Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are little pieces of juicy chicken tossed in a sweet and garlicky sauce that just makes your taste buds happy. They have a nice mix of sticky honey sweetness and a bold garlic kick that gives every bite a perfect balance of flavors. These bites are crispy on the outside and tender inside, making them super satisfying to eat.
I love making these chicken bites when I want something quick but still special. The sauce is easy to whip up with just a few ingredients, and it thickens up just right to coat the chicken perfectly. I usually make a big batch because everyone always wants seconds, and I don’t blame them! Plus, they’re great for popping in lunchboxes or serving as a fun appetizer at gatherings.
My favorite way to enjoy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites is served over a bowl of steamed rice with some steamed veggies on the side. The sauce soaks into the rice, and each bite feels like a little celebration. They’re a real crowd-pleaser at our house, and I’m pretty sure they’ll be a hit at yours too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breast because it cooks quickly and stays tender. You can swap it for chicken thighs if you want juicier bites with a bit more flavor.
Cornstarch: This helps give the chicken a nice crispy coating. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or even all-purpose flour.
Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and a sticky texture. Maple syrup or agave syrup work well if you need a substitute.
Soy Sauce: Use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. Tamari is a good gluten-free option.
Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar brings a gentle tang. Apple cider vinegar is a fine swap, just use a little less because it’s stronger.
How Can I Get the Chicken Crispy and the Sauce Perfectly Sticky?
Getting the chicken crispy while having a thick, sticky sauce is the key to this dish:
- Coat the chicken evenly with cornstarch before frying. This creates a slight crust that crisps up nicely.
- Fry the chicken pieces in batches so they don’t steam. Crowding the pan lowers the heat and makes the chicken soggy.
- After frying, remove the chicken and cook the sauce in the same pan to soak up all the flavors.
- Use a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce quickly. Stir constantly to avoid lumps and get a glossy finish.
- Once thickened, toss the chicken back into the sauce immediately to coat every bite in sticky goodness.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – I prefer using a big skillet so you can cook the chicken in a single layer for crispiness.
- Mixing bowls – for coating the chicken and mixing the sauce ingredients; easy to keep things organized.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to ensure the ingredients are just right without guesswork.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – for removing the fried chicken pieces without excess oil.
- Saucepan (optional) – if you prefer to simmer or thicken the sauce separately.
- Paper towels – for draining fried chicken and keeping things crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for some heat—great if you like a bit of kick.
- Use honey mustard instead of honey for a tangy twist that pairs well with the garlic.
- Add steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for more color and crunch.
- Swirl in a teaspoon of sesame oil at the end for a rich, nutty aroma.
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry for thickening)
For Garnish and Serving:
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking time, so you can have delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Bites ready in approximately 25 minutes. It’s quick and perfect for a tasty weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Coat and Fry the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the cornstarch until they’re evenly coated. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid crowding) and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Then, add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ground ginger (if using), and water. Stir everything well to combine.
3. Thicken the Sauce and Toss the Chicken:
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Mix the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and slowly stir it into the sauce. Continue cooking and stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Return the fried chicken bites to the skillet and toss them in the sauce until every piece is coated and warmed through.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Remove from heat. Serve the sticky honey garlic chicken bites over cooked rice or cauliflower rice. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top to add a fresh, flavorful finish.
Enjoy your sticky, flavorful Honey Garlic Chicken Bites!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before cutting and cooking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents extra moisture in the pan.
How Do I Store Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce, and double-check that your cornstarch is gluten-free to ensure the whole dish stays safe.
What Can I Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Bites?
They’re delicious over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or even noodles. For extra veggies, try a side of steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a fresh Asian-style salad.
