Simple Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

You’re likely someone who loves really tasty home-cooked meals but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Maybe you’re a busy parent, a home cook needing dinner inspo, or someone who just adores chicken recipes that actually deliver BIG flavour. You found this because you want something simple, juicy, crowd-pleasing, and honey garlicky, not bland or boring.

You want a recipe that is easy to follow, dependable, and insanely delicious. You’re tired of complicated recipes with weird ingredients or steps you’ll forget halfway through. You want practical tips, clear steps, lots of flavour, and that comfy feeling of “Yes I can make this tonight.”

Deep down you want confidence in the kitchen, to hear that little “this is SO good” moment from your family or guests, and to actually enjoy cooking rather than dread it.

This article will guide you with a friendly voice, give you the tips you need, and make you crave the end result before you even start cooking.

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

Quick, juicy, and loaded with sticky sweet honey garlic goodness, these chicken bites are the kind of dinner you’ll find yourself craving again and again 😍. Perfect for weeknights when you want something serious but simple.

Quick Summary

  • Flavor vibe: Sweet, garlicky, sticky, and satisfying

  • Ready in: ~25 minutes

  • Perfect for: Easy dinners, meal prep lunches, game nights, family meals

  • Skill level: Easy (no fancy techniques)

  • Why you’ll love it: Minimal ingredients, big taste, and fuss-free cooking

Ingredients

Use everyday pantry items and simple chicken pieces for the juiciest results.

  • Chicken thighs – boneless skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces (thighs are more forgiving and juicier than breast)

  • Salt & pepper – basic seasoning

  • Flour or cornstarch – for a light crisp (helps sauce cling)

  • Oil – neutral cooking oil for pan frying

  • Butter – adds richness and helps brown the garlic

  • Garlic – minced (fresh is best for real flavour)

  • Honey – the star of the sauce

  • Soy sauce – salty umami balance

  • Vinegar – a splash brightens the sweet sauce (apple cider or white)

  • Optional chili flakes – if you like a bit of heat

Tip: If you’re out of vinegar, a squeeze of lemon juice works in a pinch for brightness.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

  • Prep the chicken.
    Pat your chicken pieces dry and season with a little salt and pepper. Toss them in a light coating of flour or cornstarch (this helps them brown and lets the sauce stick). 💡Tip: Shake off excess so you don’t get a gummy crust.

  • Heat the pan.
    Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Once hot, add the chicken bites in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for a couple minutes so they get golden.

  • Brown the chicken.
    Flip the pieces and cook the second side until they get a nice color all around. You’re not fully cooking them yet (they’ll finish in the sauce).

  • Add butter & garlic.
    Push the chicken to one side of the pan and add the butter. Once it melts, add the garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn it).

  • Mix the sauce.
    Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. It will hiss and bubble right away. Lower the heat slightly so it doesn’t burn.

  • Coat & simmer.
    Let the sauce reduce and thicken as you toss the chicken in it, about 2-3 minutes. The sauce should go from runny to glossy and sticky, clinging to every bite.

  • Finish & serve.
    Turn off the heat when the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is shiny. If you want a little heat, sprinkle chili flakes on top.

💡 Sauce too thick? Add a splash of water or chicken stock.
💡 Sauce too thin? Let it bubble a bit longer until it coats the back of a spoon.

What to Serve With It

These honey garlic bites shine next to steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or a simple side salad for freshness. They’re also great alongside roasted veggies like broccoli or carrots. You’ll find the sauce makes everything taste that little bit better.

Give this one a go and let me know how you went with it. I love hearing from you and seeing your photos on Pinterest. Happy cooking!

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Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

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Juicy, bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce! This easy 20-minute dinner is packed with flavor, made with simple pantry staples, and loved by everyone. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a quick, comforting meal.

  • Author: Jane Summerfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Dinner
  • Method: Pan Frying / Sauté
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired, American-style comfort food
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for coating)

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for pan frying)

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 34 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1/3 cup honey

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar

  • Optional: pinch of chili flakes or sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  • Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper, then toss lightly in flour or cornstarch to coat evenly. Shake off any excess.

  • Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and nearly cooked through.

  • Add butter and garlic: Push chicken to one side of the pan. Add butter, then garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  • Make the sauce: Pour in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.

  • Thicken the sauce: Reduce heat to medium and simmer 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until sauce becomes glossy and thick enough to coat the chicken.

  • Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chili flakes or green onions, and serve immediately with rice or veggies.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs stay juicier than breast, but either works.

  • If your sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth.

  • Great for meal prep — keeps up to 3 days in the fridge.

  • For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch and tamari instead of flour and soy sauce.

  • Add a squeeze of lemon at the end for brightness if you like a tangy finish.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 390 kcal Sugar: 19 g Sodium: 510 mg Fat: 20 g Saturated Fat: 6 g Unsaturated Fat: 12 g Trans Fat: 0 g Carbohydrates: 22 g Fiber: 0 g Protein: 29 g Cholesterol: 130 mg

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes. Chicken breast will work just fine if you cut it into uniform pieces. Just be careful not to overcook because breast dries out faster than thighs.

How do I store leftovers?

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently so the sauce doesn’t scorch.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use cornstarch instead of flour and swap in gluten-free soy sauce (tamari). You’ll still get that sticky sweet coating.

What if I want more sauce?

You can double the sauce ingredients and simmer it a little longer to thicken before adding the chicken back. Just taste and tweak the sweet-savory balance.