Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
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Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are so crispy and juicy, and don’t even get me started on the sweet, spicy, and savory sauce that clings to every piece! This recipe is the perfect alternative to takeout, delivering big flavor in 20 minutes without ever leaving the kitchen. Add some rice, noodles, or veggies, and dinner is served!!
Table of Contents
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
The last time I made my lemon garlic butter chicken bites, I kept wishing I had extra sauce to drizzle over the top.
And some of my all-time favorite sauces are packed with Asian flavors!
They’re so easy to make too, combining simple pantry ingredients into a sticky glaze that will have you licking your plate clean.
So, what could be better than an easy recipe that pairs a delicious sauce with just one other ingredient: chicken bites!! Add a side or two to get dinner on the table in no time.
But you’re not limited to dinner either! This honey garlic chicken bites recipe would make a great game day appetizer — all you need are some toothpicks for serving.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe, though you could use a big package of tenders to cut chopping time in half.
Thigh meat will be extra juicy, though it may take a bit longer to cook, or you can swap in steak, shrimp, and even tofu! - Oil – I always use olive oil, but any neutral-flavored vegetable oil works too. Try canola or avocado oil — they’re great for high-heat cooking.
- Cornstarch – Coats the chicken pieces to help them crisp up on the outside. It also helps thicken the sauce once it’s added to the pan.
Use arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour for a similar effect! - Soy Sauce – Opt for low-sodium soy sauce so the dish isn’t too salty, or simply reduce the amount of salt if using regular.
Tamari or coconut aminos are an easy gluten-free substitute. - Honey – Lightly sweetens the sauce and balances all the savory ingredients. Swap with brown sugar or maple syrup for similar sweetness but a slightly different flavor.
- Sriracha & Red Pepper Flakes – For spicy heat! Add more to make the sauce extra fiery, or leave it out if preferred.
- Rice Vinegar – Adds much-needed acidity. If you don’t have any, swap with apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or some freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Garlic & Ginger – This dynamic duo is a must in any Asian-inspired dish, and especially this honey garlic chicken bites recipe!
You’ll get the best flavor with fresh, but dried will work in a pinch — use ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder and ground ginger.
Ginger paste is a great option too, if you don’t want to grate a fresh knob.
Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Garlic Honey Chicken Bites
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning.
This helps the spices and cornstarch stick better to the surface, allowing the chicken pieces to become golden and crispy on the outside.
Be sure to coat every side of the meat evenly too. I find it easier to use my hands instead of a spoon just so I can feel any spots I may have missed.
- Cook in batches if needed.
My cast iron is nice and wide, but you may struggle to get all the pieces in your skillet.
It’s important to leave some space between each of the chicken bites or they’ll steam instead of crisp!
Better to cook half and then set them aside while you brown the rest. Once they’re crisp on all sides, add all the pieces back to the skillet to simmer in the sauce.
- Give the sauce time to simmer.
That’s how it thickens into a deliciously sticky glaze for your garlic honey chicken bites!
It also helps develop and deepen the flavors, allowing them to meld together in the most delicious way.
Stir occasionally to ensure all of the meat is evenly coated and to prevent the sauce from scalding in the center of the skillet.
Prep Ahead
- Make the sauce
- Chop chicken
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Large Skillet – You can use cast iron or stainless steel. Coated nonstick won’t give you a good sear.
- Mixing Bowls – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
- Tongs – Flip the chicken pieces individually instead of stirring or using a spatula.
- Whisk – These have held up for over 10 years and are still as good as the day I bought them.
Serving Suggestions
Top your honey garlic chicken bites with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a restaurant-worthy dish!
Rice or noodles are perfect for soaking up all that extra sticky sauce and roasted or stir-fried vegetables add some color and texture to the plate.
I love the flavors with my sesame rice, though Chad is partial to a traditional fried rice recipe.
And to lighten things up, try this crunchy carrot and cucumber salad with an Asian-inspired dressing.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
Whisk together the sauce for your honey garlic chicken bites and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I like to use a jar so I can just give it a quick shake before using it.
Once cooked, leftover meat and sauce will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. Store in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
The microwave is perfect for warming individual portions, or you can reheat garlic honey chicken bites in a skillet on the stove.
If the glaze starts to thicken too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe FAQ
You bet!! It’s so delicious that you’ll definitely want to drizzle it over everything on your plate.
Simply double the amounts listed, then let the sauce simmer just a little bit longer until it’s the right consistency.
If it’s still a bit thin, stir in a cornstarch slurry — a mixture of 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water is just the right amount for this recipe.
Because the pieces are small, it’s easiest to slice or tear one open and check the middle. It should be white in the center with no visible pink, and it will be opaque (solid) and not translucent (shiny).
If you really want to be sure, remove the biggest piece from the skillet and insert a digital meat thermometer into the center. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temp of 165°F.
As mentioned, you can easily make this recipe with beef, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken.
I also think the flavors would go really well with salmon! Cook the sauce in a saucepan until thickened, then brush it over seared or air fried fillets.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, [adjustable} 1 pound [/adjustable}
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, [adjustable} 1/4 teaspoon [/adjustable}
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, [adjustable} 1/4 teaspoon[/adjustable}
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, [adjustable} 1 tablespoon [/adjustable}
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, [adjustable} 1/4 cup [/adjustable}
- 1/4 cup honey, [adjustable} 1/4 cup [/adjustable}
- 1 tablespoon sriracha, [adjustable} 1 tablespoon [/adjustable}
- 4 cloves garlic, minced, [adjustable} 4 cloves [/adjustable}
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced, [adjustable} 2 teaspoons [/adjustable}
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar, [adjustable} 2 teaspoons [/adjustable}
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, [adjustable} 1/4 teaspoon [/adjustable}
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, [adjustable} 2 tablespoons [/adjustable}
For Garnish:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss together the chicken, salt, pepper, and cornstarch until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sriracha, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and crispy on one side.
- Cook the Chicken Through: Turn the heat down to medium. Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to brown on all sides.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently. The sauce will bubble, thicken, and coat the chicken in a sticky glaze.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve warm over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published May 2025
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