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Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are a delectable, bite-sized version of the ever-popular honey garlic chicken dish. The tender chicken, coated in a sweet and savory sauce, is a hit at any dinner table, whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or the main course. The combination of honey and garlic creates a flavor profile that’s simultaneously sweet, savory, and slightly tangy—something everyone can enjoy. These chicken bites are a perfect mix of crispy chicken and sticky sauce that will make everyone coming back for more.
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Introduction to Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are small, crispy chicken pieces drenched in a sweet and garlicky sauce. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic results in a sticky glaze that perfectly coats the chicken. The crispy chicken provides a satisfying crunch with every bite, while the sauce adds a rich, savory-sweet flavor that’s irresistible.
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These chicken bites are incredibly versatile. You can make them as a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or even a meal prep option for the week. What makes this dish so special is the balance of flavors between the sweetness of the honey, the savory undertones from the soy sauce, and the sharpness of the garlic. It’s a meal that satisfies cravings for both sweet and savory flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
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Cut the chicken: Begin by cutting your chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. This will ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
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Season the chicken: In a large bowl, add the chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using). Toss the chicken well to make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
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Set up a dredging station: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch. The cornstarch will help achieve that extra crispy texture we’re aiming for. Whisk it together so the mixture is evenly combined.
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Dip the chicken in the egg: In a separate bowl, beat the two eggs. One by one, dip each piece of seasoned chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
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Coat the chicken in the flour mixture: After dipping in the egg, immediately dredge each piece of chicken in the flour-cornstarch mixture. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
At this point, you have a few options for cooking the chicken: frying, baking, or even air frying.
Option 1: Frying the Chicken (for extra crispiness):
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Heat oil: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot, around 350°F (175°C), so it crisps the coating without making it greasy.
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Fry the chicken: Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Option 2: Baking the Chicken (for a healthier version):
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Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Prepare a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
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Bake the chicken: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on the baking sheet. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray to help it crisp up. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time, until golden brown and cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
Option 3: Air Frying the Chicken (for a lighter, crispy version):
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Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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Cook the chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, you can make the delicious honey garlic sauce that will coat the chicken.
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Combine sauce ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and brown sugar (if using). Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
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Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Allow it to cook for about 4-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly. If you want a bit of heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes during this step.
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Finish the sauce: After the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the sesame oil (optional), as well as the fresh lemon juice (if using). Set the sauce aside.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken in the Sauce
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Combine chicken and sauce: Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and gently toss to coat every piece evenly.
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Serve immediately: Once the chicken is coated in the sticky honey garlic sauce, it’s ready to serve! The sauce will add a shiny glaze to the chicken, making it look as good as it tastes.
Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs: While chicken breasts work perfectly, chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving, making them ideal for this recipe.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: When frying, make sure to work in batches so the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly.
- Adjust sweetness and saltiness: You can adjust the amount of honey and soy sauce based on how sweet or salty you like your chicken. If you prefer a more tangy sauce, increase the amount of vinegar or add a bit more lemon juice.
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply let it simmer for a little longer until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Add extra flavor with herbs: For a fresh burst of flavor, garnish the chicken with chopped green onions or cilantro.
Customizations & Variations
While the basic recipe is incredible as-is, there are many ways to customize these honey garlic chicken bites:
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites: Add more red pepper flakes, or a teaspoon of sriracha or chili paste, for a spicier version.
- Honey Garlic Chicken with Vegetables: Toss in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli for a one-pan meal.
- Ginger Honey Garlic Chicken: Add freshly grated ginger to the sauce for an additional layer of flavor and warmth.
- Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders: If you prefer chicken tenders, simply cut the chicken into strips rather than bite-sized cubes for a different presentation.
- Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken pieces instead of frying or baking them.
Serving Suggestions
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are versatile and can be paired with a wide range of sides:
- Rice: Serve with steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or fried rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Vegetables: Pair with roasted or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
- Dipping Sauce: For added flavor, serve with a side of extra honey garlic sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping.
- Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chicken bites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these chicken bites ahead of time? You can prepare the chicken ahead of time, but the coating is best when it’s fresh. If making ahead, store the chicken in the refrigerator and coat it in the sauce just before serving.
Can I freeze Honey Garlic Chicken Bites? Yes, you can freeze the cooked, uncoated chicken. Freeze the chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. To reheat, bake or air fry the chicken and coat with the sauce once heated.
Conclusion
These Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and savory flavors, making them a hit for any occasion. Whether you fry, bake, or air fry the chicken, you’ll end up with crispy, tender chicken bites coated in a deliciously sticky honey garlic sauce. The versatility of this dish makes it a fantastic option for dinner, appetizers, or meal prep.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
12 minutes
Total Time
22 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. - Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. - Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the honey garlic sauce mixture. Stir to combine, and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. - Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until the chicken is well coated and the sauce has thickened and become sticky. - Serve:
Serve the honey garlic chicken bites immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. These go great with rice, steamed veggies, or a simple salad!
Notes
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these honey garlic chicken bites over steamed rice, or alongside roasted vegetables, for a complete meal.
- Extra Flavor: For an extra punch of flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
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