Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed; 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional); Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken stock; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, like Sriracha); 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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These Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are a quick and flavorful main dish that I love turning to when I want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Tender chunks of chicken are lightly seared and coated in a sticky, savory-sweet glaze made with honey, garlic, and a splash of lemon for brightness. It’s the kind of dish that makes a regular weeknight dinner feel just a little more special.

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: I can make this dish without any fancy shopping trip—the ingredients are already in my pantry most of the time.
Speedy Weeknight Meal: It comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for those hectic nights.
Flavor-Packed Sauce: The sweet and garlicky glaze with a touch of heat gives each bite so much character.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone at the table, even the picky eaters, devours this every time I serve it.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
Cornstarch (optional, for a light coating)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil
Unsalted butter
Garlic, finely minced
Honey
Low-sodium chicken stock
Lemon juice
Hot sauce (optional, I like to use Sriracha)
Red chili pepper flakes
Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Coat the Chicken
I start by tossing the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl. It’s a light dusting that helps the chicken stay juicy while giving the sauce something to cling to.

2. Sear to Golden Perfection
In a skillet, I heat olive oil and melt in the butter over medium-high heat. I cook the chicken in batches so each piece gets that beautiful golden sear without steaming. It usually takes 6–8 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally until they’re cooked through.

3. Build the Sauce
Once the chicken is done, I add the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Then I pour in the honey, chicken stock, lemon juice, and hot sauce. I stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Garnish and Serve
Off the heat, I sprinkle the chicken with parsley and red chili flakes. I love serving it hot over steamed rice with the extra sauce spooned on top.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add Veggies: I like adding snap peas or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
Use Chicken Thighs: They’re juicier than breast meat and work beautifully in this dish.
Swap Honey: Sometimes I use maple syrup or agave when I want a different twist on sweetness.
Make It Spicy: I double up the chili flakes when I want a bolder kick.
Gluten-Free: Skipping cornstarch or using arrowroot powder works well if I need to keep things gluten-free.

storage/reheating

Storing
I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay good for 3–4 days. The sauce thickens a bit, so I give it a stir before reheating.

Freezing
I let the chicken bites cool completely before freezing them in single portions. A quick splash of broth when reheating helps the texture bounce back nicely.

Reheating
My favorite method is on the stovetop in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tablespoon of water or broth. If I’m short on time, I’ll use the microwave, covered, with a bit of liquid to keep the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe?

Yes, chicken thighs are great if I want a juicier, more flavorful result. They might take a little longer to cook through, but they work wonderfully in this recipe.

Is there a substitute for cornstarch in this recipe?

Definitely. I use arrowroot powder if I want a gluten-free version, or I skip it altogether—the sauce still coats the chicken nicely, just a little less thickly.

What can I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Bites?

Steamed rice is my go-to for soaking up the sauce, but mashed potatoes, quinoa, or roasted veggies are great options too.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, and I often do. I cook everything, store it in the fridge or freezer, and just reheat gently when I’m ready to serve.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

If I want it thicker, I mix a little cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir it in while the sauce simmers. It tightens up quickly.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe has quickly earned a spot in my regular meal rotation. It’s easy, fast, and always hits the right notes of sweet, savory, and spicy. Whether I’m making a quiet dinner for two or feeding a table full of guests, this dish delivers every time—and it’s so satisfying knowing I can whip it up without much planning. Give it a go and see how quickly it becomes one of your weeknight staples too.