Crispy Honey Lemon Chicken

$- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 eggs, beaten - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness) - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Oil for frying - Optional: lemon slices and fresh parsley for garnish To make the crispy honey lemon chicken, gather your ingredients first. You need chicken, flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs give the best crunch. Next, prepare the sauce. You will need honey, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for extra flavor. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. The zest adds a lovely fragrance. Make sure you have enough oil for frying. This will help the chicken get crispy. If you like, you can garnish your dish with lemon slices and parsley for a splash of color. Enjoy preparing this delightful meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes it easy to eat. Next, in a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. This flour mix helps the coating stick well to the chicken. In another bowl, beat the eggs until they are smooth. Place the breadcrumbs, preferably panko, in a third shallow dish for extra crunch. Now, take each chicken piece, coat it in the flour mix, dip it in the eggs, and finally cover it with breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is fully coated. This step is key for that crispy bite. In a medium bowl, combine honey, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk these together until well mixed. The honey adds sweetness while the lemon juice gives a nice tang. This sauce will bring the dish to life. Make sure to set this mixture aside for later. It will be drizzled over the chicken once it is cooked. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken pieces in batches. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes on each side. This step gives the chicken that delightful crunch. Once done, place the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. After all the chicken is cooked, drizzle the honey lemon sauce over it while it’s warm. Gently toss the chicken to coat it evenly. If you want to add a special touch, garnish with lemon slices and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. To get that crunchy outside, follow a few key steps. First, coat each chicken piece well. Start with the flour mix, then dip in eggs, and finish with breadcrumbs. I prefer panko crumbs for a better crunch. When frying, use oil that’s hot enough. If it’s too cool, the chicken will soak up oil and lose crispiness. The honey lemon sauce is where the magic happens. You want it sweet but also tart. Adjust the lemon juice to your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. If you want it tangier, add lemon juice. Zest from the lemon gives a nice aroma. Taste the sauce before drizzling it on the chicken. Frying gives a golden and crunchy finish. It’s quick and easy. However, baking can also work if you prefer a healthier option. If you choose to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet. Spray lightly with oil. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get a nice crunch! Pro Tips Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For the crispiest texture, opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They create a light and airy crust that stays crunchy longer. Double Dredge for Extra Crispiness: For an even crunchier coating, consider double dredging the chicken pieces. After the first coating, dip them back into the egg and then coat with breadcrumbs again. Control Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. Use a thermometer; the ideal temperature is around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy. Let Chicken Rest: After frying, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before drizzling with sauce. This allows the coating to set and stay crispy as it absorbs the flavors of the honey lemon sauce. {{image_2}} You can change the sauce for a different flavor. Try a sweet chili sauce for heat. A teriyaki sauce gives a rich, savory taste. You can also use a honey mustard mix for a tangy twist. Each sauce adds its own special touch to the dish. Chicken is great, but you can use other proteins. Try shrimp or tofu for a fun change. Both cook quickly and soak up flavors well. If you want a heartier meal, use pork or beef. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose. Add vegetables to make the dish more colorful and healthy. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas work well. You can stir-fry them with the chicken or serve them on the side. Pair this dish with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garlic fried rice or sesame noodles are perfect choices. After enjoying your crispy honey lemon chicken, cool it down to room temperature. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat your chicken, first, take it out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm and crispy. You can also use a microwave, but it may not stay crispy. For freezing, lay the chicken pieces on a baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching. Freeze them for about an hour. Once they are solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together. Use within three months for the best taste. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thawing helps the chicken cook evenly. It also allows the breading to stick better. You can thaw chicken overnight in the fridge. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Just be careful not to start cooking it. If you need a substitute for honey, try maple syrup. It offers a similar sweetness. You can also use agave nectar or brown sugar mixed with water. Each option gives a different flavor, so choose what you like best. Keep in mind that the taste will change slightly. To make this recipe healthier, try baking instead of frying. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet and spray it lightly with oil. This method cuts down on fat. You can also use whole wheat flour for added fiber. Another option is to add more veggies as a side dish. Serve with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad. In this blog post, we covered everything from ingredients to cooking methods. We explored the perfect blend of chicken, sauces, and techniques to create a delicious meal. I shared tips for crispiness, flavor balance, and cooking options. You can also discover fun variations and storage tips for leftovers. Remember, cooking is about creativity. Feel free to adjust ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy making this dish your own, and happy cooking!$

Crispy Honey Lemon Chicken

A delicious and crispy chicken dish coated in a sweet and tangy honey lemon sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
1 4 cup honey
1 4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 whole zest of lemon
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger powder
to taste salt and pepper
as needed oil for frying
optional lemon slices for garnish
optional fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
Place the breadcrumbs in another shallow dish.
Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs, ensuring it's fully covered.
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Set aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded chicken pieces in batches. Fry until they are golden brown and crisp, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Once all the chicken is cooked, drizzle the honey lemon sauce over the crispy chicken pieces while they are still warm. Toss gently to coat.
If desired, garnish with lemon slices and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.

Notes

For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs.

Keyword chicken, crispy, fried, honey, lemon