Craving a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor? These honey garlic chicken bites are about to become your new weeknight favorite! Imagine tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken, pan-seared to golden perfection, then coated in a rich, sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce that’s downright irresistible. The best part? It all comes together in just 20 minutes!
I’ve tested this recipe time and time again, and it never fails to deliver bold, restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Whether you're cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or just need a fast and delicious fix, this dish checks all the boxes. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and guaranteed satisfaction—this is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
Trust me, once you take that first bite, you'll see why this is one of my most-requested chicken recipes. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love These Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
There’s something truly magical about the way honey and garlic come together. The natural sweetness of honey perfectly balances the rich, savory depth of garlic, creating a sauce that’s downright addictive—especially when it coats tender, juicy chicken bites.
This honey garlic chicken bites recipe has earned its place as a fan favorite, and for good reason. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also versatile enough to fit any occasion. Serve it as a satisfying main dish over fluffy rice or noodles, or let it shine as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering.
And let’s talk about that sauce—sticky, glossy, and packed with bold flavor. It clings to every bite, making this dish just as visually stunning as it is mouthwateringly good. One taste, and you'll understand why this recipe keeps everyone coming back for more!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love These Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Equipment
- Storage
- The Secret to Irresistible Honey Garlic Chicken Bites (You’ll Never Skip This Again!)
- FAQ
- One Bite and You’re Hooked – The Magic of Honey Garlic Chicken Bites!
- Related
- Pairing
- Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Why these ingredients work: The cornstarch not only creates a light coating on the chicken for a slight crispiness but also helps thicken the sauce. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar creates that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors that makes this dish so addictive.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Prep the Chicken
- Pat dry the chicken pieces with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better and improves browning.
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss until each piece is evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (you may need to cook in batches).
- Cook for 3-4 minutes without disturbing, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Cook the sauce for 1-2 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Add red pepper flakes if using, adjusting to your preferred level of spiciness.
Combine and Serve
- Serve immediately while hot.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken further and coat the chicken completely.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper for an even coating.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Sear the chicken in a hot pan until golden brown on all sides.
- Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
Stir together honey, soy sauce, and garlic in the pan until thick and glossy.
- Step 4: Combine and Serve
Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce and serve hot with garnishes.
Hints and Tips
For extra crispy chicken bites, try dredging the chicken in a mixture of cornstarch and a little flour before frying. This creates a light crust that holds the sauce beautifully. Also, make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding the chicken – a hot pan is key to getting that nice golden exterior without overcooking the inside.
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
These honey garlic chicken bites are high in protein and can easily fit into a balanced diet. For a healthier version, you can reduce the honey slightly or use a natural sweetener alternative.
Serve these delicious chicken bites over:
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Stir-fried or steamed vegetables
- Rice noodles or zucchini noodles
Add a side of steamed broccoli or a simple Asian-inspired slaw to make it a complete meal. The sauce also tastes amazing drizzled over vegetables!
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha for hot honey garlic chicken bites.
- Go healthier: Use chicken breast instead of thighs and reduce the honey by half for a lighter version.
- Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Add vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Try a different protein: This sauce works wonderfully with crispy tofu, shrimp, or even pork for a different take on the recipe.
For a sticky honey garlic chicken version, simply double the sauce ingredients and let it reduce a bit longer to create that extra-thick, glossy coating.
Equipment
A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or wok works best for this recipe. Cast iron is ideal because it retains heat well and creates that perfect sear on the chicken. If you don't have a cast iron skillet, any non-stick pan will work too.
An instant-read thermometer is helpful to ensure your chicken is cooked to the perfect temperature (165°F) without overdoing it.
Storage
Store any leftover honey garlic chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken when cold, but the flavor remains delicious.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
These chicken bites also freeze well! Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
The Secret to Irresistible Honey Garlic Chicken Bites (You’ll Never Skip This Again!)
I still remember the first time I made honey garlic chicken bites—excited, hungry, and in a rush. I threw all the chicken into the pan at once, expecting golden, crispy perfection. Instead? A sad, steamed mess. That’s when I learned the golden rule: never overcrowd the pan!
Cooking in batches is the secret to getting that beautiful, caramelized crust on each bite. Let each piece have space to sear, and you’ll get those crispy edges that soak up the sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce like magic. And here’s another pro tip: have everything prepped before you start! Once the garlic hits the pan, things move fast, and trust me, you don’t want to be scrambling for ingredients while your garlic goes from fragrant to burned.
Master these two simple tricks, and you’ll have restaurant-quality chicken bites every single time!
FAQ
How to Make Honey Garlic Sauce for Chicken Bites?
To make a rich, sticky honey garlic sauce, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and a splash of vinegar for balance. Simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened. For extra depth, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sesame oil. Toss it with crispy chicken bites, and enjoy!
How to Make Garlic and Honey Chicken?
Start by seasoning bite-sized chicken pieces and pan-searing them until golden. In the same pan, sauté garlic, then add honey, soy sauce, and a bit of vinegar. Let it simmer until thick and glossy. Toss the chicken in the sauce, ensuring each piece is coated. Serve hot over rice or noodles for a perfect meal!
What Is Honey Garlic Sauce Made Of?
Honey garlic sauce is a perfect balance of sweet and savory. It typically includes honey, garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar for acidity. Some variations add butter for richness or cornstarch for thickening. It’s versatile, coating everything from chicken to vegetables and works as a dipping sauce for an extra flavor punch.
What Seasoning Is Good for Chicken Bites?
For flavorful chicken bites, use a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. A dash of cayenne adds heat, while Italian seasoning or dried thyme enhances depth. If you prefer an Asian twist, try ginger and five-spice. Proper seasoning ensures the chicken bites are delicious even before adding the sauce!
One Bite and You’re Hooked – The Magic of Honey Garlic Chicken Bites!
These honey garlic chicken bites are the kind of dish that keeps you coming back for more—crispy, juicy, and smothered in a sticky-sweet garlic sauce that’s pure magic. The best part? It’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect go-to meal for busy nights or last-minute gatherings.
If you love bold, comforting flavors, don’t stop here! Try my Baked Tuscan Chicken for a creamy, flavor-packed dinner or indulge in the rich, cheesy goodness of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta next.
So what are you waiting for? Whip up these irresistible honey garlic chicken bites tonight and taste the magic for yourself!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe:
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Cutting board & knife
Ingredients
- ½ lbs Boneless, skinless chicken Cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoon Cornstarch For coating
- ½ teaspoon Salt To taste
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper To taste
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil For cooking
- 6 cloves Garlic Minced
- ⅓ cup Honey For sauce
- 2 tablespoon Soy sauce Use tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar Adds acidity
- ½ teaspoon Red pepper flakes Optional, for heat
- 2 tablespoon Green onions Sliced, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds For garnish
Instructions
- Pat dry chicken and toss with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
- Remove chicken and set aside. Reduce heat to medium.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pan, tossing to coat with the sauce.
- Let the sauce thicken for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Shondi says
The entire family loved it! We will be adding this to our regular rotation. Frying with corn starch was the key to crispy but tender chicken.
Viola says
Thank you so much, Shondi! I'm thrilled to hear your family loved it. 😍 Cornstarch really does make all the difference for that perfect crisp! Thanks for trying the recipe!