I absolutely love this Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe because it s quick, flavorful, and seriously satisfying. The little bursts of honey s sweetness mixed with the warm garlic and a hint of heat just make it one of those dishes I keep coming back to when I want something simple yet special. If you re like me and sometimes struggle to find a weeknight dinner everyone agrees on, this recipe is your new best friend.
When I first tried this Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe, I was amazed at how the sauce clings to each tender bite of chicken, making every forkful a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. It s a great option for when friends pop over unexpectedly or you want a fuss-free dish that’s impressive enough to serve any night of the week. Trust me, once you try this one, it ll be on repeat in your kitchen too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry already, making it super easy to whip up any time.
- Speedy Weeknight Meal: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings when you want something tasty fast.
- Flavor-Packed Sauce: The honey garlic glaze balances sweet, tangy, and a bit of heat for an irresistible bite.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this dish, so it s perfect for sharing with friends and loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a wonderfully balanced sauce and tender chicken. I always recommend using fresh garlic and good-quality honey-it really makes the difference in the final flavor.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Cubed for quick cooking; you can also use thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
- Cornstarch: Optional but helps create a nice light coating that keeps the chicken juicy and makes the sauce cling better.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season and enhance flavor – taste as you go to avoid over-salting.
- Olive oil: For sautéing – I like extra virgin for the added flavor, but any neutral oil works.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps carry the garlic flavor beautifully.
- Garlic: Fresh and finely minced for that punch of aromatic goodness.
- Honey: Provides sweetness that balances the savory and acidic elements perfectly.
- Low-sodium chicken stock: Keeps the sauce flavorful without being too salty.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and freshness to cut through the richness.
- Hot sauce (optional): Sriracha is my go-to to add a subtle spicy kick – completely optional based on your heat preference.
- Red chili pepper flakes: For garnish and a little extra heat burst.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, to add color and a hint of herbaceous freshness on top.
Variations
I love how flexible this Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe is, so don t hesitate to make it your own. Whether you want to turn up the spice or add more veggies, this base recipe adapts easily to your preferences.
- Add Veggies: I ve tossed in bell peppers or snap peas for a fresh crunch, which adds color and nutrition without complicating the dish.
- Use Chicken Thighs: Juicier and more flavorful, thighs work great if you want a moister bite and a richer sauce.
- Swap Honey: Try maple syrup or agave for a different kind of sweetness – it changes the flavor profile subtly but beautifully.
- Make It Spicy: Double the hot sauce or chili flakes if you love heat; my family is all about that extra kick!
- Gluten-Free Tip: Skip cornstarch or use arrowroot powder and just be sure your soy sauce (if used) is gluten-free.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken for Juiciness
Start by tossing your chicken cubes in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. The cornstarch is optional, but I discovered this trick when I wanted a slightly crispy outside without deep frying-the coating helps the sauce stick and seals in moisture. Make sure to coat evenly but don t overdo it, just a light dusting works best.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then melt the butter into it. Add the chicken cubes in a single layer; you might need to cook in batches to avoid crowding. This is key because overcrowding traps steam and prevents that beautiful golden crust. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Create the Honey Garlic Glaze
Once your chicken is cooked, add finely minced garlic directly to the pan for that fresh aroma-make sure not to burn it, about 30 seconds should do. Quickly pour in honey, chicken stock, lemon juice, and hot sauce if you re using it. Stir everything to coat the chicken fully, then let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and sticks to the chicken. This step is where the magic happens-watch how the sauce transforms the dish!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and red chili flakes over the chicken for a pop of color and a touch of heat. These garnishes make it look restaurant-worthy and add fresh, vibrant flavors that brighten the dish. Serve immediately, ideally over steamed rice, and get ready to dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
- Don t Crowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in batches ensures a crisp, golden exterior instead of steamed, soggy bites.
- Fresh Garlic is Key: Using fresh minced garlic rather than pre-minced gives the sauce a much brighter, punchier flavor.
- Simmer the Sauce Just Right: Let the glaze thicken gently without boiling too vigorously to prevent the honey from burning.
- Adjust Tang and Heat to Taste: Start with the lemon juice and hot sauce amounts as listed, then tweak for your preferred balance.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I always reach for fresh chopped parsley because it adds a lovely green brightness and just the right hint of freshness. A sprinkle of red chili flakes makes it feel a little fancier and brings out the subtle heat in the sauce, which my family loves. If you want, sliced green onions work beautifully too for a bit more crunch and sharpness.
Side Dishes
For sides, I m a big fan of serving these chicken bites over fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up all that gorgeous sauce. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots add color and nutrients without stealing the spotlight. Sometimes I whip up a quick cucumber salad on the side for a refreshing crunch that contrasts perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I ve served these honey garlic bites skewered on small wooden sticks sprinkled with extra herbs and chili flakes, making them perfect finger food for parties. Another fun idea is to pile them on a vibrant salad bed with avocado, greens, and a light vinaigrette for a warm-meets-fresh dinner bowl that s as pretty as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover honey garlic chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually keep well for 3-4 days. When you do this, the sauce tends to thicken, so stirring before reheating helps redistribute the flavors.
Freezing
Freezing these chicken bites works pretty well if you want to prep in advance. I freeze them in portion-sized containers or freezer bags, making sure they re fully cooled first. Just keep in mind that sauce texture can change slightly, but reheated with a splash of water or stock, they still taste fantastic.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat is gently warming the chicken bites in a skillet with a tablespoon of water or broth over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps loosen the sauce and keeps the chicken tender instead of drying out like in a microwave. If you re in a rush, popping them in the microwave covered works too-just add a little liquid and watch carefully to avoid overheating.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat. Just cut them into similar sized pieces and adjust cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
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Is there a substitute for cornstarch in this recipe?
Yes, if you don t have cornstarch or want to keep it gluten-free, arrowroot powder works well as a thickening agent. You can also skip it; the dish will still be delicious, though the sauce might be a little less sticky on the chicken.
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What can I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Bites?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes. Adding veggies like sautéed greens, roasted broccoli, or a crisp cucumber salad balances out the meal perfectly.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken bites in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage. Just reheat gently to keep the texture and flavor at their best.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for how effortlessly it comes together and how much everyone enjoys it at the table. I always feel like I m serving comfort food with a little flair, and I bet you ll feel the same. Give it a try-you ll find yourself reaching for this one when you want an all-around winner that s both cozy and bursting with flavor.
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are tender, juicy pieces of chicken breast coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce, finished with a zesty kick of lemon and optional heat from Sriracha and red chili flakes. Perfect as a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner served over rice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 or 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (we used Sriracha), optional
Garnish
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a large salad bowl, combine the cubed chicken breast with cornstarch, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated, which helps to create a light crust when cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely into the oil. Place the coated chicken cubes into the skillet in a single layer. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure all sides are golden brown. To prevent steaming and overcrowding, cook in batches if necessary.
- Add the sauce: After the chicken is fully cooked and golden, pour in the minced garlic, honey, low-sodium chicken stock, lemon juice, and hot sauce if using. Stir to completely coat the chicken in the sauce. Allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the chicken bites.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle the chicken bites with fresh chopped parsley and red chili pepper flakes. Serve immediately over steamed rice or your preferred side dish. Enjoy your flavorful honey garlic chicken bites!
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the sauce and let it cook for an additional minute until thickened.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Cooking in batches helps keep the chicken crispy and prevents it from steaming and becoming soggy.
- These chicken bites pair well with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
