Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
full of flavor, and perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course. It’s a delightful combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and tender chicken, with a crispy exterior. Let’s dive into the recipe, including helpful tips and tricks!
Serves: 4-6 (as an appetizer or main dish)
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Bites:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for flavor)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil) for frying
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
1/4 cup honey (use raw honey for a richer flavor)
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free version)
3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tablespoon garlic paste)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for added depth of flavor)
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, for a zing)
1 tablespoon water (to thin the sauce if needed)
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
For Garnish (optional):
Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds
Fresh cilantro or parsley
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
Cut the chicken breasts (or thighs) into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, coating them evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.
Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and fresh ginger (if using).
Stir the mixture continuously and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce. Stir well and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened to your desired consistency.
Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.
Coat the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked and drained, add the pieces to a large bowl.
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat the pieces evenly with the sauce.
Serve
Transfer the honey garlic chicken bites to a serving platter.
Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Serve immediately with rice, salad, or as a standalone appetizer.
Notes, Tips, and Tricks:
Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: You can use either chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, while breasts are leaner. The recipe works well with both options.
Coating the Chicken: The flour coating helps the chicken get crispy and provides a good surface for the sauce to stick to. You can also use cornstarch for a lighter, crispier texture or for a gluten-free option.
Frying Alternatives: If you’d prefer to avoid frying, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Alternatively, you can air-fry the chicken pieces at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, depending on the size of the bites.
Thicker Sauce: If you like a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly or simmer the sauce longer. Make sure to whisk constantly to avoid lumps if you use cornstarch
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a sweet-spicy kick, or a chopped chili pepper if you like heat.
Meal Prep: You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time. Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate the sauce in a separate jar. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and toss the chicken in it. This makes it a great meal prep option!
Honey Variations: If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or agave syrup can work as substitutes for a slightly different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions: Serve these honey garlic chicken bites over steamed rice or quinoa, with a side of sautéed veggies, or as an appetizer at parties. They also pair wonderfully with a side of stir-fried greens or a light salad.
Double the Sauce: If you prefer extra sauce for dipping or to serve over rice, feel free to double the honey garlic sauce ingredients.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a snack or appetizer with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Pair with jasmine rice or a simple cucumber and tomato salad for a well-rounded meal.
These honey garlic chicken bites are also great for meal prep – make a batch for the week and store in the fridge for a quick lunch or dinner.
This Honey Garlic Chicken Bites recipe is flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a tasty appetizer. Enjoy!