Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

There’s something magical about honey and garlic coming together in the kitchen. When you coat tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken in this sauce, you get the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just a hint of spice. These Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are quick, easy, and delicious—ideal for weeknight dinners or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, a hungry family, or friends on game night, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

I first stumbled upon honey garlic sauce while experimenting with easy recipes for dinner that could be whipped up in under 30 minutes but still pack tons of flavor. I wanted something I could serve with rice or veggies, but also enjoy on its own. This honey garlic chicken recipe checked all the boxes and has since become a regular on our weekly menu.

What I love most about this dish? It’s incredibly versatile. Serve it with steamed rice, stuff it into tacos, or enjoy it as is with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad. However you choose to serve it, I promise these juicy, caramelized chicken bites will hit the spot every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There so many reason to love this Honey Garlic Chicken Bites:

• Super easy to make: These chicken bites come together in less than 30 minutes, with just a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
• Family-friendly: The sweet and savory sauce is mild enough for kids but still full of flavor for adults. Plus, who doesn’t love bite-sized chicken?
• Versatile: Serve these bites over rice, in wraps, or alongside your favorite sides. They’re also great for meal prep or as a game-day snack.
• Rich in flavor: The honey creates a sticky, caramelized glaze, while the garlic adds a savory depth. Add a dash of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or keep it mild—either way, it’s delicious.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the estimated nutrition information for one serving (4 servings total):

• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 25g
• Protein: 30g

Ingredients

To create this delightful Honey Garlic Chicken Bites, you’ll need:

For the chicken bites:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the honey garlic sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
• 1 tablespoon water mixed with 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)

For garnish:

• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Fresh chopped parsley or green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your very own Honey Garlic Chicken Bites from scratch:

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. I like to aim for pieces about 1 to 1.5 inches in size, so they cook quickly and evenly. Tip: If you want extra crispy chicken, toss the pieces in cornstarch before cooking. This step is optional, but it helps create a nice, golden crust on the chicken.

Season the chicken bites with salt and pepper, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Don’t be afraid to season generously—this is where the flavor begins!

2. Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken bites in a single layer. You might need to do this in batches if your skillet is small—crowding the pan can cause the chicken to steam rather than brown. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked through. The chicken should be golden and crisp on the outside but juicy and tender on the inside.

Pro tip: If you want to keep the chicken moist and tender, avoid overcooking it. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.

3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, it’s time to whip up the star of this dish—the honey garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and (if you like a bit of heat) red pepper flakes.

Once the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, reduce the heat to medium and pour the sauce directly into the skillet. Stir well to coat all the chicken bites in the sauce. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken and becomes sticky. If the sauce looks too thin, add the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens up.

As the sauce reduces, it will caramelize slightly, coating the chicken in a deliciously sticky glaze. You want the chicken bites to be thoroughly coated and shiny but not drowning in sauce. Pro tip: Keep an eye on the sauce—it can go from perfect to burnt quickly due to the sugar in the honey.

4. Serve and Garnish

Once the chicken bites are perfectly glazed, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a little crunch and extra flavor, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. The bright green really contrasts nicely with the rich, golden glaze of the chicken!

How to Serve

These Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are incredibly versatile, and there are countless ways to serve them. Here are a few of my favorite serving ideas:

• Over rice: Serve the chicken bites over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all that sweet and savory sauce.
• In wraps: Stuff the chicken bites into warm tortillas with lettuce, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a quick and tasty wrap.
• With veggies: Pair these bites with steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
• As an appetizer: These bites are perfect for game day or a party. Serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your Honey Garlic Chicken Bites turns out perfectly every time:

1. Use fresh garlic: The key to a great honey garlic sauce is fresh garlic. Minced garlic from a jar won’t give you the same punch of flavor, so take a few extra minutes to mince it yourself—it’s worth it!
2. Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the honey to 2-3 tablespoons instead of 1/4 cup. Conversely, if you like your sauce sweeter, feel free to add a little extra honey.
3. Add some heat: For a spicy kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce. The heat pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the honey.
4. Cornstarch for crispiness: If you love crispy chicken, toss the chicken bites in cornstarch before cooking. This helps give the chicken a golden, crunchy exterior that holds up well to the sticky sauce.
5. Make it gluten-free: Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make this recipe gluten-free. You can also use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch.

Recipe Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few variations of this Honey Garlic Chicken Bites recipe you can explore:

• Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy version.
• Teriyaki Chicken Bites: Replace the honey with brown sugar and add 1 teaspoon of grated ginger to the sauce for a teriyaki twist.
• Honey Garlic Chicken Tacos: Serve the chicken bites in soft tortillas with slaw and a drizzle of lime crema for a fun taco night.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for tofu or cauliflower florets. Simply coat them in the same sauce and cook until golden and caramelized.

Freezing and Storage

These Honey Garlic Chicken Bites can be stored and froze for later enjoyment:

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
• Freezing: These Honey Garlic Chicken Bites freeze beautifully! Place the cooked chicken bites on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Special Equipment

To make these Honey Garlic Chicken Bites, you’ll need a few handy tools:

• Large skillet: You’ll need a good-quality, non-stick skillet to cook the chicken evenly.
• Whisk: A small whisk is great for making sure the honey garlic sauce is smooth and well-mixed.
• Tongs: Tongs make it easy to flip the chicken bites without breaking them apart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the chicken bites and sauce separately. Store them in the fridge, and when you’re ready to eat, cook the chicken and toss it in the sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and even more flavorful, though they may take a little longer to cook through.

How can I make this recipe healthier? Try baking the chicken instead of frying it for a lower-fat version. Just toss the chicken bites in a bit of olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until cooked through.

What sides pair well with honey garlic chicken? These bites go well with steamed rice, quinoa, a fresh green salad, or even roasted sweet potatoes for a balanced meal.

Can I double the recipe? Of course! Just make sure you have a large enough skillet, or cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking.

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Conclusion

These Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are more than just a recipe—they’re a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something delicious and comforting. Whether you’re enjoying them on a busy weeknight or serving them at your next gathering, they are sure to impress everyone at the table.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready for a dish that will quickly become a staple in your home. Trust me; once you try these bites, you’ll find yourself making them time and time again. Happy cooking!