If you’re craving a delicious, easy-to-make dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are the answer! These juicy, tender chicken pieces are coated in a rich, sticky honey garlic sauce that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner for the family or a party appetizer, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Honey Garlic Chicken Bites, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen:
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Honey: The star ingredient that gives the dish its natural sweetness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will create the fragrant, savory base.
- Soy Sauce: For depth of flavor and a slight saltiness to balance the honey.
- Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken to golden perfection.
- Cornstarch: A little cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, giving it that glossy, sticky finish.
- Optional Garnishes: Green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. For even cooking, try to keep the pieces similar in size. Season the chicken with salt and pepper for a little extra flavor.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a little water. Add cornstarch to thicken the sauce and mix well until smooth. This sauce will become the flavorful coating for your chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking them for about 6-8 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Coat with Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Stir to coat every piece evenly. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, about 2-3 minutes, until it becomes sticky and glossy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish your Honey Garlic Chicken Bites with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor. Serve them hot with a side of steamed rice or your favorite veggies, or enjoy them as a tasty appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, Honey Garlic Chicken Bites make for a simple, weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Versatile: You can serve these chicken bites as an appetizer, main dish, or even use them as a topping for salads and wraps.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of honey and garlic creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
- Family-Friendly: With its mild flavors and juicy chicken, this dish is a great way to introduce younger eaters to new tastes.
Storage and Tips for Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for the best results. You can also freeze these chicken bites for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool them completely before storing them in freezer-safe bags or containers.
Final Thoughts
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are the perfect mix of savory and sweet, making them an ideal addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for the family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Give it a try today and enjoy a dish that’s both simple and absolutely irresistible!
Serving and Storage Tips for Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Serving Tips
- Serve with Rice: Pair Honey Garlic Chicken Bites with steamed white or brown rice. The sticky sauce is perfect for soaking into the rice, making each bite even more flavorful.
- Vegetable Side Dishes: These chicken bites go wonderfully with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans. The freshness of the vegetables balances the richness of the sauce.
- Appetizer Platter: Serve these chicken bites on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties or gatherings. Add a side of dipping sauce (such as soy sauce or sriracha mayo) for extra flavor.
- Salads: Top a fresh salad with Honey Garlic Chicken Bites for a protein-packed meal. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette works well to complement the sweet, savory chicken.
- Wraps and Tacos: For a fun twist, use the chicken bites as a filling for wraps or tacos. Add fresh toppings like lettuce, cucumber, and avocado to complete the dish.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to allow the chicken to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain its texture.
- Freezing: If you have more leftovers than you can eat, these chicken bites freeze well. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When reheating, allow the chicken to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through. You can also microwave the chicken in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
By following these simple serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Honey Garlic Chicken Bites even after the first meal!
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. Chicken thighs are slightly more flavorful and tender, making them a great alternative. Just ensure they are cooked through, as thighs may take a little longer to cook than breasts.
2. Can I make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Honey Garlic Chicken Bites ahead of time. You can cook the chicken and make the sauce, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just reheat and toss the chicken in the sauce until warmed through. This makes it an ideal dish for meal prep or for hosting.
3. Can I make the sauce spicier?
Absolutely! If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or minced fresh chili to the sauce. Start with a small amount, taste, and adjust to your desired spice level.
4. How can I make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Be sure to check all other ingredients for any hidden gluten content, especially in store-bought sauces.
PrintHoney Garlic Chicken Bites
These Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a sticky, sweet, and garlicky sauce. Quick to prepare and perfect as a main dish or appetizer, they’re sure to be a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
Serves 4:
- For the chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/3 cup (40 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- For the honey garlic sauce:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced or grated (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water
- For garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until evenly coated.
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the garlic (and ginger, if using) and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the sauce:
- Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the skillet. Stir well and let the sauce thicken, about 1-2 minutes.
- Coat the chicken:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to warm the chicken and ensure it’s well glazed.
- Serve:
- Transfer the chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or veggies.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or bite-sized pork for a variation.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.