If you’re craving a quick meal that’s full of sweet, sticky, garlicky flavor, these Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are the perfect answer. Tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy honey garlic sauce cook up in minutes and taste like something straight from your favorite takeout spot. I first made these on a busy weeknight when I needed something bold and satisfying fast, and they instantly became a staple. The chicken turns golden and crisp on the edges, the sauce thickens into a luscious glaze, and every bite packs the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are simple, fast, and bursting with flavor. With minimal ingredients, you get a restaurant-quality dish ready in under 30 minutes. You’ll love how the chicken becomes tender inside while developing caramelized edges from the honey. The sauce clings beautifully, making each bite sticky, glossy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s versatile enough for rice bowls, salads, wraps, or serving as a party appetizer.
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Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites – Sweet, Savory & Addictively Delicious
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy bite-sized chicken pieces tossed in a glossy, sweet, sticky honey garlic sauce for a fast and addictive appetizer or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for pan-frying)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and place it in a bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add cornstarch and toss until all chicken pieces are well coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning to brown all sides until crispy and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add the chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat in the sticky sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
- Serve over rice or noodles for a full meal.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Add broccoli or snap peas for extra veggies.
- Double the sauce if serving with starch.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts or thighs – Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
Cornstarch – Helps create a light coating and gives the chicken a crisp exterior.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning.
Olive oil – Used to brown the chicken in the skillet.
Garlic – Provides bold, aromatic flavor that defines the sauce.
Honey – Brings natural sweetness and helps the sauce thicken into a glaze.
Soy sauce – Adds savory depth and balances the sweetness.
Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar – Adds acidity to balance the honey.
Red pepper flakes (optional) – For spicy heat.
Green onions – Adds freshness to the finished dish.
Directions
Season the chicken bites with salt and pepper, then toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and crisp on all sides. Remove chicken once fully cooked and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken into a sticky glaze.
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss until every piece is fully coated in the honey garlic sauce. Let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Prep takes about 10 minutes, and cooking takes roughly 15 minutes. Total time: 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. Freezing is possible but may slightly change the texture of the sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Honey Garlic Bites – Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Sesame Style – Add toasted sesame seeds and a splash of sesame oil.
Orange Honey Chicken – Add orange zest or a bit of orange juice to the sauce.
Crispy Breaded Version – Dip chicken in egg and panko before frying for crunchier bites.
Ginger Honey Garlic – Add grated ginger for extra warmth and flavor.
Low-Sodium Option – Use low-sodium soy sauce.
Sticky Honey Garlic Shrimp – Swap chicken for shrimp and reduce cooking time.
Vegetable Boost – Add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
Air Fryer Variation – Air fry the coated chicken at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, then toss in the sauce.
Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls – Serve over rice with veggies for a full meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes—thaw fully before cooking.
Can I substitute thighs for breasts?
Absolutely—thighs stay extra juicy.
How do I keep the chicken crisp?
Cook in batches and avoid overcrowding the skillet.
Can I make the sauce less sweet?
Use less honey or increase soy sauce or vinegar.
Can I thicken the sauce more?
Simmer longer or add a small cornstarch slurry.
Is this recipe spicy?
Only if you add red pepper flakes.
Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes—bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes before tossing in sauce.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—cook chicken in batches to keep it crisp.
What should I serve this with?
Rice, noodles, veggies, or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
These Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are quick, delicious, and full of bold, crave-worthy flavor. With tender chicken and a glossy, sweet-savory glaze, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again.
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