Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 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; 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 51 reviews

If you are craving a dish that bursts with sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors all in one bite, then you absolutely must try this Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe. These tender chicken morsels coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce come together in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or an easy crowd-pleaser. Crispy on the outside yet juicy on the inside, every bite offers a delightful balance of spice and sweetness that will have you coming back for seconds before you know it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many small, golden-brown pieces of cooked chicken covered in a shiny, sticky brown sauce inside a gray cooking pan. The chicken pieces are irregular in shape and are sprinkled with bright green chopped herbs, possibly parsley or cilantro. The sauce appears thick and glossy, pooling slightly at the bottom of the pan, giving the chicken a rich, glazed look. The pan has a textured surface, contrasting with the smooth, saucy chicken pieces, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that work beautifully to create a vibrant flavor profile. Each ingredient plays a crucial role from adding texture, bringing out natural sweetness, or providing just the right amount of kick to keep things interesting.

Chicken breasts (1 pound, boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes): The star protein, tender and perfect for bite-sized pieces that soak up all the sauce.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps create a light, crispy coating on the chicken so each bite has a delightful crispiness.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Provides a smooth, fruity base to cook the chicken and melt the butter.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and depth to the sauce, balancing the sweetness of the honey.
Garlic (3 cloves): Fresh, minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic pungency essential to that signature honey garlic flavor.
Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon): Brings just enough heat to offset the honey’s sweetness and keep your taste buds excited.
Honey (¼ cup): The natural sweetener that gives the sauce its sticky, glossy finish and irresistible flavor.
Chicken broth (¼ cup, low sodium): Adds savory moisture that helps blend the ingredients into a luscious sauce.
Salt (½ teaspoon or to taste): Enhances all the other flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon or to taste): Adds a subtle spicy note that complements the red pepper flakes.
Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): A bright, herbaceous garnish that adds color and freshness to finish the dish.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prep the chicken

Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken cubes in cornstarch. This simple step is key for creating that irresistible golden crisp on the outside when cooked. Make sure every piece is evenly coated, so the texture is consistent throughout the dish.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and melt butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, cooking them until they are beautifully browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. The combination of oil and butter not only cooks the chicken perfectly but also adds a rich flavor that starts to build your sauce base.

Step 3: Make the sauce

While the chicken cooks, whisk together garlic, red pepper flakes, honey, chicken broth, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This sauce mixture is where the magic happens—it balances sweetness from honey with a little heat and a robust garlicky punch that ties everything together!

Step 4: Toss everything together

Lower the heat on the skillet and pour the sauce mixture over the cooked chicken. Toss to coat every single bite with that glossy, sticky sauce, then let everything simmer for a couple more minutes. This final step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, giving you tender chicken bites swimming in a perfectly balanced honey garlic glaze.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Right before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This fresh herb adds a lovely pop of color and a bright, light flavor that contrasts with the rich sauce. Serve your Honey Garlic Chicken Bites warm over fluffy rice or alongside steamed veggies to enjoy a comforting, wholesome meal.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

A white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with golden brown chicken pieces covered in a shiny sauce sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small green herb leaves, with a pair of dark brown chopsticks lifting one chicken piece; the bowl sits on a white patterned cloth with a white marbled texture background, fresh green herbs and garlic cloves scattered softly behind it, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is not just pretty but adds a refreshing herbal note. For some extra flair, a few sesame seeds or finely sliced green onions can also make your presentation pop and enhance your flavor profile.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up all that fantastic sauce. For a fresh contrast, try serving it with lightly sautéed green beans, broccoli, or a crisp cucumber salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe by serving the chicken on skewers as appetizers or nestled inside crunchy lettuce wraps for a light, hand-held treat. You can also pile the saucy chicken atop a bed of garlic noodles or roasted sweet potatoes for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Bites in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or a speedy dinner redo.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken bites for up to 2 months. Be sure to store them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, tossing occasionally to warm the chicken evenly and revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long to keep the chicken juicy and the sauce from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and richness to your Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe due to their higher fat content. Just make sure to cut them into the same bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Is cornstarch necessary for this recipe?

Cornstarch is highly recommended because it creates that lovely crispy coating on the chicken. Without it, the chicken will cook fine but won’t have the same texture or ability to hold onto the sauce as well.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely. Increasing the red pepper flakes or adding a dash of sriracha before tossing everything together will boost the heat level to suit your taste buds perfectly.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?

If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, water mixed with a bit of soy sauce or vegetable broth will work fine to keep the sauce flavorful and balanced.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe can be gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free cornstarch and ensure your chicken broth is labeled gluten-free. Always double-check ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe is a delicious, quick, and versatile dish that will brighten up any mealtime. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe promises a burst of flavor and comfort in every bite. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorites just like mine!