Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
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Imagine biting into tender chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce – that’s what you get with these Honey Garlic Chicken Bites! They’re a perfect blend of sweet and savory, and they’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Let me tell you about my Honey Garlic Chicken Bites – they’re a little piece of heaven in every bite. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces, each one bathed in a delectably sticky honey garlic sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. This is my secret weapon for busy nights: a simple, yet utterly scrumptious dish that comes together in a flash and always leaves everyone craving more. You’ve got to try these – they’re a game changer in the kitchen!
- Chicken Breasts: I use these for their lean, tender meat. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Easy on the salt because we get lots of sodium from the soy sauce.
- Olive Oil: You can also use vegetable oil if that’s what you have on hand.
- Garlic: This adds a punch of flavor. Fresh is always best but if you’re out, feel free to substitute with garlic powder.
- Honey: It gives the dish its signature sweetness. Maple syrup can be a good alternative if you’re out of honey.
- Soy Sauce: I always prefer to opt for low sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free option, tamari or coconut aminos are great substitutes.
- Rice Vinegar: It brings a mild acidity. You can substitute with apple cider vinegar, if needed.
- Onion Powder: This adds a subtle, savory flavor. You can skip it if you don’t have it, but it does add a nice layer of taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For that hint of heat. You can adjust the amount to your liking or omit it for a milder taste.
- Cornstarch: This helps thicken the sauce. If you don’t have cornstarch, a flour slurry can work, but it might alter the sauce’s transparency.
- Fresh Parsley: I love this for garnish for that fresh, herby touch. You can also use dried parsley or skip altogether.
Making these Honey Garlic Chicken Bites is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through each step. You’ll see how easy it is to bring this dish to life with just a few simple steps.
First up, heat that olive oil in your skillet over a medium-high flame. Toss in your chicken pieces seasoned with a little salt and pepper. You’ll want to cook them until they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked through – should take about 5-6 minutes. Once done, set them aside on a plate.
Now, in a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Next, using the same skillet, turn down the heat to medium and throw in the minced garlic. Let it cook just until it’s fragrant – takes about 30 seconds.
Pour that delicious honey mixture into the skillet with the garlic and let it come to a simmer. Meanwhile, mix your cornstarch with water in a separate small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into your simmering sauce. Keep stirring until it thickens up nicely, which should be about 2 minutes.
Now, bring back the cooked chicken to the skillet and give everything a good toss. Make sure each piece of chicken is nicely coated with the sauce. Let it all cook together for another couple of minutes. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top for that fresh, herby finish.
How To Serve
Serving up these Honey Garlic Chicken Bites is just the beginning – pairing them with the right side can turn a simple meal into a feast! I love how versatile they are. Here are some of my favorite dishes to serve alongside these bites:
Jasmine Rice
Mashed Potatoes
Easy Tossed Salad
Easy Garlic Bread
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken ahead of time and simply reheat it in the sauce when you’re ready to serve. The sauce can also be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Of course! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and bring extra juiciness to the dish. Just make sure they’re cooked through before adding them to the sauce.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Also, ensure that your cornstarch is gluten-free.
How can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
The spice level can easily be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Expert Tips
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Before cooking, pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown better and get that delicious golden crust.
- Use Fresh Garlic: For the best flavor, opt for fresh garlic over garlic powder. It makes a significant difference in taste.
- Control the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of red pepper flakes and adjust according to your preference.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures each piece cooks evenly and gets nicely browned.
- Let the Sauce Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken before adding the chicken back in. This enhances the flavor and texture of the sauce.
Storage
Once the honey garlic chicken bites have cooled down, transfer them into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to maintain their texture and flavor.
More Chicken Recipes To Try
- Chicken Schnitzel
- Baked Ranch Chicken
- Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Diane
- Vietnamese Ginger Chicken
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
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Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Video
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds chicken breasts (skinless and boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- salt and pepper (to tastge)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown and no longer pink in the middle, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, onion powder, and red pepper.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Pour the honey mixture into the skillet with the garlic and bring to a simmer. Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry, then pour into the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and covered in the glaze.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve over cooked rice.
Equipment
Notes
- Cut Uniformly: Ensure your chicken pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to tweak the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh garlic for a more potent and flavorful sauce.
- Watch the Sauce: Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers to avoid it becoming too thick or burning.
- Garnish Options: Besides parsley, you can garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
