Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are a delicious blend of crispy, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic glaze. This recipe is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course when paired with rice or vegetables. With its irresistible flavor and easy preparation, these chicken bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly crispy: The chicken stays juicy on the inside with a golden, crispy coating.
- Flavor-packed: The sticky honey garlic sauce is sweet, savory, and full of umami.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes for a hassle-free meal or snack.
- Versatile: Works as an appetizer, snack, or main course.
- Kid-friendly: The sweet and tangy flavors are a hit with all ages.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Eggs (beaten)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Garlic (minced)
- Rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- Water
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season and coat the chicken:
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then dredge them in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- Prepare the sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the saucepan and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Toss the chicken:
- Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the honey garlic sauce over it. Toss until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.
- Serve:
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired, and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy twist: Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili paste to the sauce for some heat.
- Vegetarian option: Use tofu or cauliflower florets instead of chicken.
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Air fryer method: Cook the coated chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Herb boost: Add fresh ginger or a splash of lemon juice to the sauce for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may soften the coating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and work well in this recipe.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I keep the chicken crispy in the sauce?
Toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving to preserve its crispiness.
What can I serve with these chicken bites?
They pair well with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or a side of roasted vegetables.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients, but fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
How can I thicken the sauce further?
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few extra minutes or add more cornstarch slurry.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it before tossing with the chicken.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
The sauce freezes well, but the chicken is best enjoyed fresh or reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work well for frying chicken.
Can I skip the cornstarch in the coating?
The cornstarch helps create a crispier coating, but you can use all flour if needed.
Conclusion
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are a perfect combination of crispy, tender chicken and a sweet-savory glaze that’s utterly addictive. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, this dish is sure to be a hit. With its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying, Tossing
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
These Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are crispy, tender, and coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. Perfect for appetizers, game days, or a quick dinner, this crowd-pleaser is packed with flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water for a slurry)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dip each chicken piece in the beaten eggs, then coat in the flour mixture. - Fry the Chicken:
Heat oil in a skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels. - Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. - Toss the Chicken:
Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss until fully coated. - Serve and Garnish:
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot as an appetizer or over rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
- Air-fry the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes for a healthier option.
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