Honey Garlic Chicken Bites in 30 Minutes

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are my go-to recipe when I need something delicious on the table in under 30 minutes. These golden, tender chicken cubes get smothered in the most incredible sticky-sweet sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

There’s something magical that happens when you combine honey and garlic in one pan – it reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s farm, where the kitchen always smelled like comfort and love. This recipe captures that same warmth but works perfectly for today’s busy families – just like my easy family baked chicken bites that have become a household favorite. The chicken gets beautifully golden on the outside while staying incredibly tender inside, and that sauce? It clings to every single bite like it was meant to be there. You’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

I’ve been making variations of this honey garlic chicken for over twenty years, and it never fails to bring smiles to the dinner table. What started as a way to jazz up plain chicken breast has become one of our family’s most requested weeknight meals.

• Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for those hectic weeknight dinners when time is short
• Uses simple pantry ingredients – no special shopping trips required for this delicious meal
• Kid-friendly yet sophisticated – sweet enough for little ones, flavorful enough to impress adults
• Incredibly versatile serving options – works as dinner over rice or party appetizers on toothpicks – similar to my spicy chicken bites for those who like more heat
• Golden crispy exterior meets tender interior – the best of both textures in every bite
• Sticky sauce that coats perfectly – no sad, dry chicken here, just saucy perfection

This honey garlic chicken recipe proves that the simplest ingredients often create the most memorable meals.

Ingredient Note List

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: I always cut mine into uniform 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly and get that perfect golden color on all sides.

Cornstarch: This optional ingredient is my secret for getting that slightly crispy exterior that makes these chicken bites extra special.

Olive Oil: Provides the base for browning the chicken and prevents sticking while adding a subtle richness to the dish.

Unsalted Butter: Adding butter after the oil gives the chicken a beautiful golden color and rich flavor that you just can’t get with oil alone.

Fresh Garlic: I always use fresh minced garlic instead of pre-minced because it gives the honey garlic sauce that bold, aromatic punch – the same technique I use in my chicken marinade recipes for maximum flavor.

Honey: The star of our sticky sauce that caramelizes beautifully and creates that signature sweet coating we all crave.

Low-Sodium Chicken Stock: This helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency while adding depth of flavor without overwhelming saltiness.

Fresh Lemon Juice: The bright acidity balances the sweetness of the honey and keeps the sauce from being too cloying.

Hot Sauce: I like adding just a touch of Sriracha for a gentle heat that complements the sweet flavors without overpowering them.

Fresh Parsley: The bright green color and fresh flavor make these honey garlic chicken bites look restaurant-worthy.

How to Cook Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

Step 1. I usually start by cutting my chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes, then toss them with cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a large bowl – this coating helps create that gorgeous golden crust.

Step 2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the butter and let it melt completely before adding the chicken.

Step 3. My grandmother always said to give meat plenty of space in the pan – the same principle I follow when making crispy fried chicken cutlets – so I arrange the chicken cubes without overcrowding and let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 4. I’ve found that working in batches gives better results than cramming everything in at once – the chicken browns beautifully instead of steaming.

Step 5. Once all the chicken is golden and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes total), I reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic, stirring for just 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6. Pour in the honey, chicken stock, lemon juice, and hot sauce all at once, then stir everything together to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 7. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens and becomes gloriously sticky – you’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 8. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for that perfect pop of color and gentle heat.

How to Store & Reheat

I usually store any leftover honey garlic chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing to prevent the container from getting steamy.

For freezing, I recommend placing the cooled chicken bites in a freezer-safe container where they’ll keep well for up to 2 months – just like the method I use for my basic chicken bites recipe that also freezes beautifully. The sauce may separate slightly when frozen, but a quick stir while reheating brings it right back together.

For best results, I like to reheat these in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also use the microwave – just cover them with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round to ensure even heating.

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

Juicy golden chicken cubes coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce with the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. Ready in under 30 minutes, these bites are family-friendly, versatile, and perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 28 minutes mins

Servings: 4 portions

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch optional, for crispy coating
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic finely minced
• 0.25 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium chicken stock
• 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce optional, such as Sriracha
• 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes for garnish
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• large skillet
• Large mixing bowl

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, toss chicken cubes with cornstarch (if using), salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add butter, then chicken, spacing pieces apart. Cook 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if needed.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic, honey, chicken stock, lemon juice, and hot sauce (if using). Stir to coat chicken. Simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and clings to chicken.
4. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with parsley and chili flakes. Serve hot with rice, wraps, or vegetables.

Notes

Cornstarch helps create a light crispy exterior but is optional. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan—batch cooking ensures caramelization. Adjust spice with chili flakes or hot sauce. Chicken thighs can be substituted for juicier bites.

What to Serve With Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy, slightly sweet rice is perfect for soaking up every drop of that sticky honey garlic sauce – it’s my family’s favorite pairing.

Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad: This refreshing cucumber salad with its light sesame dressing provides the perfect cool, crisp contrast to the warm, sticky chicken bites.

Stir-Fried Vegetables: Learn the perfect stir-fry technique from my Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry recipe and apply it to broccoli or snap peas for a colorful, nutritious side.

Warm Corn Tortillas: In my kitchen, we often serve these chicken bites in soft corn tortillas with lettuce and a drizzle of the pan sauce for easy handheld dinners.

Roasted Snap Peas: These bright green vegetables cook quickly and their natural sweetness complements the honey in the sauce beautifully.

Simple Steamed Rice: Any variety of rice works wonderfully to capture all that delicious sauce – it’s comfort food at its finest.

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