Honey Garlic Chicken Bites: A Quick & Flavor-Packed Dinner You’ll Crave
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are the kind of meal that makes you feel like a kitchen pro—even on your busiest nights. Juicy chicken cubes coated in a sticky-sweet garlic glaze come together in under 30 minutes, making this recipe a go-to for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
Welcome to homeasyrecipes.com, where tradition meets taste. I’m Anna, the cook and storyteller behind this cozy corner of the internet. Inspired by my grandmother Mary, I started HomeasyRecipes to celebrate her simple yet unforgettable meals—the ones that felt like a warm hug at the dinner table.
Here, you’ll find recipes designed for real life. No endless ingredient lists. No intimidating techniques. Just food that works. Whether it’s a quick 20-minute stir-fry, comfort food for a lazy Sunday, or decadent desserts because… priorities, I’ve got something for every cook.
I believe home cooking shouldn’t feel like a chore. It should feel like a little victory—especially when you can whip up something like these Honey Garlic Chicken Bites without breaking a sweat. So grab your skillet, and let’s make dinner the best part of your day.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Are a Weeknight Hero
The magic of sweet and savory in every bite
There’s something irresistible about the balance of honey and garlic. When combined in these tender, golden chicken bites, the result is a sticky, flavorful glaze that clings to every piece. This isn’t just dinner—it’s comfort food in under 30 minutes.
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are perfect for busy nights when you want big flavor with minimal effort. Each bite is juicy on the inside and perfectly coated with a sweet-savory glaze that has just a hint of heat from red pepper flakes.
Why this Honey Garlic Chicken Bites is a must-try
Whether you’re serving it over fluffy rice, pairing it with steamed veggies, or enjoying it straight from the skillet, Honey Garlic Chicken Bites deliver every time. Plus, this Honey Garlic Chicken Bites uses simple pantry staples, so no extra grocery trips are needed.
People also search for:
- “Do you put honey on chicken before or after cooking?”
- “What thickens honey garlic sauce?”
- “Can honey garlic chicken be frozen?”
Don’t worry—we’ll cover all of these as we break down the recipe.
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Honey Garlic Chicken Bites: A Quick & Flavor-Packed Dinner You’ll Crave
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites that are crispy, sticky, and bursting with sweet and garlicky flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners served over rice or alongside steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper or to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Toss chicken cubes with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, red pepper flakes, honey, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet and reduce heat to low.
- Toss chicken in the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over rice or with steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For a healthier option, try air frying the chicken bites instead of pan-frying.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a brighter flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, use a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain the glaze texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken Bites, sticky chicken, crispy chicken bites, easy chicken dinner, sweet garlic chicken
Ingredients Breakdown – Simplicity Meets Flavor
Creating delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Bites doesn’t demand an endless list of exotic ingredients. In fact, this dish shines because of its simplicity. Let’s break down what you need and explore how each ingredient contributes to the magic.
Here’s what you’ll need for this sticky, golden goodness:
-
1 pound chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)
Tender chicken breast is perfect for bite-sized pieces that cook quickly and stay juicy inside their crispy coating. -
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Coating your chicken in cornstarch before searing gives it that irresistible light crust and helps the sauce cling to every piece. -
2 tablespoons olive oil + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
This duo creates a rich, flavorful base for searing chicken and for the sauce later. Butter adds depth, while olive oil prevents burning. -
3 cloves garlic
Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with an aromatic kick that’s essential for honey garlic chicken recipes. -
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Adds a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the honey. Adjust based on your preference. -
¼ cup honey
The star of the sauce, giving it that signature sticky sweetness. -
¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
Provides a savory depth and prevents the sauce from being overly thick. -
Salt and pepper (½ teaspoon each, or to taste)
The simplest seasoning duo that enhances all the other flavors. -
Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped)
A bright garnish that elevates both the look and taste.
This ingredient list is flexible. Want a deeper flavor? Swap chicken broth for soy sauce. Craving more heat? Add sriracha alongside the red pepper flakes.
Substitutes and variations to try
Not a fan of chicken breast?
- Try boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Use tofu cubes for a vegetarian spin.
Need a gluten-free v
ersion?- Substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder.
- Double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free.
For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end. Or, make it citrusy with a squeeze of lemon juice.
These small tweaks make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites feel fresh every time you make them.
Discover gre at ideas like our Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken Sausage Pasta for more simple yet flavorful dinners.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Cooking Honey Garlic Chicken Bites at home is surprisingly easy, and the results are restaurant-quality. With just a few steps, you’ll achieve crispy, tender chicken coated in a sticky-sweet, garlicky glaze. Let’s walk through it.
Preparing and coating your chicken
Start by prepping the chicken.
- Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Toss them in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, making sure every piece is coated evenly. This step is key for getting a light, crispy crust.
Cornstarch acts as a
natural crisp enhancer, helping the chicken develop a golden exterior without needing a deep fryer.Cooking for maximum crispiness
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Once the butter melts and begins to bubble, add your coated chicken pieces.
Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally until each piece is browned on all sides and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan—work in batches if necessary to maintain that beautiful sear.
When done, transfer
the chicken to a plate and keep it warm while you make the sauce.Crafting the perfect honey garlic sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Add:
- 3 cloves minced garlic
-
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a gentle kick)
Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Whisk together in a small bowl:
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper (adjust to taste)
Pour this mixture in
to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat each piece thoroughly in the sticky glaze. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
For garnish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the Honey Garlic Chicken Bites before serving.
This is your golden,
glossy, flavor-packed Honey Garlic Chicken Bites—ready in under 30 minutes.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Bang Bang Chicken Sliders as another quick and tasty option for busy weeknights.
Pro Tips for Perfecting Honey Garlic Chicken Every Time
Mastering Honey Garlic Chicken Bites isn’t complicated, but a few simple techniques can elevate your dish from good to unforgettable. These tips ensure your chicken stays tender, your sauce clings beautifully, and every bite bursts with flavor.
