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These Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are sweet, sticky, and downright tasty! Made with juicy chicken coated in a delicious honey-garlic sauce, they’re perfect for any meal or snack.
Who can resist their charm? They’re so good, they might just disappear before you get a chance to ask for seconds! 😂
I love serving them with rice or veggies. They’re super easy to whip up, and my friends always ask me for the recipe. Plus, they make the kitchen smell amazing!
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Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy. You can swap them for chicken thighs for added flavor or even use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and stickiness. If you’re out of honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can work as substitutes.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari is a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos also serve as a tasty alternative for a milder sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic offers the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder can work, but use it sparingly since it’s more concentrated.
Sesame Oil: This is optional but highly recommended for extra depth. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or add a little extra olive oil.
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Sauce Consistency?
Getting the sauce to the right consistency is key. The cornstarch slurry helps with this. Here’s how to make it work:
- Mix the cornstarch with water until smooth. This prevents lumps in your sauce.
- Add the slurry to the hot pan with the chicken only after the sauce is bubbling; this activates the thickening power.
- Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until it thickens. If it seems too thick, add a splash of water to adjust.
Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
What You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- For Thickening:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
You can whip up these tasty chicken bites in about 20-25 minutes! There’s minimal prep time for cutting the chicken and mincing garlic, and then it’s just a matter of cooking everything together and letting the flavors meld. Perfect for a quick dinner or a delightful appetizer!
Instructions:
First things first, in a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sesame oil if you’re using it. This sweet and savory mixture is what makes these chicken bites so delicious—set it aside for a moment.
Next, grab a large skillet or pan and heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the diced chicken, seasoning it with some salt and pepper. Cook these savory bites for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re nice and brown all over and cooked through. You want them to look golden and slightly crispy!
Now that the chicken is cooked, pour that lovely honey garlic mixture over the chicken in the pan. Stir it all together, making sure the chicken pieces are evenly coated in that gooey goodness.
In a small bowl, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with the water. This is your secret weapon to thicken the sauce! Pour this slurry into the pan with the chicken and sauce. Keep cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened up beautifully and is clinging to the chicken.
Feeling adventurous? If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in those crushed red pepper flakes at this stage. It adds such a nice kick to the dish!
Once the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat. Now’s the time to add a pop of color—garnish with some chopped fresh parsley or green onions. They look beautiful and add a fresh flavor!
Serve your honey garlic chicken bites hot, either over a fluffy bed of rice or as finger-friendly pieces perfect for sharing. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and tenderness to the dish. Just keep in mind that they might require a few extra minutes of cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through. Cut them into bite-sized pieces just like the breasts.
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Both will still provide that savory flavor, but the sweetness might be slightly less intense. Adjust the honey based on your taste preference!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, the stove is best as it allows for an even heat distribution, but the microwave works too. Just be sure to add a splash of water to keep it moist during reheating.
