Introduction
Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s both sweet and savory? Look no further than Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken with Stir-Fried Noodles and Steamed Rice! This dish combines the irresistible crunch of golden-brown chicken with the sticky, sweet, and garlicky goodness of a honey garlic glaze. Served alongside perfectly cooked stir-fried noodles and fluffy steamed rice, it’s a complete and balanced meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
This recipe is designed to be easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. We’ll break down each component – the chicken, the glaze, the noodles, and the rice – into manageable steps, ensuring a delicious and impressive result. Get ready to impress your taste buds!
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients for the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Ingredients for the Honey Garlic Glaze
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Instructions for the Chicken and Glaze
- **Prepare the Chicken:** In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until fully coated.
- **Fry the Chicken:** Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- **Make the Glaze:** In a separate saucepan, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, garlic, ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- **Thicken the Glaze:** Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry, whisking constantly, until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency.
- **Combine Chicken and Glaze:** Add the fried chicken to the saucepan with the glaze and toss to coat evenly.
Stir-Fried Noodles
Ingredients for the Noodles
- 8 oz dried egg noodles or lo mein noodles
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (broccoli florets, sliced carrots, bell peppers, snap peas)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions for the Noodles
- **Cook the Noodles:** Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- **Stir-Fry the Vegetables:** Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp.
- **Add Noodles and Sauce:** Add the cooked noodles to the wok with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until the noodles are heated through and coated with the sauce.
- **Finish and Garnish:** Stir in the sesame oil. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (if using).
Steamed Rice
Instructions for the Rice
Prepare steamed rice according to your preferred method (rice cooker, stovetop). For best results, use long-grain rice.
Serving Suggestions
To assemble your meal, serve the Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken over a bed of steamed rice. Add a generous portion of stir-fried noodles on the side. Garnish with extra sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips and Variations
- **Chicken:** You can use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs, but be careful not to overcook it.
- **Vegetables:** Feel free to use your favorite vegetables in the stir-fry. Mushrooms, bok choy, and bean sprouts are also great additions.
- **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level of the glaze.
- **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to make this recipe gluten-free.
- **Sauce:** Add a dash of Sriracha sauce to the honey garlic glaze for an extra kick.
Conclusion
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken with Stir-Fried Noodles and Steamed Rice is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will leave you craving more!
