy sauce, and black pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, watching carefully to avoid boiling over.
7. Dip each fried chicken breast into the sauce before serving with noodles or rice.

Tips for Success

Ensure the oil is at the right temperature to avoid burning the coating while the chicken cooks. A medium heat setting works best. Also, don’t overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches if necessary.

Additional Tips and Variations

For an oven-baked version, preheat a baking sheet in a 425°F oven. Follow the coating process, then place the chicken on the hot, lightly oiled sheet. Spray the tops with oil and bake for 15 minutes, flip, and bake another 10-15 minutes. This method gives you a crispy texture without frying.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

The nutritional information can vary, especially with coated and sauced recipes. For precise details, consider calculating based on actual ingredient usage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use bone-in chicken? Yes, but adjust cooking times accordingly as bone-in chicken will take longer to cook through.
• How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, the sauce can be made a day in advance and reheated gently before use.

Conclusion

I invite you to try this Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe and see why it has become a beloved favorite. It’s easy, delicious, and sure to impress anyone who tries it. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative variations you come up with. Happy cooking!