These bite-size succulent chicken breast morsels are seasoned, seared to perfection, and finished in a sticky honey-garlic glaze. They cook fast and make a great snack or main dish.
introduction
This recipe makes small, tender pieces of chicken with a sweet and savory sauce. It uses simple ingredients you may already have. You can make it in one pan in about 20 minutes.
why make this recipe
- Quick to cook for busy nights.
- Uses plain chicken breast and turns it into a tasty dish.
- Kids and adults both like the sweet honey and garlic flavor.
- You can serve it with rice, salad, or vegetables.
how to make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- Cut chicken into small, even pieces.
- Season and lightly coat in cornstarch for a crisp outside.
- Sear in a hot pan until golden.
- Make a simple sauce of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a little vinegar.
- Toss the chicken in the sauce until it is sticky and cooked through.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (or flour)
- 1-2 tbsp vegetable oil for frying
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Optional: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes for heat
- Optional: chopped green onions or sesame seeds to garnish
Directions :
- Pat the chicken pieces dry. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with cornstarch until lightly coated.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and mostly cooked. Work in batches if needed.
- Remove chicken to a plate. Lower the heat to medium. Add a little more oil if the pan is dry. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add honey, soy sauce, and vinegar to the pan. Stir and bring to a low simmer. Let the sauce thicken for 1–2 minutes. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook 1–2 more minutes until the sauce is sticky and the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
- Turn off the heat. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds. Serve hot.
how to serve Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles.
- Place on a salad for a warm, sweet topping.
- Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables.
- Make sliders with small buns and add extra sauce.
how to store Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- Cool the chicken to room temperature before storing.
- Put in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat so the sauce does not burn. You can add a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Do not freeze if you want the best texture, but you can freeze for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge and reheat slowly.
tips to make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- Cut chicken into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Dry chicken well so the cornstarch sticks and makes a crisp outside.
- Use a hot pan for a good sear.
- Do not overcook the chicken; remove when just done to stay tender.
- Adjust honey and soy ratio to taste if you want sweeter or saltier.
variation (if any)
- Make it spicy: add chili paste or more red pepper flakes.
- Make it gluten-free: use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Make it sticky-sweet with brown sugar instead of some honey.
- Try using bite-size turkey or tofu instead of chicken.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
A: Yes. Thighs are juicier and work well. Cut into bite-size pieces and follow the same steps.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Make the sauce and store in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked chicken.
Q: How do I keep the chicken crispy?
A: Cook the chicken without crowding the pan and drain on paper towels briefly. Toss in the sauce just before serving to keep some crispness.
Q: Is there a way to bake these instead of frying?
A: You can bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes on a greased sheet, flipping once, then toss with warmed sauce.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, but cook in batches so the chicken sears correctly.
Conclusion
If you want a one-pan, quick chicken dish with sweet and garlicky flavor, this recipe is a good choice. For more ideas with chicken breast and vegetables cooked in a pot, see this Dutch oven chicken breast and vegetables recipe from The Oregon Dietitian. If you like baked chicken bites or meatball-style options, check this Best Anytime Baked Chicken Meatballs recipe at Pinch of Yum for a baked approach. For another honey-garlic chicken bites take with simple steps, try the Honey Garlic Chicken Bites recipe on The Kitchn.
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Ingredients
Chicken Preparation
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces Use plain chicken breast for best results.
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (or flour) For crispy coating.
- 1-2 tbsp vegetable oil for frying Use as needed.
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) For heat.
Garnish (Optional)
- chopped green onions or sesame seeds For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut chicken into small, even pieces.
- Pat the chicken pieces dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss chicken with cornstarch until lightly coated.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan.
- Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and mostly cooked. Work in batches if needed.
- Remove chicken to a plate and lower the heat to medium.
- Add a little more oil if the pan is dry and add garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add honey, soy sauce, and vinegar to the pan; stir and bring to a low simmer.
- Let the sauce thicken for 1–2 minutes. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Return the chicken to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Cook for 1–2 more minutes until the sauce is sticky and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
- Turn off the heat and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds. Serve hot.
