Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Flavorful and Simple Dish

by
- 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying - Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Fresh chicken thighs add juicy texture. Fresh garlic and ginger bring vibrant taste to the dish. Quality honey gives the right sweetness. When you use fresh ingredients, you get a dish that tastes better. It also looks appealing on the plate. Always choose the best items for your meals. If you don’t have chicken thighs, you can use chicken breast. This works well too, but the taste will change slightly. If you want to make it sweeter, try maple syrup instead of honey. For soy sauce, use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. If you don’t like ginger, you can skip it. The dish will still be good! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather your ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, combine: - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk these items together until they blend well. This sauce gives the chicken a sweet and savory taste. Next, add 1 lb of boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces, to your marinade. Stir to coat each piece. Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, leave it for up to 2 hours. The longer it sits, the better it tastes. After marinating, take the chicken out. Place it in a shallow dish and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over the pieces. Toss gently to coat. This will make the chicken crispy. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken bites in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes. Turn them occasionally until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps remove excess oil. In the same skillet, pour in any leftover marinade. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the fried chicken back into the skillet. Toss until every piece is coated in the warm honey garlic sauce. Now, your honey garlic chicken bites are ready to serve! Enjoy the delightful mix of flavors and the satisfying crunch. To get your chicken bites crispy, start with cornstarch. After marinating, coat the chicken evenly in cornstarch. This step is key. It helps create that great crunch when frying. Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps seal in moisture. Fry in batches to avoid steaming. Overcrowding the pan makes the chicken soggy. You can easily tweak the taste of your honey garlic chicken. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For less sweetness, reduce the honey a bit. If you want more salt, add a pinch of soy sauce. Always taste your marinade before adding the chicken. This way, you can find the right balance for your palate. When serving, think about colors and flavors. A serving of fluffy steamed rice pairs well with the bites. A colorful vegetable stir-fry adds crunch and nutrients. You can also serve with a side of fresh salad for a light meal. For a special touch, drizzle extra honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of flavor and color. Pro Tips Marinating Time Matters: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours. This will enhance the depth of flavor and tenderness of the meat. Perfectly Crispy Bites: Ensure the chicken is coated evenly in cornstarch before frying. This will help achieve that delightful crispy texture everyone loves. Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Serving Suggestion: Serve these honey garlic chicken bites with steamed rice and a side of colorful vegetables to create a balanced and visually appealing meal. {{image_4}} You can make honey garlic chicken bites even better by adding vegetables. Try mixing in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. These veggies add color and crunch. To do this, cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Stir-fry them in the same pan after you cook the chicken. Then, mix the chicken back in with the veggies. This makes a fun and tasty meal. For a kick, add some heat to your honey garlic chicken bites. You can use red pepper flakes, sriracha, or even chopped jalapeños. Start by adding one teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the marinade. Taste it to see if it is spicy enough for you. If you want more heat, just add a bit more. This variation brings a whole new level of flavor! You can give honey garlic chicken bites an Asian twist too. Try adding sesame seeds and scallions for extra flavor. You can also use hoisin sauce instead of soy sauce. This sauce is sweet and tangy, giving your dish a unique taste. Serve your chicken bites over jasmine rice or with steamed dumplings. This makes for a delicious and fun meal that everyone will enjoy. After you make honey garlic chicken bites, let them cool. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps the bites fresh for up to three days in your fridge. If you have extra sauce, store it separately to avoid sogginess. Label your containers with the date to track freshness easily. To reheat, use the oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chicken bites on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes until they are warm. You can also use a microwave, but this may make the chicken soft. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. Check often to avoid overcooking. You can freeze honey garlic chicken bites for later meals. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They will stay good for about three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use chicken breast. Chicken breast will taste good, but it may be drier. Thighs have more fat, which makes them juicy. If you use breasts, watch the cooking time. They cook faster than thighs. To make this dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce. Use tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce. Check labels for gluten-free brands. You can also use coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor. These swaps keep the dish tasty without gluten. Serve honey garlic chicken bites with fluffy rice. Steamed jasmine or brown rice works well. Add a colorful vegetable stir-fry for balance. You can also pair it with a fresh salad. Think about a crunchy Asian slaw for extra crunch. In this blog post, we explored how to make tasty honey garlic chicken bites. We reviewed key ingredients, highlighted the benefits of freshness, and offered handy substitutions. The step-by-step instructions guided you through marinating, frying, and coating your chicken. You learned tips for perfect texture and flavor adjustments too. Finally, we discussed variations, storage, and common questions. Enjoying these bites opens a world of flavor and creativity. Now, you can impress everyone at your next meal with your newfound skills!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If you’re hunting for a tasty and simple dish, look no further! Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are a perfect crowd-pleaser. This dish blends sweet and savory flavors for a meal everyone will love. I’ll guide you through easy steps to make these bites at home. Whether you need a snack or a main dish, these bites will impress. Let’s dive into the juicy details of this delicious recipe!

Jump to Recipe

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 50 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
  2. Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, garlic, and ginger creates a mouthwatering sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken.
  3. Crispy Texture: The cornstarch coating ensures the chicken bites are crisp on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
  4. Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add more spices to suit your taste, making it a versatile dish.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

– 1/4 cup honey

– 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

– 1 teaspoon sesame oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying

– Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Importance of Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Fresh chicken thighs add juicy texture. Fresh garlic and ginger bring vibrant taste to the dish. Quality honey gives the right sweetness. When you use fresh ingredients, you get a dish that tastes better. It also looks appealing on the plate. Always choose the best items for your meals.

Common Substitutions

If you don’t have chicken thighs, you can use chicken breast. This works well too, but the taste will change slightly. If you want to make it sweeter, try maple syrup instead of honey. For soy sauce, use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. If you don’t like ginger, you can skip it. The dish will still be good!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Marinade

To start, gather your ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, combine:

– 1/4 cup honey

– 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

– 1 teaspoon sesame oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

Whisk these items together until they blend well. This sauce gives the chicken a sweet and savory taste.

Marinating the Chicken

Next, add 1 lb of boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces, to your marinade. Stir to coat each piece. Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, leave it for up to 2 hours. The longer it sits, the better it tastes.

Frying the Chicken Bites

After marinating, take the chicken out. Place it in a shallow dish and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over the pieces. Toss gently to coat. This will make the chicken crispy.

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken bites in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes. Turn them occasionally until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Coating in Sauce

Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps remove excess oil.

In the same skillet, pour in any leftover marinade. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the fried chicken back into the skillet. Toss until every piece is coated in the warm honey garlic sauce.

Now, your honey garlic chicken bites are ready to serve! Enjoy the delightful mix of flavors and the satisfying crunch.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Crispy Texture

To get your chicken bites crispy, start with cornstarch. After marinating, coat the chicken evenly in cornstarch. This step is key. It helps create that great crunch when frying. Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps seal in moisture. Fry in batches to avoid steaming. Overcrowding the pan makes the chicken soggy.

How to Adjust Sweetness and Saltiness

You can easily tweak the taste of your honey garlic chicken. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For less sweetness, reduce the honey a bit. If you want more salt, add a pinch of soy sauce. Always taste your marinade before adding the chicken. This way, you can find the right balance for your palate.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

When serving, think about colors and flavors. A serving of fluffy steamed rice pairs well with the bites. A colorful vegetable stir-fry adds crunch and nutrients. You can also serve with a side of fresh salad for a light meal. For a special touch, drizzle extra honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of flavor and color.

Pro Tips

  1. Marinating Time Matters: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours. This will enhance the depth of flavor and tenderness of the meat.
  2. Perfectly Crispy Bites: Ensure the chicken is coated evenly in cornstarch before frying. This will help achieve that delightful crispy texture everyone loves.
  3. Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
  4. Serving Suggestion: Serve these honey garlic chicken bites with steamed rice and a side of colorful vegetables to create a balanced and visually appealing meal.

Variations

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites with Vegetables

You can make honey garlic chicken bites even better by adding vegetables. Try mixing in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. These veggies add color and crunch. To do this, cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Stir-fry them in the same pan after you cook the chicken. Then, mix the chicken back in with the veggies. This makes a fun and tasty meal.

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

For a kick, add some heat to your honey garlic chicken bites. You can use red pepper flakes, sriracha, or even chopped jalapeños. Start by adding one teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the marinade. Taste it to see if it is spicy enough for you. If you want more heat, just add a bit more. This variation brings a whole new level of flavor!

Asian-Inspired Twists

You can give honey garlic chicken bites an Asian twist too. Try adding sesame seeds and scallions for extra flavor. You can also use hoisin sauce instead of soy sauce. This sauce is sweet and tangy, giving your dish a unique taste. Serve your chicken bites over jasmine rice or with steamed dumplings. This makes for a delicious and fun meal that everyone will enjoy.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

After you make honey garlic chicken bites, let them cool. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps the bites fresh for up to three days in your fridge. If you have extra sauce, store it separately to avoid sogginess. Label your containers with the date to track freshness easily.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, use the oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chicken bites on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes until they are warm. You can also use a microwave, but this may make the chicken soft. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. Check often to avoid overcooking.

Freezing for Future Meals

You can freeze honey garlic chicken bites for later meals. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They will stay good for about three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast. Chicken breast will taste good, but it may be drier. Thighs have more fat, which makes them juicy. If you use breasts, watch the cooking time. They cook faster than thighs.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce. Use tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce. Check labels for gluten-free brands. You can also use coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor. These swaps keep the dish tasty without gluten.

What can I serve with honey garlic chicken bites?

Serve honey garlic chicken bites with fluffy rice. Steamed jasmine or brown rice works well. Add a colorful vegetable stir-fry for balance. You can also pair it with a fresh salad. Think about a crunchy Asian slaw for extra crunch.

In this blog post, we explored how to make tasty honey garlic chicken bites. We reviewed key ingredients, highlighted the benefits of freshness, and offered handy substitutions. The step-by-step instructions guided you through marinating, frying, and coating your chicken. You learned tips for perfect texture and flavor adjustments too. Finally, we discussed variations, storage, and common questions. Enjoying these bites opens a world of flavor and creativity. Now, you can impress everyone at your next meal with your newfound skill

- 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying - Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Fresh chicken thighs add juicy texture. Fresh garlic and ginger bring vibrant taste to the dish. Quality honey gives the right sweetness. When you use fresh ingredients, you get a dish that tastes better. It also looks appealing on the plate. Always choose the best items for your meals. If you don’t have chicken thighs, you can use chicken breast. This works well too, but the taste will change slightly. If you want to make it sweeter, try maple syrup instead of honey. For soy sauce, use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. If you don’t like ginger, you can skip it. The dish will still be good! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather your ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, combine: - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk these items together until they blend well. This sauce gives the chicken a sweet and savory taste. Next, add 1 lb of boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces, to your marinade. Stir to coat each piece. Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, leave it for up to 2 hours. The longer it sits, the better it tastes. After marinating, take the chicken out. Place it in a shallow dish and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over the pieces. Toss gently to coat. This will make the chicken crispy. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken bites in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes. Turn them occasionally until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps remove excess oil. In the same skillet, pour in any leftover marinade. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the fried chicken back into the skillet. Toss until every piece is coated in the warm honey garlic sauce. Now, your honey garlic chicken bites are ready to serve! Enjoy the delightful mix of flavors and the satisfying crunch. To get your chicken bites crispy, start with cornstarch. After marinating, coat the chicken evenly in cornstarch. This step is key. It helps create that great crunch when frying. Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps seal in moisture. Fry in batches to avoid steaming. Overcrowding the pan makes the chicken soggy. You can easily tweak the taste of your honey garlic chicken. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For less sweetness, reduce the honey a bit. If you want more salt, add a pinch of soy sauce. Always taste your marinade before adding the chicken. This way, you can find the right balance for your palate. When serving, think about colors and flavors. A serving of fluffy steamed rice pairs well with the bites. A colorful vegetable stir-fry adds crunch and nutrients. You can also serve with a side of fresh salad for a light meal. For a special touch, drizzle extra honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of flavor and color. Pro Tips Marinating Time Matters: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours. This will enhance the depth of flavor and tenderness of the meat. Perfectly Crispy Bites: Ensure the chicken is coated evenly in cornstarch before frying. This will help achieve that delightful crispy texture everyone loves. Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Serving Suggestion: Serve these honey garlic chicken bites with steamed rice and a side of colorful vegetables to create a balanced and visually appealing meal. {{image_4}} You can make honey garlic chicken bites even better by adding vegetables. Try mixing in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. These veggies add color and crunch. To do this, cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Stir-fry them in the same pan after you cook the chicken. Then, mix the chicken back in with the veggies. This makes a fun and tasty meal. For a kick, add some heat to your honey garlic chicken bites. You can use red pepper flakes, sriracha, or even chopped jalapeños. Start by adding one teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the marinade. Taste it to see if it is spicy enough for you. If you want more heat, just add a bit more. This variation brings a whole new level of flavor! You can give honey garlic chicken bites an Asian twist too. Try adding sesame seeds and scallions for extra flavor. You can also use hoisin sauce instead of soy sauce. This sauce is sweet and tangy, giving your dish a unique taste. Serve your chicken bites over jasmine rice or with steamed dumplings. This makes for a delicious and fun meal that everyone will enjoy. After you make honey garlic chicken bites, let them cool. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps the bites fresh for up to three days in your fridge. If you have extra sauce, store it separately to avoid sogginess. Label your containers with the date to track freshness easily. To reheat, use the oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chicken bites on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes until they are warm. You can also use a microwave, but this may make the chicken soft. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. Check often to avoid overcooking. You can freeze honey garlic chicken bites for later meals. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They will stay good for about three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use chicken breast. Chicken breast will taste good, but it may be drier. Thighs have more fat, which makes them juicy. If you use breasts, watch the cooking time. They cook faster than thighs. To make this dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce. Use tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce. Check labels for gluten-free brands. You can also use coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor. These swaps keep the dish tasty without gluten. Serve honey garlic chicken bites with fluffy rice. Steamed jasmine or brown rice works well. Add a colorful vegetable stir-fry for balance. You can also pair it with a fresh salad. Think about a crunchy Asian slaw for extra crunch. In this blog post, we explored how to make tasty honey garlic chicken bites. We reviewed key ingredients, highlighted the benefits of freshness, and offered handy substitutions. The step-by-step instructions guided you through marinating, frying, and coating your chicken. You learned tips for perfect texture and flavor adjustments too. Finally, we discussed variations, storage, and common questions. Enjoying these bites opens a world of flavor and creativity. Now, you can impress everyone at your next meal with your newfound skills!

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

Delicious and crispy chicken bites coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
  • to taste chopped green onions for garnish
  • to taste sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until fully blended to create a flavorful marinade.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes. For a more intense flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.
  • After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Place the chicken in a shallow dish and sprinkle the cornstarch over the pieces. Toss gently until all the chicken is evenly coated in cornstarch, which will help achieve a crispy texture when frying.
  • In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
  • Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken bites in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
  • In the same skillet, pour in any remaining marinade left in the bowl. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce slightly thickens.
  • Return the fried chicken bites to the skillet, tossing them in the warm honey garlic sauce until they are evenly coated.
  • Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and prepare to serve!

Notes

For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.
Keyword appetizer, chicken, easy, honey garlic

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?