Looking for a quick, flavorful dish that hits the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and garlicky goodness?
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are your go-to.
These golden, juicy chicken pieces are pan-seared to perfection, then tossed in a glossy homemade honey garlic sauce. It’s a simple recipe — but don’t let that fool you. The flavors are bold, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.
This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, protein-packed meal prep, or even as a party appetizer. And the best part? It’s made in one pan with ingredients you likely already have.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Crowd-pleaser: Sweet and garlicky sauce is a universal hit.
- Meal-prep friendly: Stores and reheats well for lunchboxes or dinner leftovers.
- Flexible: Great with rice, noodles, wraps, or on its own.
🛒 Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish so irresistible:
- Boneless chicken (500g): Use chicken breast for leaner bites or thigh meat for a juicier texture.
- Garlic (3 cloves): Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce its bold, savory kick.
- Honey (3 tbsp): Adds natural sweetness and helps create a sticky, glossy glaze.
- Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): Brings depth, saltiness, and umami.
- Cornstarch (1–2 tbsp): Lightly coats the chicken for a crispy exterior when pan-fried.
- Oil (1 tbsp): Choose a neutral oil like olive, sunflower, or canola for frying.
- Salt & pepper: Season to taste.
- Optional garnish: Chopped green onions or sesame seeds for freshness and crunch.
How to Make It — Step by Step
1. Prep the Chicken
Cut your boneless chicken into bite-sized cubes — about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Pat dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear properly and not steam.
2. Coat with Cornstarch
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with a little salt, pepper, and 1–2 tablespoons of cornstarch. This gives the chicken a light, crispy crust when cooked in the pan and helps the sauce stick better.
3. Pan-Fry Until Golden
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer (avoid overcrowding). Sear each side until golden and cooked through — about 8 to 10 minutes total, flipping occasionally.
Transfer to a plate and set aside.
4. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In the same pan, reduce the heat to low. Add a touch more oil if needed, then sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Next, stir in honey and soy sauce, and let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes until it slightly thickens.
5. Toss & Glaze
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the warm sauce. Let it cook together for 1–2 minutes so the flavor soaks into the chicken and the glaze becomes sticky and glossy.
6. Serve Warm
Garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or even as a snack with toothpicks.
Add Your Own Twist
Want to personalize the recipe? Try these fun variations:
- Spicy Honey Garlic: Add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Toss in bell peppers or broccoli during the final toss for added crunch and color.
- Sesame Style: Add toasted sesame oil to the sauce for a nutty flavor twist.
- Sticky Wings: Use the same sauce on chicken wings or drumsticks.
Cooking Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. It causes the chicken to steam, not sear. Cook in batches if needed.
- Let the sauce simmer. Don’t rush it — letting it reduce just a bit makes it sticky and rich.
- Use fresh garlic. Garlic powder won’t bring the same depth or fragrance.
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are proof that easy can still mean impressive.
Whether you’re making dinner in a hurry or looking for a satisfying protein to add to your weekly meal plan, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
So next time you’re tempted to order takeout, grab some pantry staples and give this recipe a go — you’ll be amazed at how fast it becomes a favorite in your kitchen