When it comes to quick, delicious, and fuss-free dinners, honey garlic chicken bites take the crown. Packed with sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, this dish is a surefire way to elevate your weeknight meals.
The best part? It all comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze! Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is simple enough to whip up in no time while impressing everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Meal: Fewer dishes mean more time to relax after dinner.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even with a side of roasted veggies.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of honey, garlic, and a hint of spice is universally loved.
Now let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible and how you can recreate it in your own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients:
- 1lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 or 2 tablespoons lemon juice (adjust to your taste preference)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional; Sriracha works great for a mild kick)
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prep the Chicken
In a large bowl, toss the chicken breast cubes with cornstarch (if using), salt, and pepper. The cornstarch helps create a slightly crisp exterior when cooked, but it’s optional if you prefer a softer texture.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt into the oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken cubes in a single layer. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure all sides are golden brown. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed to avoid steaming the chicken instead of browning it.
3. Make the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked through and golden, reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the honey, chicken stock, lemon juice, and hot sauce (if using). Stir well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly.
Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes. This will help meld the flavors together and thicken slightly so it clings beautifully to the chicken bites.
4. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the finished dish with fresh chopped parsley and red chili pepper flakes for a pop of color and a touch of heat. Serve your honey garlic chicken bites over fluffy white rice, steamed vegetables, or even quinoa for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley make a world of difference in flavor compared to dried alternatives.
- Adjust Sweetness and Spice: If you prefer a sweeter dish, add an extra tablespoon of honey. For more heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or chili flakes.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: The acidity balances out the sweetness of the honey and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Cook in Batches: Overcrowding the pan can lead to unevenly cooked chicken. Give each piece enough room to brown properly.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of honey garlic chicken bites lies in its balance of flavors. The honey provides a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the pan, while garlic adds depth and richness. A splash of lemon juice brightens up the dish, cutting through the sweetness with just the right amount of tanginess. The optional hot sauce and chili flakes bring in a subtle kick that makes every bite exciting and flavorful.
Variations to Try
Want to customize your honey garlic chicken bites? Here are some ideas:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out chicken for tofu or cauliflower florets for a plant-based version.
- Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
- Sticky Sesame Twist: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the finished dish for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
The Perfect Pairings
Honey garlic chicken bites are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides:
- Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
- Noodles: Toss the chicken bites with cooked noodles for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, green beans, or sautéed zucchini for a lighter option.
Conclusion
Honey garlic chicken bites are proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this one-pan wonder is guaranteed to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen repertoire. With its irresistible blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, it’s a dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is easy to make.
So grab your skillet and get ready to impress your taste buds—your next favorite dinner is just 30 minutes away!
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Honey garlic chicken bites is the easiest dinner to throw together! Make it all in one skillet and let the flavors blow your mind!
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
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 or 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (Sriracha or preferred brand, optional)
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the chicken breast cubes to a large salad bowl with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Mix to evenly coat all the chicken pieces.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt the butter into the oil, then add the chicken cubes. Cook on all sides until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Work in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the garlic, honey, chicken stock, lemon juice, and hot sauce (if using). Stir well to coat the chicken. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens and clings to the chicken.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and red chili pepper flakes. Serve over rice and enjoy!
Notes
- Cornstarch helps create a slightly crispy coating on the chicken but is optional.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and hot sauce according to your taste preference.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Leave a Comment