If you’re on the hunt for a finger-licking savory-sweet dinner that’s quick enough for any weeknight, look no further. I absolutely love this Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe because it delivers juicy chicken with this incredible sticky sauce that clings to every bite. It’s sweet, garlicky, just a bit tangy, and packs a punch of heat that my family goes crazy for. Plus, it comes together in just about 20 minutes—perfect when you’re juggling a million things but still want to eat well.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes without sacrificing flavor or tenderness.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The honey and garlic combo with a hint of heat creates an addictive sauce.
- Versatile Serving Options: Great over rice, pasta, or alongside steamed veggies for an easy meal.
- Family Friendly: It’s an instant hit, even with picky eaters who love the sweet-savory goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients are simple, straightforward, and all pantry staples. I love how the cornstarch crisps the chicken just enough before it’s coated in that luscious honey garlic glaze—here’s a little breakdown to help you shop smart.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless work best; chopping into bite-size pieces helps them cook evenly and quicker.
- Corn starch: This is the secret to getting that slight crispy texture on the outside without deep-frying.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds just a subtle kick. You can adjust or skip based on your heat tolerance.
- Garlic powder: Enhances that garlicky flavor without overpowering it.
- Butter: Adds richness to the pan for cooking and helps build flavor early on.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives the sauce its punch; I like to crush mine to release maximum aroma.
- Olive oil: For cooking and mellow fruitiness that balances the sauce.
- Honey: The star of the sticky sauce, providing sweetness and that glossy finish.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and cuts through the sweetness for balance.
- Soy sauce: Brings umami depth and a hint of saltiness.
- Hot sauce or sriracha: I love that touch of heat and extra complexity this adds to the sauce.
Variations
I love tweaking this Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe depending on what mood I’m in or what’s in the fridge. Feel free to make this recipe your own by switching up ingredients or adding your favorite twists.
- Spicy Upgrade: When I want some extra heat, I add a dash more sriracha or toss in sliced fresh chili peppers—delicious and fiery!
- Gluten-Free: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and use arrowroot powder if avoiding cornstarch.
- Vegetarian Option: Try it with crispy tofu cubes instead of chicken; the sticky sauce clings beautifully.
- Herb Boost: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a fresh finish.
How to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken
Patting the chicken dry with a paper towel is a game-changer—it helps the cornstarch stick and prevents sogginess. In a large bowl, toss your bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly coated. It’s such a simple step but sets the foundation for that perfect crispy, flavorful bite.
Step 2: Sear Chicken to Lock in Juices
Melt butter in a heavy-duty pan over medium-high heat—it adds richness and helps build that beautiful golden crust. Add your chicken in one layer and cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s cooked through with a lovely sear. Resist the urge to overcrowd the pan; working in batches if needed keeps your chicken tender, not steamed.
Step 3: Whisk Together Your Sticky Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk the garlic, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, and hot sauce together. Fresh crushed garlic here really amps up the flavor, and the honey-sour-spicy mix is what makes this recipe truly addictive. I always taste and adjust the heat or sweetness depending on my family’s mood.
Step 4: Glaze and Simmer to Sticky Perfection
Pour the sauce over your cooked chicken in the pan and let it bubble gently for 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to coat every piece. The longer you let it simmer, the thicker and stickier the sauce becomes. You’ll want to watch closely so it doesn’t burn—once it reaches a glossy, clingy texture, you’re ready to dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
- Pat Your Chicken Dry: It might seem small, but drying helps the cornstarch stick so you get that perfect crispy coating every time.
- Don’t Rush Searing: Let chicken cook undisturbed to develop a golden crust; flipping too soon can tear the coating off.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: Simmer longer for thicker sauce or add a splash of water if it gets too sticky too fast.
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: It distributes heat evenly, preventing burning and helps your sauce thicken nicely without scorching.
How to Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I’m all about simple garnishes that add freshness and crunch; chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds are my favorites with this recipe. Sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro or a few extra red pepper flakes if we want to pump up the heat.
Side Dishes
Pretend it’s a restaurant night and serve these chicken bites over steamed jasmine rice or alongside egg noodles. I also love pairing it with a crisp steamed broccoli or roasted cauliflower for some color and added veggies. For a lighter touch, simple cucumber salad or stir-fried snap peas work beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next gathering? Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites on skewers over a bed of fluffy rice or wrap them up in lettuce cups with a squeeze of lime for a fun finger food option. I’ve even tossed them with rice noodles and fresh herbs for a quick, flavorful salad bowl—your guests will think you spent hours!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, I love saving extras for a quick lunch the next day. Just store your sticky chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the sauce gets even richer after sitting overnight, making leftovers feel like a treat.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save for busy nights, this recipe freezes beautifully. Freeze the cooked chicken bites in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When thawed, the sauce might separate slightly but will come back together with gentle reheating.
Reheating
I prefer reheating in a skillet over medium heat to keep that sticky coating nice and fresh—just add a splash of water or lemon juice if the sauce feels too thick. Microwave works too in a pinch, but you might lose a touch of texture.
FAQs
-
Can I make this Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder or another gluten-free thickener. The flavor stays just as amazing.
-
What’s the best way to get the sauce really sticky?
Simmer the chicken in the sauce on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, so the honey and soy mixture reduces and thickens. Watching it carefully prevents burning but lets that glaze develop that perfect sticky texture.
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor, though they might take a minute or two longer to cook. Just keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure they’re safe and tender.
-
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat is mild and adjustable—red pepper flakes plus hot sauce add warmth without overwhelming the sweet sauce. If you prefer no spice, just omit the pepper flakes and hot sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe is truly one of those dishes that became a staple in my kitchen quickly. It hits all the right notes—easy, flavorful, comforting, and perfect for busy days or a casual dinner party. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Trust me, once you try it, this will become your go-to quick-fix chicken recipe, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Bite-sized chicken pieces are seasoned, coated with cornstarch, and pan-seared to perfection before being tossed in a deliciously sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce with a hint of heat. This quick and easy recipe is ready in just 20 minutes and makes for a perfect weeknight dinner served over rice, pasta, or with your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 1/4 cup corn starch
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 5-6 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce or sriracha
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chopped chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the chicken pieces with the seasoning mixture.
- Cook the chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large heavy-duty pan over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the crushed garlic, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, and hot sauce until well combined.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken in the pan. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky. The longer you cook, the thicker and stickier the sauce will be.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the sticky honey garlic chicken bites over steamed rice, pasta, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated in cornstarch for a crispy exterior.
- Cooking the chicken in butter adds richness and helps develop a golden crust.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to taste for more or less heat.
- The sauce thickens as it simmers; cook longer for a stickier glaze.
- This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables.
- Use fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor in the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 383 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 833 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 124 mg
