Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup honey - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for your spice preference) - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste The main ingredient is chicken. I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. This makes them easy to eat and quick to cook. The other key component is the sauce, which combines honey, garlic, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. This blend gives the dish its sweet and spicy kick. - Sesame seeds - Fresh green onions, chopped For garnishes, I like to use sesame seeds and fresh green onions. The sesame seeds add a nice crunch, while the green onions bring a fresh flavor. They also make the dish look bright and inviting. You can add these garnishes before serving to elevate your dish. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Mixing the Ingredients In a medium bowl, add honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, and cornstarch. Use a whisk to mix everything together. Make sure it blends well. This mix is your honey garlic sauce. - Ensuring a Smooth Consistency Whisk until the sauce is smooth. You want it to be thick but pourable. If it feels too thick, add a bit of water to help it blend better. - Seasoning the Chicken Pieces Take your chicken pieces and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the chicken. Toss the chicken well. Make sure every piece gets coated evenly. - Sautéing in Olive Oil Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until they are golden brown and fully cooked. - Simmering for Thickness Lower the heat to low. Carefully pour the honey garlic sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir gently to coat each piece. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and stick to the chicken. - Finalizing the Dish Once the sauce is thickened, take the skillet off the heat. Transfer the chicken bites to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This adds a nice look and flavor! - Adjusting Red Pepper Flakes: Start with one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you want more heat, add more. Tasting as you go helps find the right balance. - Balancing Sweetness and Heat: The honey adds sweetness. If the dish is too sweet, add more red pepper flakes. A touch of acidity from the vinegar can also help balance flavors. - Best Skillet for Cooking: Use a non-stick skillet for easy cooking and cleanup. A heavy-bottomed skillet helps cook the chicken evenly. - Ensuring Even Cooking: Cut chicken pieces into uniform sizes. This ensures they cook at the same rate. Stir gently and regularly to avoid burning. - Presentation Ideas: Arrange the chicken bites on a large platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for color and flair. - Pairing Options: Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad. Both options complement the sticky sauce well. You can also serve with toothpicks for easy eating at parties. Pro Tips Marinate for Extra Flavor: For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in the honey garlic sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. You can always add more spice later. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced garlic. Always opt for fresh when possible! Leftovers Storage: Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the sauce's sticky texture. {{image_4}} For a different flavor, try using maple syrup instead of honey. It adds a rich taste. You can also use agave nectar for a lighter sweetness. If you want to add some crunch, toss in some bell peppers or broccoli florets. They cook well with the chicken and add color. If you want to kick up the flavor, add more spices. Try ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. You can also mix in some ginger for a fresh zing. To change the sauce, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic before cooking. This makes it extra tasty. If you need a gluten-free dish, use tamari instead of soy sauce. It has a similar taste without gluten. For a healthier option, bake the chicken instead of frying. Just toss the chicken bites in the sauce and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes. This keeps the dish light and delicious. - Store the chicken bites in an airtight container. - Let the chicken cool to room temperature first. - Use the chicken within 3 to 4 days for best taste. - After cooking, the chicken bites are safe for about a week. - Check for any signs of spoilage before eating. - Use a skillet over low heat for best results. - Add a splash of water to keep the chicken moist. - Cover the skillet with a lid while reheating. - Stir occasionally to heat evenly and retain sauce flavor. You can serve these bites with a variety of sides. Here are some popular options: - Steamed rice - Fried rice - Crisp salad - Roasted vegetables - French fries For creative pairings, try these ideas: - A fresh coleslaw adds crunch. - Sweet potato fries bring a nice contrast. - Noodles tossed with sesame oil can be a great match. Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance. - For prepping in advance, cut the chicken and mix the sauce. Store them separately in the fridge. - For storage recommendations, keep the chicken and sauce in airtight containers. They stay fresh for up to two days. You can easily ramp up the heat. Here are some ways: - Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. - Mix in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper for extra kick. For hot sauce, I recommend: - Sriracha for a tangy flavor. - Franks RedHot for a classic taste. - A few drops of habanero sauce for a fiery touch. This blog post covered how to make Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites. We explored key ingredients, including chicken and sauce components. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking and combining the flavors. With tips for spice adjustment and serve ideas, you can make it your own. Lastly, I shared storage and reheating tips to keep leftovers tasty. Enjoy this dish and feel confident to try variations and garnishes that suit your taste!$

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

Deliciously spicy chicken bites coated in a sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
to garnish Sesame seeds
to garnish Fresh green onions, chopped

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, and cornstarch. Whisk the mixture until it is smooth and well blended—this will be your honey garlic sauce.
Season the chicken pieces thoroughly with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Reduce the heat to low, and carefully pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir gently to coat every piece of chicken evenly with the sauce.
Allow the chicken and sauce to simmer together for about 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes sticky, helping it adhere to the chicken.
Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, remove the skillet from heat and transfer the chicken bites to a serving dish.
For a burst of flavor and aesthetic appeal, generously garnish the dish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

Serve with toothpicks for easy eating or over rice for a complete meal.

Keyword appetizer, chicken, honey garlic, spicy