Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

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Looking to add a delectable twist to your dinner repertoire? Look no further than this Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe. With a perfect blend of crunchy coating, savory spices, and sweet honey garlic sauce, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Plus, we’ve included instructions for both frying and baking, so you can enjoy this mouthwatering meal any way you prefer. Let’s dive into the details!

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

Instructions:

  1. Preparing the Chicken:
    • Begin by flattening the chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap.
  2. Creating the Coating:
    • In a bowl, sift together the flour, salt, black pepper, ground ginger, nutmeg, thyme, sage, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Set aside half of the mixture for later use.
  3. Making the Egg Wash:
    • In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and water to create an egg wash.
  4. Coating the Chicken:
    • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
    • Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
    • Next, dip the coated chicken into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.
    • Finally, coat the chicken once again in the reserved flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
  5. Frying the Chicken:
    • Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Fry the coated chicken breasts in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
    • Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  6. Making the Honey Garlic Sauce:
    • In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add minced garlic to the pan and cook until fragrant.
    • Stir in the honey and soy sauce, allowing the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Serving:
    • Serve the crispy chicken breasts hot, drizzled with the delicious honey garlic sauce.

Oven-Baked Version:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by greasing it with oil.
  2. Follow steps 1 to 4 to prepare and coat the chicken breasts.
  3. Placing on Baking Sheet:
    • Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Baking:
    • Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
    • Flip the chicken breasts and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through and crispy.
  5. Serving:
    • Serve the oven-baked chicken breasts with the honey garlic sauce for dipping.

Nutritional Information:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

 

Serving Tips:

  1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a pop of color and freshness to your dish by garnishing with chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions before serving.
  2. Pair with Side Dishes: Serve your Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts alongside your favorite sides such as steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp garden salad for a well-rounded meal.
  3. Drizzle with Extra Sauce: For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle any leftover honey garlic sauce over the chicken just before serving, or serve it on the side for dipping.
  4. Customize with Condiments: Offer a selection of condiments such as barbecue sauce, hot sauce, or ranch dressing for guests to customize their chicken according to their taste preferences.
  5. Serve with Lemon Wedges: Provide lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the chicken to add a zesty touch.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to separate the chicken from the sauce to maintain its crispy texture.
  2. Reheating: To reheat the chicken, place it on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, checking for doneness.
  3. Freezing: While the cooked chicken can be frozen, it’s best to freeze it without the sauce to prevent sogginess. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  4. Sauce Storage: Store any leftover honey garlic sauce separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
  5. Crispiness Tip: If reheating leftovers in the oven, placing the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet can help maintain its crispiness by allowing air to circulate around the chicken as it reheats.

 

 

Variations:

  1. Spicy Kick: Add an extra kick of heat to your chicken by incorporating 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce or sriracha into the honey garlic sauce mixture. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference for a fiery twist.
  2. Asian-Inspired Flavors: Infuse the chicken with Asian-inspired flavors by substituting the ground thyme and sage with 1-2 teaspoons of Chinese five-spice powder. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added depth and freshness.
  3. Teriyaki Twist: Transform the dish into a teriyaki-inspired delight by replacing the honey garlic sauce with a homemade teriyaki glaze. Simply combine 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup mirin, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger in a saucepan. Simmer until thickened, then drizzle over the cooked chicken before serving.
  4. Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Ensure all other ingredients, including the soy sauce, are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  5. Coconut Crusted: Give your chicken a tropical twist by coating it in shredded coconut along with the flour mixture before frying or baking. The coconut adds a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness to the dish, perfect for a summer-inspired meal.
  6. Citrus Infusion: Infuse the chicken with bright citrus flavors by adding the zest of one lemon or orange to the flour mixture. The citrus zest adds a refreshing twist to the dish and pairs beautifully with the honey garlic sauce.
  7. Herbaceous Blend: Enhance the herbaceous notes of the dish by incorporating a blend of fresh herbs such as chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley into the flour mixture. The fragrant herbs add depth of flavor and aroma to the crispy coating.
  8. Panko Crust: For an extra crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs instead of flour for breading the chicken. The larger, flakier texture of panko breadcrumbs creates an irresistibly crunchy crust that pairs perfectly with the savory-sweet honey garlic sauce.

 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
    • Yes, absolutely! While the recipe calls for chicken breasts, you can easily substitute chicken thighs if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time.
  2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
    • To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, such as soy sauce, are certified gluten-free.
  3. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time and fry it later?
    • Yes, you can prepare the coated chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a few hours before frying. Just make sure to place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the coating from getting soggy.

 

 

With its irresistible combination of textures and flavors, this Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Whether you fry it to golden perfection or opt for the healthier baked version, you’re in for a culinary treat. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering dish!