Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Bites Recipe

If you love crispy, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, garlicky, sweet, and savory glaze, then this Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Bites recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. These golden, caramelized bites of chicken are perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a fun party appetizer!

I made this dish for my husband one night when we were craving takeout-style chicken—and let’s just say, we didn’t even need the rice. He grabbed a fork and started eating straight from the pan! The combination of crispy chicken and the glossy honey-garlic sauce makes this dish absolutely addictive.

What makes these chicken bites so special?

• Crispy pan-seared chicken bites that are juicy inside.
• A sticky, garlicky, sweet, and savory glaze that coats every bite.
• Simple, everyday ingredients that come together in just 30 minutes.

So, if you’re ready to ditch the takeout and make a quick, delicious chicken dish at home, let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Bites

• Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
• Crispy & Sticky: The best balance of textures with a glossy, caramelized glaze.
• Better Than Takeout: No need to order in—this is fresh, homemade, and even better!
• Great for Meal Prep: Stays juicy and flavorful even the next day.
• Customizable: Make it spicier, add veggies, or serve with rice or noodles!

What You Need for Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

For the Chicken Bites:

• 1 ½ lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¼ cup cornstarch (for crispiness)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for pan-frying)

For the Honey Garlic Glaze:

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (adds extra depth)

For Garnish (Optional but Recommended!):

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions
• Extra red pepper flakes for spice

How to Make Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Bites

Step 1: Coat & Prep the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and paprika until evenly coated.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Perfection

3. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
4. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sticky Honey Garlic Glaze

5. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium-low and add garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
7. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.

Step 4: Coat & Serve

8. Add the crispy chicken bites back to the pan and toss to coat in the glossy, sticky glaze.
9. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce clings to the chicken.

Step 5: Garnish & Enjoy!

10. Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
11. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or enjoy as a finger-licking appetizer!

Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness! They stay tender and flavorful.
• Cornstarch = crispiness! Don’t skip it—it gives the chicken a light, crunchy coating.
• Don’t overcook the garlic! It should be fragrant but not burnt.
• Let the sauce simmer briefly before adding the chicken—it helps thicken it up!
• For extra crunch, double-fry the chicken! Pan-fry once, remove, then fry again for extra crispiness before adding the glaze.

Substitutions and Variations

• Make it spicy: Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
• Try a different protein: Works great with shrimp, tofu, or even pork!
• Use gluten-free soy sauce to make it completely gluten-free.
• Add veggies: Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas for a full meal.
• Swap honey for maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.

Make a Healthier Version

• Use air-fried or baked chicken instead of pan-frying.
• Reduce honey to 2 tbsp for less sugar.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on sodium.
• Serve with cauliflower rice or quinoa instead of white rice.

Closing Thoughts

And there you have it—Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Bites that are crispy, sticky, sweet, and absolutely addictive! Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a party appetizer, this dish is sure to impress.

Try it out and let me know how it turns out! And if you love easy, flavor-packed meals, be sure to check out more of our quick and delicious recipes! 🍯🧄🍗

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan to keep it crispy.

2. Can I freeze honey garlic chicken?

Yes! Freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 3 months. Thaw and toss in fresh sauce before serving.

3. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture. Microwave works too, but won’t be as crispy.

4. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! Just thaw completely before coating and cooking.

5. Can I air-fry the chicken instead?

Absolutely! Air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

6. What’s a good side dish for this?

Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

7. How do I make this dish extra crispy?

Double-coat the chicken in cornstarch and pan-fry in hot oil for extra crunch!

8. Can I make this without honey?

Yes! Swap honey for maple syrup, agave, or brown sugar syrup.

9. What’s the best oil to use for cooking?

Avocado oil or vegetable oil works best for pan-frying.

10. Can I double the sauce?

Yes! Just double the sauce ingredients if you want extra glaze for rice or dipping.

This Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Bites Recipe is now Pinterest-perfect, sweet, sticky, and totally drool-worthy! Let me know if you need any tweaks. 😊🍯🧄🔥