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When you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner option, honey garlic chicken bites offer the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness in every bite. These bite-sized pieces of tender chicken are smothered in a rich honey garlic glaze, making them ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even as a party appetizer.
This recipe is so versatile that you’ll find yourself making it over and over again. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious honey garlic chicken bites and answer some of the most common questions along the way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: You can whip up this dish in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of honey and garlic creates a harmonious blend that’s irresistible.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will devour these chicken bites without complaint!
- Versatile: Serve with rice, veggies, or use them in a salad or wrap—the options are endless.
Tips for Making the Best Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- Use Chicken Thighs: While you can use chicken breasts, thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful. If using breasts, keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying them out.
- Don’t Skip Marinating: If you have a little extra time, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and a bit of honey before cooking. It’ll make the bites even more flavorful.
- Pan Searing for Crispness: For a nice crispy exterior, make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this can steam the chicken rather than sear it.
- Adjust the Sweetness: The honey garlic sauce can be tweaked to your taste—if you prefer it sweeter, add more honey. If you want it less sweet, add more soy sauce or a splash of vinegar for balance.
- Add Heat: Love a bit of spice? Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce for a subtle kick.
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for added depth)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it.
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients: Add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil (if using). Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it cook for an additional minute or two until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until fully coated.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice or alongside your favorite veggies.
Printable Recipe
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil optional, for added depth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water optional, for thickening
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it.
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients: Add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil (if using). Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it cook for an additional minute or two until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until fully coated.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice or alongside your favorite veggies.
Common Questions & Answers
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs in this recipe. However, chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. If you prefer chicken breasts, just be careful not to overcook them to avoid dryness.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! These chicken bites are great for meal prep. You can make them in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat them in a skillet or microwave when ready to serve.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove. The sauce may thicken when cold, but it will loosen up once warmed.
Can I Freeze Honey Garlic Chicken Bites?
Yes! Let the chicken bites cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm up in a skillet.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
To add some heat, you can incorporate a teaspoon of red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or even diced fresh chili peppers into the sauce. Adjust to your spice preference!
What Can I Serve With Honey Garlic Chicken Bites?
These chicken bites are incredibly versatile! Serve them with steamed white or brown rice, stir-fried vegetables, a side of roasted potatoes, or even wrapped in a soft tortilla for a quick wrap.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos.
Final Thoughts
Honey garlic chicken bites are a must-try recipe that combines simplicity with a bold flavor punch. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or hosting a gathering, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to favorites. Don’t forget to adjust the recipe to your liking and enjoy the sweet and savory flavor of these delicious chicken bites!
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