Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
The honey garlic sauce is balanced—sweet, salty, and garlicky.
Quick, easy, and made with pantry staples.
Great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining.
Delicious with rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and black pepper
Cornstarch (for coating)
Olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
Garlic, minced
Honey
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Water or chicken broth
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish

Directions

Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized cubes. Season with salt and pepper, then toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.
Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes total). Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and a splash of water or broth.
Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly (about 2 minutes).
Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. Let it cook for another minute so the glaze becomes sticky and glossy.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4 people
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy version: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or hot honey for extra heat.
Crunchy version: Lightly bread the chicken with panko breadcrumbs before frying for a crispier bite.
Citrus twist: Add a splash of orange or lemon juice for brightness.
Vegetable mix: Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to make it a one-pan meal.
Oven-baked option: Bake coated chicken at 400 °F for 20 minutes, then toss with sauce in a skillet to glaze.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce together for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, adding a small splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Tip: For crispier reheating, use an air fryer at 350 °F for 3–4 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs stay extra juicy and work beautifully for this recipe.

2. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer it longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water) until it reaches your desired thickness.

3. Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?

Yes, bake at 400 °F for 20 minutes or until golden, then toss in the honey garlic sauce.

4. Is this dish spicy?

Not by default, but you can add chili flakes or sriracha to make it spicier.

5. Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely! The extra sauce is great for drizzling over rice or vegetables.

6. What can I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Bites?

Steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables are all excellent choices.

7. How can I make it healthier?

Use olive oil, reduce honey slightly, and bake instead of fry to lighten the dish.

8. Can I use bottled minced garlic?

Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but bottled garlic works in a pinch.

9. Why is my sauce too runny?

It likely hasn’t reduced enough. Simmer it longer or add a bit more honey to thicken.

10. Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the sauce and prep the chicken ahead of time. Cook and combine just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness—all in bite-sized form. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to impress. Whether served over rice, noodles, or enjoyed on their own, this recipe is sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

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Crispy, tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze that’s sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced. Ready in under 30 minutes, these Honey Garlic Chicken Bites make an irresistible main dish or appetizer.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course, Appetizer
Method: Pan-Fry
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and season with salt and pepper. Toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and water (or broth). Stir and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for another minute until the glaze becomes sticky and glossy.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or with vegetables.

Notes

For crispier bites, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey to taste.
Simmer the sauce longer for a thicker glaze or use a cornstarch slurry if needed.
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but bottled garlic can be used in a pinch.
Double the sauce if you like extra for drizzling over rice or noodles.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 360
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 95mg