These Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor! Made with crispy chicken tossed in a tasty honey and garlic sauce, they’re perfect for snacking or dinner.
Who can resist that golden glaze? I love whipping these up for a quick meal or sharing them at game nights. They disappear faster than I can say “more, please!” 😂
Making these bites is super easy. Just fry the chicken, mix the sauce, and you’re ready to impress. Serve them with rice for a yummy combo or enjoy them on their own!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe, as they cook quickly and remain juicy. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Flour: All-purpose flour helps create a light crust. If you’re gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend without any issues!
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a crispy texture. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs work too, but you might lose that extra crunch. Consider crushing stale bread for a homemade version.
Honey: Honey sweetens and flavors the sauce. Maple syrup can be a good alternative if you’re looking for something different or vegan!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential in the sauce for flavor. If you’re short on fresh, garlic powder will work too—just use less since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Get Crispy Chicken Bites?
Getting those perfect crispy chicken bites is all about the coating and frying technique. Follow these steps for great results:
- Ensure that your chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly in the flour mix first—this helps the egg stick better.
- Don’t rush the frying. Heat the oil properly before adding the chicken; it should sizzle when it hits the pan.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, as this can steam the chicken instead of crisping it.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 30 minutes. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping and coating the chicken, and then around 15 minutes frying and preparing the honey garlic sauce. In no time, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coating:
In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). This is your seasoning mix that will give the chicken great flavor!
2. Set Up the Dipping Stations:
In another bowl, beat the egg until it’s nice and smooth. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. This setup will help you coat the chicken easily.
3. Coat the Chicken Pieces:
Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the flour mixture first. Make sure it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the beaten egg and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs. Set the coated chicken pieces aside on a plate as you go.
4. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken bites in batches. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. After frying, place the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any extra oil.
5. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer. This will create a deliciously sticky sauce.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch mixture to the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it starts to bubble and thickens up nicely.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Toss the fried chicken bites in the honey garlic sauce until they are evenly coated. Get ready for some amazing flavors!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Honey Garlic Chicken Bites immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy this crispy and sweet treat!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through compared to breasts.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make these chicken bites gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. You can also check that the soy sauce is gluten-free or swap it with tamari.
What if I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you can’t find panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs instead. However, if you want to achieve that same light, crispy texture, consider toasting regular breadcrumbs in the oven for a few minutes before using them in the recipe.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore some crispiness, or microwave them for a quick option.
