Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken with Rice and Veggies
This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken with Rice and Veggies is the ultimate comfort food that combines sweet savor and crunchy in one delicious dish. The crispy fried chicken pieces are coated in a rich honey garlic sauce creating a perfect balance of flavors. Served alongside fluffy rice and colorful sautéed vegetables this dish is both hearty and nutritious making it an ideal meal for lunch or dinner. It’s easy to make and the crispy chicken with the sticky-sweet sauce will leave you coming back for more.
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 eggs (beaten)
1 cup breadcrumbs (for extra crunch use panko breadcrumbs)
Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
1/2 cup honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
2 tablespoons water
For the Rice and Veggies:
2 cups cooked white or brown rice (can also use jasmine or basmati)
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 red bell pepper (sliced thin)
1/2 yellow bell pepper (sliced thin)
1 carrot (julienned or thinly sliced)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prep the Chicken:
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces if desired or leave them whole.
In a shallow bowl mix the flour, garlic powder onion powder paprika salt and pepper.
In another shallow bowl beat the eggs.
Place the breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
Coat each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture then dip it into the beaten eggs and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Repeat until all chicken pieces are coated.
Fry the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat (about 1/4 inch deep).
Once the oil is hot fry the chicken pieces in batches being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
Once done transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a small saucepan combine honey soy sauce minced garlic apple cider vinegar and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat stirring occasionally.
In a small bowl whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
Add the slurry to the sauce stirring continuously until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat.
Prepare the Veggies and Rice:
In a large skillet or wok heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli bell peppers and carrots. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes or until tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
In a separate pot cook rice if not already prepared.
Assemble the Dish:
Drizzle the crispy chicken with the honey garlic sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Serve the chicken on a plate alongside the cooked rice and sautéed veggies. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for Success:
Crispiness: To ensure your chicken stays crispy fry in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy chicken.
Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce you can increase the cornstarch slurry slightly. If you like a thinner sauce add a bit more water.
Rice Alternatives: Brown rice jasmine or basmati rice work great in this dish. If you’re in a rush using pre-cooked rice or microwaveable rice can save time.
Make It Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the honey garlic sauce for some heat.
Healthy Option: For a lighter version you can bake the chicken instead of frying. Just coat it with the same flour mixture and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Vegetable Variations: You can mix and match veggies based on your preference. Snow peas zucchini or mushrooms can be delicious additions to the stir-fry.
Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-600 kcal
Protein: 30-40g
Carbohydrates: 50-65g
Fiber: 2-4g
Sugar: 15-25g (mainly from honey)
Fat: 12-20g
Saturated Fat: 2-4g
Cholesterol: 60-90mg
Sodium: 500-800mg (varies with soy sauce and seasoning)
Vitamins & Minerals:
Vitamin A: 10-20% of the daily value (from vegetables)
Vitamin C: 15-25% of the daily value (from veggies like broccoli or bell peppers)
Calcium: 4-6% of the daily value
Iron: 6-10% of the daily value
Enjoy this crispy savory, and sweet chicken dish that’s packed with flavor and paired perfectly with rice and fresh vegetables!