Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional); Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1/4 cup honey; 3 tablespoons low-sodium chicken stock; 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Sriracha, optional); 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, for garnish; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’re hunting for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner that delivers sweet, savory, and a little kick of heat on every bite, you’re in for a treat with these Honey Garlic Chicken Bites. This dish brings together tender chicken cubes bathed in a sticky, garlicky honey glaze, bursting with the kind of flavor that has you reaching for just one more piece (and then another). Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing dinner guests, Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are as irresistible as they are easy to make—get ready to fall in love with your new favorite chicken recipe!

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need a long, intimidating list to make these amazing Honey Garlic Chicken Bites. Every ingredient pulls its weight in building up the dish’s signature flavor: from the golden crispiness of the chicken to the glossy, sweet-savory sauce that clings to every bite. Here’s exactly what to grab and why you’ll love it in your skillet.

Chicken breast: Go with boneless, skinless chicken breast for juicy, quick-cooking bites and easy prep.
Cornstarch (optional): A light toss gives the chicken a crispier coating and helps the sauce cling—don’t skip if you want that extra texture.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to highlight every savory note in the chicken and sauce.
Olive oil: Keeps the chicken tender and helps achieve that gorgeous golden color.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness, buttery flavor, and helps the chicken caramelize beautifully.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings zing and savory depth to the sauce—always use fresh if you can!
Honey: The star of the show: creates a sticky, glossy coating and a subtle sweetness to balance the garlic and lemon.
Low-sodium chicken stock: Adds savoriness and ensures the sauce isn’t overly sweet or too thick.
Lemon juice: Brightens up the sauce and makes the flavors pop—fresh lemon juice is best.
Hot sauce (Sriracha, optional): If you want a gentle back-kick of heat, a squeeze or two of hot sauce wakes up all the flavors.
Red chili pepper flakes (for garnish): Sprinkling a few on top adds both color and a spark of spiciness.
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): For a touch of herby freshness and a pop of green, parsley is the finishing touch.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

Step 1: Season and Coat the Chicken

Begin by adding your cubed chicken breast into a large salad bowl. Sprinkle over the cornstarch, salt, and pepper, tossing everything so that each piece gets a light, even coat. This simple step is the trick to locking in the chicken’s juiciness while setting up a perfectly crisp outside that’s ready to soak up the honey garlic glaze.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the butter—once it’s melted and foamy, gently lay in the chicken cubes. Don’t crowd the pan: you might need to cook the chicken in batches. Sauté the bites for about 6 to 8 minutes, tossing occasionally, until each side turns a gorgeous golden brown and the pieces are cooked all the way through.

Step 3: Build the Honey Garlic Sauce

Here comes the magic! Once the chicken is beautifully browned, stir in the minced garlic, letting it sizzle for a few moments until fragrant. Pour over the honey, chicken stock, lemon juice, and add a dash of hot sauce if you’re in a spicy mood. Toss everything together so the chicken is evenly coated, then let the sauce bubble and reduce for a couple of minutes until sticky and glossy.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle your Honey Garlic Chicken Bites with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red chili flakes for color and zing. Serve immediately—these little golden bites are at their best straight from the skillet, spooned over warm jasmine rice or alongside your favorite sides.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

Garnishes

The finishing touches on these Honey Garlic Chicken Bites make a world of difference. Sprinkle over freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and garden-fresh aroma, and don’t forget a quick shower of red chili pepper flakes—their subtle heat and brilliant red hue add both taste and flair.

Side Dishes

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites pair beautifully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, where all those sweet-savory juices can soak right in. For extra crunch and contrast, round out your meal with crisp-tender stir-fried vegetables or a gingery Asian slaw. Even creamy mashed potatoes or roasted broccoli work wonders!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Honey Garlic Chicken Bites into show-stopping appetizers by sliding them onto skewers and serving as irresistible party bites. Or, tuck the saucy chicken and a handful of greens into lettuce cups for a fresh, finger-friendly twist. For a hearty, speedy weeknight bowl, pile them onto a bed of fluffy rice or noodles and drizzle with extra sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as crave-worthy as when freshly cooked.

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken bites cool completely, then seal in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months—simply thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick future meal.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Honey Garlic Chicken Bites gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken stock to revive the sauce’s shine. You can microwave them too, covering with a damp paper towel to keep the chicken moist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a juicy, flavorful swap for breasts, and they stay wonderfully tender when diced and cooked. Just trim off any excess fat before cubing.

Is the cornstarch essential in this recipe?

While optional, a dusting of cornstarch helps give the chicken that addictive crispy exterior and ensures the sauce adheres perfectly. If omitted, you’ll still have delicious flavor, but the texture will be a bit softer.

Can I make these Honey Garlic Chicken Bites gluten-free?

Yes—just double-check that your chicken stock and hot sauce are certified gluten-free. Since the recipe doesn’t use soy sauce or flour, it’s naturally friendly for gluten-free diets with that easy swap.

How spicy are these chicken bites?

The heat is moderate and easy to adjust. If you’re not a fan of spice, simply skip the hot sauce and chili flakes. Spice lovers can lean in with extra Sriracha or another punchy hot sauce for added zip.

What’s the best way to meal-prep these for lunch?

Cook a batch of Honey Garlic Chicken Bites in advance and portion them with rice or noodles and a handful of steamed veggies. Store them in individual containers for grab-and-go lunches all week.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about Honey Garlic Chicken Bites—the crispy, golden chicken tucked under that shimmering sweet-savory glaze is guaranteed to be a hit at any table. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe for yourself, make it your own, and share it with the people you love. Dig in and let the rave reviews pour in!

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a touch of heat. Tender chicken bites coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce, garnished with parsley and red chili flakes, make for a delicious meal.

Instructions

Prepare Chicken Bites: In a salad bowl, coat chicken cubes with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
Cook Chicken: Heat oil and butter in a skillet, cook chicken until golden brown.
Make Sauce: Add garlic, honey, stock, lemon juice, and hot sauce; simmer until sauce thickens.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and chili flakes, serve over rice.

Notes

You can adjust the sweetness or heat of the sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for a colorful and nutritious twist.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Asian