Crispy Smash Chicken with Garlic Sauce Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Cooking Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Courses: Dinner, Lunch
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 180  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

Crispy Smash Chicken with Garlic Sauce is a flavor-packed chicken dish made with smashed chicken breasts pan-seared until golden and crunchy, then finished with a rich, savory garlic sauce. This easy stovetop recipe delivers restaurant-style crispiness with simple ingredients, making it perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or satisfying comfort food cravings.

Ingredients
    For the Smash Chicken
  • 4 pieces boneless chicken breast (skinless)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or sunflower oil)
  • For the Garlic Sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil
  • 6 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 cup chicken stock or water
  • 1 tsp 1 cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
  • For Garnish (Optional)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions
    Prepare the Chicken
  1. 1
    Place each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan, gently smash the chicken until it is evenly flattened to about 1.5 cm thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and creates a crispier surface.
  2. Season and Coat
  3. 2
    In a bowl, mix salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili flakes. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the smashed chicken. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and flour. Lightly coat each chicken piece with this mixture, shaking off excess for a thin, crisp layer.
  4. Pan-Fry the Chicken
  5. 3
    Heat oil in a large heavy-bottom pan over medium-high heat, approximately 180°C. Place the chicken into the hot pan and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  6. Prepare the Garlic Sauce
  7. 4
    In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and oil, allowing the butter to melt gently. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–40 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  8. Build the Sauce
  9. 5
    Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, black pepper, and chicken stock. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  10. Combine and Serve
  11. 6
    Return the crispy chicken to the pan and spoon the garlic sauce over each piece, coating evenly. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Remove from heat and garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Note

For extra crispiness, let the coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying.
You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a pan or air fryer to maintain crispiness instead of microwaving.

Keywords: crispy chicken, garlic sauce, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, stovetop chicken
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/crispy-smash-chicken-with-garlic-sauce-recipe/