Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are little pieces of tender chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and garlicky sauce that’s both simple and packed with flavor. These bites have a perfect balance between the honey’s natural sweetness and the bold garlic punch, making each one irresistible and fun to eat.
I love making these chicken bites when I want a quick, tasty snack or an easy dinner that feels special without a lot of fuss. The sauce comes together fast, and I usually double it because my family always wants extra for dipping. I find that letting the chicken soak up the sauce for a minute or two after cooking really brings out all the delicious flavors.
These bites are great served alongside some steamed veggies or over a bed of rice to soak up any leftover sauce. They also make a fantastic party appetizer because everyone loves popping these tasty nuggets into their mouths. I always smile when I see how quickly they disappear!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for leaner bites, but thighs add more juiciness and flavor. Both work well, so pick your favorite.
Honey: Honey gives a lovely natural sweetness and glaze. You can swap with maple syrup or agave if needed, but honey’s flavor is hard to beat in this dish.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce keeps the salty flavor balanced without overpowering the sweetness. Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free alternatives.
Rice Vinegar: It adds a gentle tang to balance out the honey’s sweetness. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar work fine too.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a strong, punchy flavor. Avoid garlic powder because it won’t provide the same depth and aroma when sautéed.
How Do You Get the Sauce Thick and Glossy?
Thickening the sauce nicely is key to coating each chicken bite beautifully. Here’s how I do it:
- Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry; this stops lumps from forming.
- Add the slurry to the simmering sauce and stir constantly until the sauce turns shiny and thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Too thick? Just add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen it back up.
This quick step makes the difference between a runny sauce and those perfect sticky bites everyone loves.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or frying pan – I use this to cook the chicken evenly and let the sauce bubble up to coat each piece well.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helpful for getting the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar just right.
- Salad tongs or a spoon – great for tossing the chicken to coat it with the sauce without making a mess.
- Small bowl – for mixing the cornstarch with water to make the slurry, making sure the sauce thickens properly.
- Cooking spoon or spatula – handy for stirring and turning the chicken to prevent sticking or burning.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for different textures and flavors in this dish.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for some spicy heat.
- Stir in chopped green onions or sliced bell peppers after cooking for extra crunch and color.
- Use a splash of lime juice or rice vinegar instead of vinegar to add a slight tang and freshness.
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any cooking oil)
- Salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry for thickening)
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 10 minutes to prep and about 15 minutes to cook. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have delicious, sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites ready to serve — perfect for a quick weeknight meal or appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, making sure they’re even in size for cooking consistency. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to remove any extra moisture—this helps them brown nicely. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it. Then add the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
4. Thicken the Sauce and Combine:
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Return the cooked chicken bites to the pan and toss them well, coating each piece evenly with the honey garlic sauce.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle the chicken bites with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro and, if you like, toasted sesame seeds for a little extra flavor and crunch. Serve the chicken bites immediately on their own or alongside steamed rice and some veggies for a complete meal.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the chicken completely in the fridge overnight before cutting and cooking. Pat the pieces dry to avoid excess moisture, which can affect browning and texture.
How Can I Make the Sauce Less Sweet?
Reduce the honey amount slightly or add a splash more soy sauce or vinegar to balance the sweetness. Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust to your preference.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can cook the chicken and make the sauce separately in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan, combining before serving for best flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
