If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to whip up, and totally addictive, then you’ve just found your new go-to! This Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe delivers tender, golden chicken pieces drenched in a luscious honey garlic glaze that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and tangy. It’s that perfect comfort food that’s quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you try these little bites, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe just right comes down to a handful of simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in taste, texture, and color. They’re everyday pantry staples you probably have at home, making this recipe as convenient as it is delicious.
- Chicken breast, 1 pound: Perfectly lean and tender, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- All-purpose flour, 1/4 cup: Helps create a light coating that crisps up beautifully when cooked.
- Cornstarch, 1/4 cup: Adds extra crunch and thickens the coating for that coveted crispy texture.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon: Adds a hint of spice to balance the sweetness.
- Olive oil, 2 tablespoons: For frying the chicken to a perfect golden brown without overpowering the dish.
- Unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons: Creates a rich base for the honey garlic sauce and adds depth of flavor.
- Garlic cloves, 4 minced: The star ingredient bringing that irresistible punch of aroma and zest.
- Honey, 1/4 cup: Naturally sweet and sticky, it forms the heart of the sauce’s signature glaze.
- Soy sauce, 2 tablespoons: Adds a salty umami flavor that balances the honey perfectly.
- Apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon: Brings a subtle tang that cuts through the sweetness for harmony.
- Optional garnish – sesame seeds and chopped green onions: Adds a lovely crunch and fresh color for the finishing touch.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by mixing the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss your bite-sized chicken pieces in this mixture until they’re evenly coated. This simple step ensures each piece will have a delightful crispy exterior once cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer—no crowding—to allow them to brown beautifully. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has that irresistible golden crust. Remove from the skillet and set aside to prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base
Lower the heat to medium-low and add butter to the same skillet. As it melts, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute. This step releases those aromatic garlic oils, forming a fragrant base that will elevate the sauce to the next level.
Step 4: Whisk in the Honey Garlic Sauce
Next, pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk everything together in the skillet so the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thickens over a couple of minutes. This is the magic moment where sweet meets savory with just the right tang to create that crave-worthy glaze.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the golden chicken bites to the skillet and toss them gently but thoroughly in the honey garlic sauce. Make sure every bite is coated with that sticky, flavor-packed sauce—that’s where all the comfort and joy happen.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve your Honey Garlic Chicken Bites piping hot. If you’re feeling fancy (and why wouldn’t you?), sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions to add a bit of crunch and fresh pop of color. These finishing touches aren’t just pretty—they add that extra dimension of flavor.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions are classic garnishes that complement Honey Garlic Chicken Bites beautifully. The sesame seeds lend a toasty crunch while the green onions add a sharp freshness that balances the sauce’s sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these chicken bites with steamed jasmine rice, fluffy mashed potatoes, or even a crisp Asian slaw for a refreshing crunch. The rich and sticky sauce pairs wonderfully with neutral sides that soak up the flavors or contrasting textures to keep every bite exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your honey garlic chicken bites as finger food at parties or family gatherings with toothpicks. Alternatively, pile them on a bed of fresh greens for a warm salad or stuff them into pita pockets with crunchy veggies for a delicious handheld meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Bites keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cool them completely before storing to maintain their texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken bites for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can enjoy this tasty dish anytime with minimal prep.
Reheating
For the best results when reheating, thaw frozen bites overnight in the fridge and warm them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. This method helps preserve the crispiness and keeps the sauce luscious without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast in this Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and rich flavor. Just be sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces to cook thoroughly and maintain that crispy coating.
Is it necessary to use both flour and cornstarch for coating?
Using a combination of flour and cornstarch helps achieve the perfect crunchy texture. Flour provides structure, while cornstarch lightens the coating, making it crisp without feeling heavy.
Can I make the sauce less sweet?
Yes! To reduce sweetness, simply cut back the honey by a tablespoon or balance it with a touch more apple cider vinegar. Feel free to adjust it to your taste for the ideal sweet-savory balance.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not in the recipe’s current form because of the all-purpose flour and soy sauce. However, you can substitute with gluten-free flour and tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce alternative) to make it safe for gluten sensitivities.
Can these chicken bites be baked instead of pan-fried?
They can! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While you might lose a bit of the deep crispiness from frying, baking is a great option for a lighter version without sacrificing much flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites because it’s simple, flavorful, and totally satisfying every single time. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned kitchen pro, these chicken bites invite comfort and joy in every bite. So go ahead, give the recipe a try and prepare to fall in love with a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
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Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are crispy, tender pieces of chicken breast coated in a light flour and cornstarch mixture, pan-fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a flavorful, sticky honey garlic sauce. This quick and easy skillet recipe combines sweet, savory, and tangy elements ideal for a weeknight dinner or appetizer.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Optional Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in this mixture until they are evenly and well coated, which helps achieve a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they brown evenly and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low and add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt fully, then stir in the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: Add honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar to the skillet and whisk them together with the garlic butter. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and develop a rich flavor.
- Toss Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss them thoroughly in the honey garlic sauce, ensuring each bite is generously coated with the sticky, flavorful mixture.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the chicken bites hot, optionally sprinkled with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an added layer of flavor and an attractive presentation.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure soy sauce is gluten-free tamari.
- Adjust honey amount if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
- Cook chicken pieces in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can prevent crispiness.
- If you want extra crispiness, briefly rest coated chicken before frying to allow the coating to set.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce overall saltiness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently in a skillet.
