Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is everything you want in a quick, weeknight dinner. With minimal ingredients and just a few steps, you can enjoy a mouthwatering, savory-sweet dish that's both satisfying and versatile. The honey garlic glaze coats each bite of chicken perfectly, creating a balance of sweetness and heat. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, making clean-up a breeze!
Ingredients
- 1lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch, optional
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 or 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, we used Sriracha)
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a large bowl, add chicken breast cubes and toss with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and the chicken cubes. Cook the chicken on all sides until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. If necessary, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour in the garlic, honey, chicken stock, lemon juice, and hot sauce (if using). Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens and sticks to the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and red chili flakes. Serve over rice or your favorite side dish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
- Spicy: Add extra hot sauce or fresh chili peppers to increase the heat.
- Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover honey garlic chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed to keep the sauce from becoming too thick.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. They will add a bit more flavor and tenderness, though they may take slightly longer to cook.
How can I make this dish spicier?
You can add more hot sauce or fresh chilies to the sauce for an extra kick. Adjust the amount to your heat preference.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge until you're ready to cook. When you’re ready, just reheat and combine.
What can I serve this dish with?
Serve honey garlic chicken over rice, pasta, zucchini noodles, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I freeze leftover honey garlic chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding extra sauce if needed.
How do I get the sauce to thicken?
Allow the sauce to simmer for a few extra minutes on low heat to thicken. If needed, you can also add a little cornstarch slurry to help thicken the sauce further.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup or agave syrup can be used as an alternative to honey, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken stock and avoid any gluten-containing sides.
What’s the best way to cook chicken for this recipe?
For the best results, sear the chicken cubes in a hot pan, making sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure they brown properly.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve more people. Just be sure to cook the chicken in batches to maintain a good sear.
Conclusion
Honey garlic chicken bites are an incredibly easy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken, a sweet and savory sauce, and a quick cook time, it’s a dish everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it over rice, pasta, or just enjoying the chicken on its own, it’s a surefire way to make dinner delicious in no time.
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
This Honey Garlic Chicken Bites recipe is a quick and delicious weeknight meal featuring tender, seared chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce. Ready in just 22 minutes, this easy dish is perfect for busy nights and can be served over rice, pasta, or zucchini noodles for a flavorful and satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared, Simmered
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 or 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, we used Sriracha)
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken breast cubes with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and the chicken cubes. Cook the chicken on all sides until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. If necessary, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, pour in the garlic, honey, chicken stock, lemon juice, and hot sauce (if using). Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens and sticks to the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and red chili flakes. Serve over rice or your favorite side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with tofu or tempeh.
- For a spicier kick, add more hot sauce or fresh chili peppers.
- To make it low-carb, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
