Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

Tender, juicy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites will be an instant favorite! These chicken pieces are perfectly seasoned and pan-seared, then cooked in an irresistible sweet and sticky sauce. Ready in just about 20 minutes, they are great served over rice, pasta, or with veggies on the side. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: You can whip up these Honey Garlic Chicken Bites in just 20 minutes, making them ideal for a last-minute dinner.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a delightful sweet and savory sauce that elevates the chicken.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy these bites over rice, pasta, or paired with your favorite vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
• Crowd-pleaser: Both kids and adults love these tasty bites, making them perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
• Easy cleanup: With minimal ingredients and one pan required, you’ll spend less time cleaning up after cooking.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make making Honey Garlic Chicken Bites a breeze.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy-duty pan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy-duty pan: A sturdy pan ensures even cooking and helps achieve a nice sear on the chicken.
• Mixing bowl: This is essential for combining the chicken with seasonings before cooking.
• Whisk: Useful for mixing the sauce ingredients quickly and thoroughly to create that perfect glaze.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1.5 pound chicken breasts (chopped into bite-size pieces)
• 1/4 cup corn starch
• 1/4 teaspoon EACH red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt & pepper

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 5-6 cloves garlic (crushed or minced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce or sriracha

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat down the chicken pieces with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with corn starch, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a heavy-duty pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the seasoned chicken to the heated pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. While the chicken cooks, whisk together garlic, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, and hot sauce in a small bowl until combined.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken in the pan.
2. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens; this will make it stickier.

Step 5: Serve Your Dish

Serve your Honey Garlic Chicken Bites over rice or pasta or alongside fresh veggies for a complete meal. Enjoy!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

These tender and flavorful Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are versatile and can be served in various delicious ways. Whether you prefer them over rice or alongside fresh vegetables, there are plenty of options to enjoy this dish.

Over Rice

• Steamed Jasmine Rice – The light and fragrant rice complements the sweet sauce perfectly.
• Brown Rice – For a healthier option, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture.
• Fried Rice – Transform leftovers into a quick meal by mixing in some fried rice with veggies.

With Pasta

• Spaghetti Aglio e Olio – This simple pasta dish enhances the flavors of the chicken without overpowering it.
• Penne Arrabbiata – The spicy tomato sauce pairs nicely with the sweetness of honey garlic chicken.
• Garlic Butter Noodles – A buttery, garlicky noodle dish that balances the sweetness of the chicken bites.

With Veggies

• Stir-Fried Broccoli – Crisp-tender broccoli adds color and nutrients to your plate.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts – The caramelization from roasting complements the sweetness of the honey garlic sauce.
• Mixed Green Salad – A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.

How to Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

To achieve perfectly cooked Honey Garlic Chicken Bites, follow these simple tips for best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic and high-quality honey enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cooking in batches allows for better browning and prevents steaming.
• Check Chicken Temperature – Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency – Cook longer for a stickier sauce or shorter for a lighter glaze.
• Experiment with Spice Levels – Adjust red pepper flakes or hot sauce according to your heat preference.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

Pair these delightful Honey Garlic Chicken Bites with complementary side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread – Crunchy and flavorful, it’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
2. Coleslaw – A crunchy slaw adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the chicken.
3. Quinoa Salad – Nutritious quinoa mixed with vegetables makes for a hearty side dish.
4. Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and soak up all the delicious flavors.
5. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad adds crunch and helps cool down any heat from spices.
6. Grilled Asparagus – Lightly grilled asparagus adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the chicken bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Honey Garlic Chicken Bites, it’s easy to overlook a few details that can affect the dish’s outcome. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the cornstarch: Cornstarch helps create that perfect crispy coating on the chicken. Don’t skip this step for better texture.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long will make it dry. Aim for a golden-brown outside while ensuring it’s cooked through.
• Not letting the sauce thicken: The sauce needs time to reduce and become sticky. Don’t rush this step if you want a rich flavor.
• Using too much heat: Cooking on high heat can burn the chicken quickly. Medium-high is ideal for even cooking without burning.
• Ignoring flavor adjustments: Taste your sauce before adding it to the chicken. Adjust sweetness or spice levels to match your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days

Freezing Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container
• Can be stored for up to 2 months

Reheating Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Honey Garlic Chicken Bites?

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are tender pieces of chicken coated in a sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce, perfect for quick meals.

How do I make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites healthier?

You can use grilled chicken instead of pan-searing it and substitute honey with a lower-calorie sweetener while adjusting other ingredients accordingly.

Can I customize the spice level of Honey Garlic Chicken Bites?

Yes! You can adjust the amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes based on your taste preferences.

What should I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Bites?

These bites pair well with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Are there any leftovers from making Honey Garlic Chicken Bites?

Absolutely! These bites store well and make great leftovers for lunch or dinner.

Final Thoughts

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are not only quick and delicious but also versatile enough to fit any meal plan. Feel free to customize them with different spices or side dishes according to your taste. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!