Description
This quick and flavorful Honey Garlic Chicken Bites recipe delivers tender, crispy chicken pieces coated in a luscious honey garlic glaze. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual get-together, featuring a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with a hint of heat from chili flakes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breasts (2 pieces), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp water (to thin out the glaze)
- 2 tbsp cold butter
- Chopped chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, season the chicken pieces evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Coat with cornstarch: Add cornstarch to the seasoned chicken and mix thoroughly to ensure each piece is lightly coated.
- Sear the chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until they become golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and chili flakes: Reduce the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red chili pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Make the honey garlic sauce: Stir in the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and water into the skillet. Cook and stir the mixture for about 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add butter to glaze: Add the cold butter to the sauce and swirl the pan until the sauce turns glossy and rich.
- Combine chicken with sauce: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet. Toss the chicken thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the honey garlic glaze.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped chives and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy your delicious honey garlic chicken bites!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken with cornstarch before frying.
- Adjust the amount of red chili flakes based on your heat preference or omit for a milder flavor.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Use avocado oil for its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but vegetable or canola oil can be substituted.
- Make sure the butter is cold before adding to the sauce to achieve a smooth, shiny glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
