Name: Asian-Style Crispy Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 500 grams boneless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces); 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce; 1.5 tablespoons minced garlic; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced); 1 red bell pepper sliced; 1/3 cup green onion (chopped); 1/3 cup oil (for frying); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 2 teaspoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon Sriracha; 1/4 cup water; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a crispy, aromatic chicken dish that packs a punch of savory, garlicky goodness, then Asian-Style Crispy Garlic Chicken is about to become your new weeknight hero. This recipe is all about juicy chicken coated in a perfectly crisp crust, bathed in a sticky, garlicky sauce that proves almost addictive. Did you know garlic has long been considered a symbol of vitality and good luck in many Asian cultures? No wonder it makes this dish so irresistible! Asian-Style Crispy Garlic Chicken is special because it comes together surprisingly fast, requires basic pantry staples, and never fails to impress family or guests. It’s my answer to the saucy, takeout-inspired cravings I get — right alongside favorites like our Honey Soy Baked Chicken. Quick to prepare, economical, and truly delicious, this garlic chicken promises to put a smile on everyone’s face. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and make tonight extra delicious!

What is Asian-Style Crispy Garlic Chicken?

Ever wondered what happens if you combine juicy chicken, plenty of garlic, and the irresistible crunch of fried goodness? That’s how Asian-Style Crispy Garlic Chicken got its name! With a crunchy exterior and bold, garlicky sauce, this dish tells you exactly what you’ll get: crispy chicken, Asian flair, and lots of garlic. Why is it called “Asian-style”? Because it fuses classic stir-fry techniques with bold umami flavors found across Asia — all on your plate in record time. They say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but really, this recipe will win over anyone’s appetite. Give it a try — your dinner table will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This

First, this dish’s main highlight: it’s seriously crispy. Golden-brown chicken thighs, fried just right, offer a satisfying crunch that’s delicious in every bite. But making it at home is more than just tasty — it’s kinder to your wallet than ordering takeout, with zero sacrifice on flavor. No need for special equipment or exotic ingredients, either. The magic is in the combination of savory soy sauce, fiery Sriracha, fresh ginger, and that all-important mound of garlic. Each ingredient infuses the chicken with its own character, while toppings like bright green onions and sweet red bell pepper round out the experience both visually and on the palate. Compared to my Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry, this recipe is bolder and crunchier, but just as simple to whip up any night. Try it at home and discover why everyone in the family will be asking for seconds.

How to Make

Quick Overview

Bringing restaurant-level crunch and flavor to your own kitchen couldn’t be easier. Asian-Style Crispy Garlic Chicken calls for minimal prep, a quick marinade, and just a few minutes of frying. You’ll end up with juicy chicken that’s crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, all tossed in a moreish garlic sauce. The whole dish can be on your table in about 35 minutes — perfect for busy evenings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

500 grams boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1.5 tablespoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1/3 cup green onion, chopped
1/3 cup oil for frying
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon Sriracha
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step

Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with dark soy sauce, half of the minced garlic, ginger, black pepper, and cornstarch. Mix well to evenly coat. Let stand for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, light brown sugar, sesame oil, sriracha, remaining garlic, and water. Set this aside—you’ll use it once the chicken is crisped.
Fry the Chicken:
Heat the frying oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the pieces are crisp and golden brown. Remove cooked chicken and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Pour off excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Toss in the red bell pepper and stir-fry for 2 minutes, just until slightly softened.
Combine and Simmer:
Return the crispy chicken to the pan. Give your prepared sauce a quick stir and pour it into the pan. Toss everything together, ensuring the chicken is coated and the sauce starts to thicken slightly—about 2-3 minutes.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle in green onions, give one last toss, and remove from heat. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness!

What to Serve Asian-Style Crispy Garlic Chicken With

This crispy chicken is wonderful over a steamy bed of jasmine or basmati rice, soaking up that luscious sauce. It’s equally at home atop fried rice or nestled alongside garlicky stir-fried noodles. For a pop of color and nutrition, add a side of steamed bok choy, sautéed broccoli, or a fresh Asian slaw. Pair with a cool cucumber salad and a cup of green tea or sparkling lemonade to balance out the meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some homemade spring rolls for a true feast!

Top Tips for Perfecting

Chicken Choice: Use boneless chicken thighs for maximum juiciness and flavor. Chicken breast works too, but keep an eye on frying time to prevent dryness.
Cornstarch Is Key: Don’t skip the cornstarch—it’s the secret to ultra-crispy coating.
Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken. Too cool and the chicken will soak up oil and become greasy; too hot and it might burn before cooking through.
Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add to the pan, stirring until thickened.
Ingredient Swaps: No Sriracha? Use your favorite hot sauce or skip it entirely if you’re heat-averse, but don’t leave out the garlic—that’s the star!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat the chicken in a hot oven (180°C/350°F) for about 10 minutes to regain its crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to soften the crust. You can freeze the fried chicken pieces separately from the sauce for up to one month. To serve, bake chicken from frozen until hot and crisp, then toss in reheated sauce. Always store sauce separately if freezing, and reheat gently on the stovetop.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breast works well, just adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking and dryness.

Is this recipe very spicy?
The dish has a gentle kick from the Sriracha, but you can reduce or omit it for a milder version.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Absolutely. Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten free.

How can I make it vegetarian?
Try using firm tofu, pressed and cubed, in place of the chicken. Pan-fry until golden and follow the rest of the recipe.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients, and fry the chicken in batches to keep it crispy.

Conclusion

Asian-Style Crispy Garlic Chicken promises to deliver everything you crave from takeout—crunch, bold flavors, and a sweet-savory garlic punch—with the added comfort and savings of a homemade meal. With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish in under 40 minutes. Don’t hesitate to experiment with add-ins or swap a few veggies based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a shot tonight, and explore the rest of our Asian-inspired chicken creations for even more easy dinner inspiration. With every crispy, garlicky bite, you’ll see why this dish deserves to be a staple on your family table!