If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, these Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are the perfect choice. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a light, crispy cornstarch layer and then tossed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce with just a hint of heat. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or vegetables. With its irresistible combination of flavors, this honey garlic chicken is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into small pieces
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons oil (peanut or vegetable)
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons garlic, chopped
- ⅓ cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free option)
- A small dash of red pepper flakes (optional, for added spice)
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch combined with 1 tablespoon of water (for thickening purposes)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for a richer flavor)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the beaten egg until well coated.
- Add the ½ cup of cornstarch to the bowl and toss again to coat the chicken evenly. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet or wok, warm the oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Fry for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken turns golden brown and is thoroughly cooked. You might need to cook them in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan.
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In the same skillet, remove any leftover oil, leaving about 1 teaspoon in the pan. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the chicken broth, honey, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Stir the cornstarch and water mixture to ensure it’s well combined, then add it to the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened and become glossy. If you want a richer sauce, add the butter and stir until melted and incorporated.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until all pieces are well coated and heated through, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve:
- Serve the honey garlic chicken bites hot over steamed rice, with a side of vegetables, or even as an appetizer.
Conclusion:
These Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and a touch of heat. The light, crispy coating on the chicken paired with the sticky honey garlic sauce creates an irresistible combination that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a delicious appetizer, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try and enjoy this easy and satisfying recipe that you’ll want to make again and again!
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Tender chicken bites, lightly coated and tossed ina sticky honey garlic sauce with a hint of heat. Perfect for a quick weeknightdinner or a flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into small pieces
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons oil peanut or vegetable
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons garlic chopped
- ⅓ cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free option
- A small dash of red pepper flakes optional, for added spice
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch combined with 1 tablespoon of water for thickening purposes
- 1 tablespoon butter optional, for a richer flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the beaten egg until well coated. Add the ½ cup of cornstarch to the bowl and toss again to coat the chicken evenly. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, warm the oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Fry for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken turns golden brown and is thoroughly cooked. You might need to cook them in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, remove any leftover oil, leaving about 1 teaspoon in the pan. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth, honey, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch and water mixture to ensure it’s well combined, then add it to the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened and become glossy. If you want a richer sauce, add the butter and stir until melted and incorporated.
- Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until all pieces are well coated and heated through, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the honey garlic chicken bites hot over steamed rice, with a side of vegetables, or even as an appetizer.