Are you craving that addictive, crispy, and flavorful Bon Chon chicken but don't want to leave the house? This homemade Bon Chon soy garlic recipe is your answer! This delicious dish delivers all the juicy, crispy goodness of the restaurant favorite, but with the convenience and affordability of cooking it yourself. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. This recipe is a great example of delicious, healthy meals that are also incredibly quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Soy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup finely minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.
Step 2: Dredge and Fry the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Soy Garlic Sauce
While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Add the fried chicken to the saucepan with the soy garlic sauce. Toss gently to coat the chicken evenly. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. This amazing recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best.
Cooking Tips for the Best Bon Chon:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Frying the chicken in batches ensures even cooking and browning.
- Use a thermometer: A deep-fry thermometer ensures the oil maintains the correct temperature for crispy chicken.
- Double the sauce: If you love that soy garlic flavor, feel free to double the sauce recipe!
- Adjust the spice: Control the heat level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes.
Variations:
- Spicy Bon Chon: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the sauce for extra heat.
- Sweet and Savory Bon Chon: Increase the honey or maple syrup for a sweeter profile.
- Glazed Bon Chon: For an extra layer of flavor, brush the fried chicken with a little extra soy garlic sauce before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This recipe offers a tasty alternative to takeout, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without sacrificing time or flavor. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion! Enjoy your homemade Bon Chon!