Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are little pieces of juicy chicken coated in a sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce that’s full of flavor. The combination of tender chicken with the perfect balance of honey sweetness and a garlicky kick makes these bites super tasty and easy to love.
I always find myself making extra of these because they disappear so quickly around my table. These bites have a way of turning any ordinary day into a fun snack or a quick meal. Plus, they come together in no time, which is great when I want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
My favorite way to enjoy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites is with a side of steamed rice or some simple veggies to keep things fresh and light. They also make a fantastic party appetizer—everyone can’t resist grabbing a few! If you want a little extra crunch, I like to toss them in some sesame seeds right before serving. It’s a little touch that makes them feel extra special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs works great. Thighs are juicier and a bit more forgiving if cooked a little longer. Breasts are leaner but can dry out if overcooked.
Flour: All-purpose flour helps give the chicken a light crisp coating. For a gluten-free option, try rice flour or cornstarch alone for a lighter crunch.
Honey: The honey gives sweetness and stickiness to the sauce. If you want a different sweetness, maple syrup or agave work well too, just expect a slight flavor change.
Soy Sauce: It adds saltiness and depth. Low-sodium soy sauce is a good swap if you prefer a less salty sauce or want control over salt content. Tamari is great for gluten-free needs.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic really brightens and adds punch. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but fresh gives the best lively flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Sticky and Glossy Honey Garlic Sauce?
Getting that glossy, sticky sauce comes from balancing honey’s sweetness with vinegar’s tang and thickening the sauce properly.
- Mix honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger first, then bring it to a gentle simmer to meld flavors.
- Use a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) added slowly to the simmering sauce. This step thickens it without lumps and gives a shiny texture.
- Keep stirring as it thickens to avoid burning and to ensure smoothness.
- Once thickened, toss the chicken quickly so each bite gets a nice even glaze.
This technique ensures the sauce clings perfectly without getting too runny or sticky-hard when cooled.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or frying pan – I prefer this for even heat and easy tossing of the chicken in the sauce.
- Measuring spoons and cups – helps you get the right balance of ingredients for that perfect flavor.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the sauce ingredients and the cornstarch slurry.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – makes it easy to remove cooked chicken without excess oil.
- Paper towels – to drain the fried chicken and keep it crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or sriracha for some heat; perfect if you like a little kick.
- Use different proteins like shrimp, tofu, or beef strips for variety.
- Swap sesame seeds for chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh touch.
- Add veggies like bell peppers or broccoli to make it more colorful and nutritious.
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For The Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, so you can have your tasty honey garlic chicken bites ready in around 25 minutes total—perfect for a quick dinner or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this flour mixture until they’re well coated. Shake off any extra flour so the chicken doesn’t get too thickly coated.
2. Cook the Chicken Bites:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any extra oil.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger if you like. This mix gives your bites that wonderful sweet and savory flavor.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Remove most of the oil from the skillet but leave about 1 tablespoon. Pour the honey garlic sauce into the pan and let it simmer over medium heat.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir your cornstarch slurry to mix it again, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and looks glossy—this usually takes 1-2 minutes.
6. Coat the Chicken:
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together so every piece gets a nice, even coating of that sticky, delicious honey garlic sauce.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Place the coated chicken bites on a serving plate. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the top for a lovely finish.
8. Optional Serving Ideas:
Serve your honey garlic chicken bites hot, alongside steamed rice, quinoa, or steamed veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before cutting and cooking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents excess moisture in the pan.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornstarch for coating the chicken. Also, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to keep the sauce safe for gluten sensitivity.
Can I Make the Honey Garlic Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can whisk up the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply cook the chicken and toss it in the warmed sauce.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the sauce from thickening too much or use the microwave, stirring halfway through.