If you are craving a dish that combines sweetness, a hint of spice, and comforting savory flavors, the Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe features tender, juicy chicken pieces glazed in a luscious honey garlic sauce that is perfectly balanced with soy sauce and a touch of vinegar. With just a handful of simple ingredients and under 30 minutes to prep and cook, this dish delivers maximum flavor and is sure to become a household favorite quickly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, but each element plays an essential role in creating the irresistible taste, texture, and color of this dish. From the golden sear on the chicken to the glossy honey garlic sauce, every ingredient adds a special touch.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to achieve a beautiful sear on the chicken and prevents sticking in the pan.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides the signature garlicky depth that defines the sauce.
- ¼ cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and a glossy finish to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Brings a perfect umami balance without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Gives a slight tang that brightens the overall dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle savory notes layered into the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: For just a hint of heat to complement the honey’s sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce into a luscious glaze.
- 2 tablespoons water: Mixed with cornstarch to create the thickening slurry.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness when sprinkled on top.
- Cooked rice, for serving: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce and making the meal complete.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Place them carefully in the hot skillet and cook until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through. The chicken should have a slight crispiness on the outside but remain tender inside. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. This mixture will be the heart of the sauce, balancing sweetness, saltiness, tanginess, and just a touch of spice.
Step 3: Cook Garlic and Thicken Sauce
Lower the skillet’s heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Cook for just a minute or two until the aroma fills your kitchen—don’t let it burn! Then, pour in the honey mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. In the meantime, create a slurry by combining the cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Slowly stir this into the skillet and continue stirring until the sauce thickens into a shiny glaze that coats your spoon.
Step 4: Glaze the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss it to coat every bite evenly with the thick honey garlic glaze. Let the chicken warm through with the sauce for a couple of minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh contrast and serve your honey garlic chicken bites over a bed of fluffy cooked rice to catch every last drop of sauce.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the perfect choice to brighten up the dish visually and add a subtle herbaceous kick. You can also add a few toasted sesame seeds for crunch and a nutty accent, elevating both the look and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or green beans, which complement the rich sauce with fresh, crisp textures. Alternatively, a light Asian-inspired slaw can add a zingy crunch alongside the sweet and savory chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these chicken bites on top of creamy mashed potatoes or use them as a filling in warm tortillas for an unexpected twist on a wrap. Another fun idea is to load them over a bed of mixed greens for a warm chicken salad that’s anything but ordinary.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Be sure to let the honey garlic chicken bites cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, these leftovers stay delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze the cooled chicken bites in a freezer-safe container or bag. They should maintain their quality for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking and to regain that gorgeous sticky glaze texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the chicken tender and the sauce luscious, but a quick zap works fine if you’re pressed for time.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving than breasts, and they work beautifully in this Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to make sure they’re fully cooked.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the low-sodium soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check your cornstarch and other ingredients are free from gluten contamination. The flavor will be just as fantastic.
How spicy is the dish with the red pepper flakes?
The half teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds a gentle warmth but is not overwhelmingly spicy. You can increase or exclude the flakes depending on your heat tolerance or audience preferences.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can mix the sauce ingredients ahead and store them in the fridge, but it’s best to cook the chicken fresh for the ideal texture. The sauce reheats well but may thicken, so add a splash of water when reheating if needed.
What other proteins can I use for this recipe?
This honey garlic glaze is incredibly versatile. Try it with shrimp, tofu, or even pork tenderloin bites. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and enjoy new flavor twists on this beloved Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and just a touch of spice that makes every bite a delight. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying—ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests without fuss. Give this recipe a whirl and watch it quickly become a trusted favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken Bites recipe features tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce. Cooked in a skillet and glazed to perfection, these flavorful chicken bites are quick to prepare and perfect served over a bed of fluffy rice for a simple yet delicious meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, onion powder, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Cook Garlic and Thicken Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the empty skillet. Sauté until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour the prepared honey sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency, about 1-2 minutes.
- Glaze Chicken: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Toss them in the thickened honey garlic sauce until fully coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish the glazed chicken bites with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot over a bed of cooked rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken pieces are cut uniformly for even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- The cornstarch slurry is key to thickening the sauce; stir continuously to avoid lumps.
- Leftover chicken bites can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
