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!