Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken Bites recipe features tender chicken pieces cooked to golden perfection and tossed in a glossy, tangy-sweet honey garlic sauce. Perfect as a quick and delicious main dish, this recipe uses simple pantry staples and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or a combination, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Sauce & Cooking
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Thinly sliced scallions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season evenly all over with 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar until well combined.
- Cook the First Batch of Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast-iron or stainless steel skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add half of the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook without moving until the bottom turns golden brown and the chicken releases easily from the pan, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown, about 2 more minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
- Cook the Second Batch of Chicken: Add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil to the skillet and repeat the browning process with the remaining chicken pieces. Transfer them to the same plate once browned.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return all the chicken pieces along with any accumulated juices to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Increase heat to medium-high and pour in the honey garlic sauce. Cook while spooning the sauce over the chicken until fully cooked and the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency, reduced by about half, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with thinly sliced scallions if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Chicken thighs will provide a juicier bite compared to chicken breasts.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan when browning chicken to ensure even cooking and browning.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook a little longer until desired thickness is reached.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
