Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

Irresistible Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe for Family Dinners

These succulent honey garlic chicken bites spark instant cravings with their golden, caramelized edges and irresistible glaze.

Small kitchen miracles sometimes emerge from simple ingredients combined thoughtfully.

Sweet and savory meet in this quick protein-packed delight that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Tender chicken pieces glistening with a sticky sauce that balances warmth and zest perfectly.

Kitchen adventurers will appreciate how effortlessly these morsels come together using pantry staples.

Each bite delivers a sophisticated blend of gentle sweetness and robust garlic notes that dance across your palate.

Grab some chopsticks or a fork and let’s make magic happen!

You won’t be able to stop at just one serving of these addictive little morsels.

Why Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Are Sticky, Savory, and Irresistible

  • Savor Sweet and Savory Harmony: These chicken bites perfectly balance honey's sweetness with soy sauce's rich umami, creating a mouthwatering flavor explosion that dances across your taste buds.
  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: From start to finish, this recipe takes just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy families seeking a delicious meal without complicated cooking techniques or lengthy preparation.
  • Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside Perfection: The flour coating creates a delightful golden-brown crunch while keeping the chicken tender and succulent, delivering a texturally exciting eating experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.
  • Versatile Dish for Any Occasion: Whether you're preparing a casual family dinner, hosting a casual gathering, or need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these honey garlic chicken bites adapt effortlessly to any dining scenario, guaranteed to impress both kids and adults.

What You’ll Need for Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

Main Ingredients:

Chicken and Coating:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean protein that creates tender, bite-sized pieces perfect for quick cooking.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates a light, crispy exterior for the chicken.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
  • Garlic: Brings intense, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
  • Ginger: Optional ingredient that adds a warm, spicy kick to the dish.
Finishing and Thickening Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Helps in browning and cooking the chicken evenly.
  • Cornstarch: Creates a smooth, thick sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
  • Water: Helps create the right consistency for the sauce.
  • Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal to the final dish.
  • Green Onions: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color as a garnish.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Right

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

  • In a mixing bowl, combine flour
  • Add salt
  • Sprinkle in black pepper

Toss chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring each piece is completely covered with the coating.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken Pieces

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown and reach a crispy exterior. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and grated ginger (optional). Saute for 30 seconds until the aroma fills your kitchen. The fragrant mixture will create a delicious foundation for the sauce.

Step 4: Build Honey Garlic Sauce

  • Pour honey
  • Add soy sauce
  • Include water

Stir ingredients together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to blend smoothly.

Step 5: Thicken Sauce Perfectly

Mix cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry. Pour into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Watch the sauce transform and become glossy and thick within 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Glaze Chicken Bites

Return chicken pieces to the skillet. Gently toss and coat each piece with the glistening honey garlic sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm the chicken and ensure complete sauce coverage.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer chicken bites to a serving platter. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Accompany with steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Best Tips for Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

  • Flour Coating Pro: Shake off excess flour to prevent clumping and ensure a light, crispy exterior on your chicken bites.
  • Skillet Spacing Secret: Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve perfect golden-brown chicken with even cooking and maximum crispiness.
  • Sauce Balancing Trick: Adjust honey and soy sauce ratios to customize sweetness and saltiness according to your taste preferences.
  • Cornstarch Consistency Hack: Mix cornstarch with cold water to prevent lumps and create a smooth, silky sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Replace flour with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to make this recipe keto-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

How to Reheat Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Without Drying Out

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover honey garlic chicken bites in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Reheat Skillet: Warm the chicken over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Stir gently for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly.
  • Microwave Option: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly.
  • Avoid Freezing: These chicken bites are best enjoyed fresh. Freezing might compromise the sauce's texture and the chicken's tenderness.

What to Pair with Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

  • Pair with Zesty Citrus Salad: Craft a refreshing salad with mixed greens, mandarin oranges, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the rich, sweet honey garlic flavor.
  • Complement with Crisp White Wine: Choose a Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the chicken's sweetness and provide a cool, acidic contrast.
  • Match with Steamed Jasmine Rice: The neutral, fragrant rice absorbs the delicious honey garlic sauce perfectly, creating a harmonious main dish experience.
  • Enhance with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a side of roasted broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers to add color, nutrition, and a slight char that complements the chicken's glazed texture.

Tasty Variations for Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

  • Spicy Kick Chicken Bites: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a fiery version that brings extra heat to the classic recipe.
  • Asian Fusion Chicken Bites: Incorporate ginger, rice vinegar, and a splash of sesame oil to create a more complex, authentic Asian-inspired flavor profile.
  • Citrus Zest Chicken Bites: Introduce fresh orange or lemon zest into the sauce for a bright, tangy dimension that cuts through the sweetness of honey.
  • Herb-Infused Chicken Bites: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like basil, cilantro, or thyme during the final coating to add a fresh, aromatic element to the dish.

FAQ on Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

  • What makes the chicken crispy in this recipe?

The flour coating helps create a crispy exterior when the chicken is pan-fried. Coating the chicken pieces in seasoned flour before cooking ensures a golden, crunchy texture that locks in the moisture.

  • Can I use chicken breast instead of other chicken cuts?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works perfectly for this recipe. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces and follow the same coating and cooking process. The key is to cut uniform pieces so they cook evenly.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

No, this honey garlic chicken is more sweet and savory. The honey provides sweetness, while garlic and soy sauce add depth of flavor. If you want heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sriracha to the sauce.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). When you cut into a piece, the meat should be white throughout with no pink areas. Cooking 2-3 minutes per side usually ensures it’s fully cooked.

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Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savor mouthwatering honey garlic chicken bites that blend sweet and savory flavors in one irresistible dish. Crispy golden nuggets drizzled with glossy sauce promise a delightful culinary experience you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Coating and Seasoning:

  • ⅓ cup (40 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Honey Garlic Sauce:

  • ¼ cup (60 ml) honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ teaspoon ginger, minced or grated (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons water

Garnish:

  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare a shallow dish with seasoned flour mixture, ensuring each chicken morsel receives an even, light coating by gently tumbling the pieces through the seasoned powder.
  2. Warm vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, creating a golden-brown canvas for cooking. Arrange chicken pieces in a single, uncrowded layer, allowing each bite to develop a crispy exterior without steaming.
  3. Cook chicken pieces for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, rotating carefully to achieve a uniform, amber-colored crust. Verify internal doneness by ensuring no pink remains. Transfer cooked morsels to a separate plate.
  4. In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and optional ginger, allowing aromatics to release their fragrant essence for roughly 45 seconds. Pour honey, soy sauce, and water, creating a glossy liquid foundation.
  5. Create a cornstarch mixture by whisking water and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly incorporate this into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and encourage thickening.
  6. Reintroduce chicken pieces into the glossy sauce, gently tumbling to ensure complete and uniform coverage. Warm the chicken through, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly.
  7. Plate the glazed chicken bites, sprinkling with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions. Accompany with steamed rice, noodles, or crisp vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Select chicken breast or thighs with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption without overcooking.
  • Pat chicken pieces dry before coating with flour mixture to help achieve crispier, golden-brown exterior during frying.
  • Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or almond flour for coating chicken.
  • Adjust honey sauce sweetness by reducing or increasing honey quantity based on personal taste preferences.
  • Prevent sauce from becoming too thick by adding water gradually and stirring continuously during reduction process.
  • For lower-carb option, serve chicken over cauliflower rice or mixed green salad instead of traditional rice.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for subtle heat in honey garlic sauce.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 365
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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