These honey garlic chicken bites are tender, juicy, and coated in the most irresistible sweet and savory sauce. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes from start to finish, I find myself turning to this recipe whenever I need a quick dinner that still feels special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it comes together so quickly with minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The honey garlic sauce is the real star — sweet, savory, and slightly tangy, it clings beautifully to each piece of chicken. I also like that I can serve it in different ways: over rice, tossed into noodles, added to a salad, or tucked into wraps for lunch the next day.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or a mix, cut into bite-sized pieces
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Kosher salt
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Black pepper
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Honey
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Soy sauce or tamari
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Apple cider vinegar
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Olive oil
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Garlic, minced
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Scallions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
Directions
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I pat the chicken pieces dry and season them with salt and pepper.
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In a small bowl, I whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
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I heat some olive oil in a large skillet, then sear half the chicken until golden brown. I transfer it to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken.
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Once all the chicken is back in the skillet, I stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant.
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I pour in the sauce and let it simmer, spooning it over the chicken until it’s cooked through and the sauce has reduced and turned glossy.
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If I’m feeling fancy, I scatter some scallions over the top before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 to 20 minutes of cook time, meaning dinner is ready in under 30 minutes.
Variations
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I sometimes swap chicken for shrimp and reduce the cooking time for a seafood twist.
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For a spicier version, I stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of sriracha with the sauce.
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I like adding a handful of steamed broccoli or snap peas to the skillet for a built-in veggie side.
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Instead of rice, I’ve served this chicken with noodles or tucked it into lettuce wraps for something lighter.
Storage/Reheating
I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. It also reheats well in the microwave in short bursts.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, I often use thighs since they stay extra juicy, but breasts work just as well.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
I like making it fresh, but it does reheat beautifully, so cooking it earlier in the day and warming it up before serving works fine.
What can I serve with honey garlic chicken bites?
I usually pair it with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables, but it’s also delicious in wraps or grain bowls.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, I double it often for meal prep. I just make sure to cook the chicken in batches so it browns nicely.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If I use tamari instead of soy sauce, it’s naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
These honey garlic chicken bites are one of my go-to weeknight dinners because they’re quick, versatile, and full of flavor. I love how the glossy sauce makes the chicken irresistible, and the fact that leftovers taste just as good the next day is a bonus. Whether I serve them with rice, noodles, or tucked into wraps, this dish always makes dinner stress-free and satisfying.
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
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Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are juicy, bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and garlic. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for busy weeknights and easily adaptable to different meals.
- Author: Sophia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Scallions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat chicken pieces dry and season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce (or tamari), and apple cider vinegar.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear half the chicken until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining chicken.
- Return all the chicken to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the honey mixture. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and glossy.
- Garnish with sliced scallions and serve hot.
Notes
- Swap chicken for shrimp and reduce cooking time for a seafood version.
- Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat.
- Toss in steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.
- Serve with rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
- Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg