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Plate of Honey Garlic Chicken Bites garnished with sesame seeds and green onions

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

A quick and delicious recipe for Honey Garlic Chicken Bites, featuring crispy chicken in a caramelized honey garlic sauce that's perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces) Thighs stay juicier.
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or avocado oil) For searing.
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced (or 2 tsp garlic paste)
  • 1/3 cup honey Raw or mild-flavored honey recommended.
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce Use tamari for gluten-free.
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar For balance.
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil To finish.
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch Plus 2 tbsp water (for slurry).
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper Optional.
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Optional Garnishes
  • toasted sesame seeds
  • chopped scallions
  • lemon or lime zest

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prep the chicken and ingredients.
  2. Pat chicken pieces dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Tip: If you struggle with sticky honey, measure it into a warmed spoon.
Cooking
  1. Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Add chicken in a single layer and sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Transfer to a plate; reserve skillet drippings for sauce.
  4. Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and sauté 20–30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Tip: For deeper flavor, add a splash of chicken stock or a pinch of smoked paprika.
  7. Whisk the cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then slowly whisk into simmering sauce.
  8. Return chicken to skillet and toss to coat. Cook 1–2 minutes until sauce clings and chicken reaches 165°F.
  9. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and optional crushed red pepper.
Serving
  1. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Serve immediately.

Notes

For lower sodium, use reduced-sodium soy or coconut aminos. This dish can also be made with shrimp or tofu. For a vegan option, substitute chicken with extra-firm tofu or tempeh.