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- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup honey Chicken breast is the star of this dish. It cooks quickly and stays juicy. I prefer using fresh chicken for the best flavor. Garlic adds a strong, rich taste. Using minced garlic makes it easy to mix into the sauce. Honey brings sweetness and balances the heat from the other ingredients. - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium) - 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust based on heat preference) - 1 teaspoon sesame oil Soy sauce gives the chicken a savory depth. Low sodium is key for flavor without too much salt. Chili paste adds heat, so you can adjust based on your taste. Sesame oil adds a nice nutty flavor to the dish. - Chopped green onions - Sesame seeds Garnishes make the dish look and taste better. Chopped green onions add freshness and a pop of color. Sesame seeds give a nice crunch and a hint of nuttiness. These small details elevate your chicken bites, making them restaurant-worthy. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, we need to coat the chicken properly. Take 1 pound of chicken breast and cut it into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss the chicken with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. This step is key for getting that crispy texture. Add salt and pepper to taste, making sure every piece gets seasoned well. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them golden brown and fully cooked. After browning, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Now, let’s make the sauce. Lower the heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for around 30 seconds, until it gives off a nice aroma. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of honey, 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of chili paste, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet. Allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so it thickens slightly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Make sure the chicken gets well coated in that delicious sauce. Cook for an additional minute, then remove the skillet from heat. To make your chicken bites crispy, cornstarch is key. It forms a light crust when cooked. Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This simple step ensures they fry up well. The cooking temperature matters too. Use medium-high heat when frying. This helps the chicken brown nicely without drying out. Keep an eye on it. You want golden and juicy bites. Do you want more heat? You can easily adjust the chili paste. Start with less if you prefer mild flavors. Add more to boost the spice level. You can also use crushed red pepper flakes. Sprinkle them in the sauce for added heat. This gives your dish a nice kick. It’s all about your taste! For a great presentation, serve the chicken hot. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This makes each bite pop with color and flavor. Pair these bites with side dishes like steamed rice or a fresh salad. Both options make a nice balance. Enjoy them with toothpicks for easy eating! Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: Modify the amount of chili paste and crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance and preference. Use Fresh Garlic: For the best flavor, always use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced varieties. Let the Sauce Thicken: Ensure the sauce simmers long enough to thicken, which enhances the flavor and cling to the chicken. Perfect Timing: Keep an eye on the chicken while cooking to avoid overcooking; it should be juicy and tender. {{image_2}} You can switch the protein in this recipe. Try using shrimp or tofu for a new taste. Both options work well with the honey garlic sauce. If you prefer something heartier, beef also makes a great choice. For gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari gives you the same rich taste without gluten. You can also use arrowroot starch instead of cornstarch for coating. This keeps the crispy texture intact. Adding vegetables can boost your dish's nutrition. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas taste great with chicken bites. Just toss them in the skillet for a few minutes. They will add crunch and color to your meal. You might want to try different sauces too. Sriracha or teriyaki sauce can change the flavor profile. Mix them into the honey garlic sauce for a fun twist. You can even add fresh ginger for a zesty kick. An oven-baked version is easy and healthier. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the coated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This gives you a nice crispy finish without frying. If you prefer an air fryer, it’s a quick option. Cook the chicken at 380°F for about 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway to ensure even cooking. This method keeps the chicken juicy and crisp with less oil. To keep your spicy honey garlic chicken bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the flavor intact. You can refrigerate the bites for up to three days. Make sure they cool down before sealing them in the container. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, you have a few good options. You can use a microwave, stovetop, or oven. For the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming. If you prefer the stovetop, use low heat and add a splash of water or sauce to retain moisture. The oven works too—just cover the dish to avoid drying out. This way, you keep the crispy texture and rich flavor. If you want to store your chicken bites for longer, freezing is a great choice. Place the cooked bites in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them first. Once they're frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. For reheating, follow the same methods as above, ensuring they reach a safe internal temperature. Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time. First, thaw the chicken completely in the fridge overnight. If you need to cook it right away, run it under cold water or use the microwave to defrost. Once thawed, follow the recipe as usual. The cooking time may increase by 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken cooks through. These chicken bites pair well with many sides. Here are some tasty options to consider: - Steamed rice - Fried rice - Crispy vegetables - A fresh green salad - Mashed potatoes - Roasted sweet potatoes - Asian-style noodles Each of these will complement the sweet and spicy flavors of the chicken. Leftover spicy honey garlic chicken bites can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing. To reheat, use the oven or microwave until hot. Avoid leaving them out for more than two hours to keep them safe to eat. This article covered how to make spicy honey garlic chicken bites. We discussed key ingredients, like chicken, honey, and garlic. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and essential tips for crispy chicken. Don't forget to explore fun variations and storage tips to keep your bites fresh. Whether you use different proteins or cooking methods, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this dish. Happy cooking!

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

Deliciously crispy chicken bites coated in a spicy honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • for garnish chopped green onions
  • for garnish sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This will help create a crispy texture.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, chili paste, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.
  • Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to thicken slightly for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken is well coated in the sauce.
  • Cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Keyword appetizer, chicken, honey garlic, spicy