If there’s one dish that never fails to bring a smile to my family’s faces, it’s this Honey Garlic Chicken Bites recipe. It’s a dish that reminds me of summer evenings spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the scent of caramelizing garlic would waft through the house and lure everyone in for a meal. I can still picture my grandmother, with her warm smile and twinkling eyes, stirring a pot of something delicious and filling the house with the kind of aroma that made you feel like everything was just right.
I remember one particular summer evening when my cousins and I were tasked with making dinner while our parents enjoyed a rare moment of relaxation. We decided to try something new, and I’ll never forget the excitement and chatter as we mixed and matched ingredients, hoping to create a dish that would earn our parents’ approval. Our chosen recipe was a variation of this very honey garlic chicken, and though it was a bit of a kitchen adventure, the results were worth every minute. The sweetness of honey combined with the savory kick of garlic was a revelation, and our homemade creation became a cherished family favorite.
These Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are more than just a recipe; they are a testament to the joy of cooking together and the pleasure of sharing a meal. The combination of golden-brown chicken, a sticky-sweet glaze, and a hint of garlic is nothing short of magical. It’s a dish that’s quick enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but special enough to serve at a family gathering. The sauce, with its perfect balance of honey and soy, coats each bite of chicken with a glossy, flavorful sheen that’s irresistibly good.
What makes this dish truly remarkable is its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re serving it over rice for a comforting dinner or tossing it into a salad for a fresh lunch, it adapts beautifully to any occasion. The quick cooking time means you can have a delicious meal ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for those busy days when time is of the essence but you still want something homemade and satisfying.
So, gather your loved ones, turn up the heat in your kitchen, and let this Honey Garlic Chicken Bites recipe bring a little bit of joy and warmth to your table. It’s a dish that not only satisfies the taste buds but also feeds the soul, evoking memories of family, laughter, and the simple pleasures of life.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken chunks, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken pieces are golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, onion powder, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for approximately 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Pour the honey sauce mixture into the skillet with garlic and let it simmer. Create a slurry by mixing cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then add this to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the chicken is heated through and well-coated.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve over rice.
Storing Suggestion
Store any leftover honey garlic chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Cooking Tips
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil to the sauce. To make the dish spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These honey garlic chicken bites are perfect served over a bed of steamed rice. You can also pair them with sautéed vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. For a gluten-free option, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Seasonal Variations
Incorporate seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas into the dish for added freshness. For a fall twist, add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sauce.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains soy, which is a common allergen. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if you have a soy allergy. The dish is otherwise free from common allergens.
FAQ:
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the spiciness, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey mixture.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and can add extra flavor and juiciness. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I freeze the honey garlic chicken bites?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken bites in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
What type of rice is best to serve with this dish?
Jasmine rice or basmati rice complements the flavors of this dish well. However, you can use any type of rice you prefer.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them before serving.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch mixed with water and continue to simmer until the desired consistency is achieved.
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In a bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, onion powder, and red pepper flakes, whisking well.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Pour the honey mixture into the skillet with the garlic and let it simmer. Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to form a slurry, then add it to the skillet. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the chicken is warmed through and covered with the glaze.
- Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve over rice.
