If you’re craving a quick and satisfying dinner that hits every flavor note—sweet, savory, garlicky, and just a little spicy—this Honey Garlic Chicken Bites recipe is your perfect match. These bite-sized pieces of tender chicken are lightly pan-fried until golden and then tossed in a sticky homemade honey garlic sauce that clings to every corner of each bite.
The best part? You only need a handful of pantry staples and less than 30 minutes to pull this off. No need to deep fry, no breading required, and no complicated steps. Whether you’re looking to impress your family, prepare a fast weeknight meal, or just want something delicious to serve over rice, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal fuss.
Serve it with fluffy white rice, jasmine rice, or your favorite stir-fried veggies, and you’ve got a better-than-takeout meal right at home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are a million chicken recipes out there, but here’s why these honey garlic bites deserve a permanent spot in your rotation:
- ✔️ Ready in under 30 minutes: From slicing chicken to pouring sauce, this recipe moves fast—ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- ✔️ Packed with flavor: The homemade sauce combines sweet honey, pungent garlic, zesty lemon, and a kick of sriracha for the perfect balance.
- ✔️ Crispy yet juicy: A quick coating of cornstarch gives the chicken a slight crust that holds up to the glaze without drying it out.
- ✔️ Totally customizable: Want it spicier? Add more sriracha. Prefer it mild? Leave it out. You’re in control.
- ✔️ Family-friendly & crowd-pleasing: This is one of those recipes that even picky eaters will love, and it scales up easily for a crowd.
Once you try it, you’ll understand why this is one of those go-to recipes you’ll come back to week after week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to make these sticky honey garlic chicken bites—just simple pantry ingredients that come together fast. Here’s what to grab:
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into 1-inch cubes. You can also use thighs if you prefer dark meat.
- Salt & black pepper – Basic seasoning that goes a long way.
- Cornstarch – Creates a light, crispy crust and helps the sauce stick to the chicken.
- Olive oil & butter – Used together to pan-fry the chicken without burning the butter.
Tip: Try not to skip the cornstarch—it’s the key to that glossy, clingy sauce finish.
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- Honey – Brings the sweetness and forms the base of the glaze.
- Garlic – Fresh, minced or pressed for the best flavor (avoid the jarred stuff if you can).
- Sriracha – Adds a gentle kick. Use less if you’re spice-sensitive.
- Chicken broth or stock – Helps loosen the sauce and adds savory depth.
- Lemon juice – Brightens everything and balances the sweetness.
Optional Add-In: A dash of soy sauce can add extra umami if you’re craving a more savory edge.
For Garnish (Optional but Worth It)
- Red chili flakes – For a pop of heat and color on top.
- Chopped fresh parsley – Adds a nice contrast and touch of green.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
These sticky chicken bites come together in one pan and just a few steps. Here’s how to make them from start to finish:
Step 1: Cut & Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Try to keep the pieces uniform so they cook evenly. Season them generously with salt and black pepper.
Tip: Cutting evenly helps prevent some bites from drying out while others remain undercooked.
Step 2: Coat with Cornstarch
Sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken and toss until each piece is lightly coated. This helps the chicken develop a light crust that holds onto the sauce.
Tip: Use a large mixing bowl and toss with your hands or a spatula for even coating.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken in batches so the pan doesn’t overcrowd. Cook each batch for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Set the cooked chicken aside.
Don’t rush this part. Let the pieces sit undisturbed to get a good crust before flipping.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add the honey, chicken broth, lemon juice, sriracha, and garlic. Stir and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly and becomes glossy.
Fresh garlic makes a difference here—don’t skip it.
Step 5: Glaze the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce until fully coated. Let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes so the glaze sticks to every piece.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
Serve the honey garlic chicken bites over steamed rice or your favorite side. Garnish with red chili flakes and chopped parsley for a burst of color and extra flavor.
Presentation tip: Press the rice into a small bowl, then flip it onto the plate for a restaurant-style dome.
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
If you’re ready to bring bold, sticky-sweet flavor to your dinner table, this is the recipe to follow. These honey garlic chicken bites are golden, juicy, and coated in a crave-worthy glaze — and the whole dish comes together in just about 25 minutes.
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup chicken broth or stock
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp sriracha adjust to taste
- 3 –4 garlic cloves pressed or finely minced
For Garnish:
- Red chili flakes optional
- Fresh chopped parsley optional
Instructions
Cut & Season Chicken
- Dice chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Season with salt and black pepper.
Coat with Cornstarch
- Sprinkle chicken with cornstarch and toss to evenly coat.
Sear Chicken
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken in batches until golden brown on both sides (3–4 minutes per side). Set aside.
Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, combine honey, chicken broth, lemon juice, sriracha, and garlic. Stir and let simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened.
Combine and Glaze
- Return cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until evenly glazed.
Serve
- Garnish with red chili flakes and parsley if desired. Serve warm over rice.
Video
Notes
- Double the sauce ingredients for extra glaze.
- For a milder dish, reduce or omit the sriracha.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Elisa’s Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Want to get that restaurant-quality flavor at home? Follow these smart tips from Elisa to make sure your honey garlic chicken bites turn out sticky, juicy, and full of flavor—every single time.
Don’t overcrowd the pan
Cook the chicken in batches. If you crowd the pan, the chicken will steam instead of sear, and you’ll lose that golden, slightly crispy exterior.
Use fresh garlic
Freshly minced or pressed garlic gives the sauce its punch. Jarred garlic can work in a pinch, but it won’t deliver the same deep flavor.
Let the sauce simmer, not boil
Once you add the sauce ingredients, reduce the heat and let it gently thicken. Boiling too hard can burn the honey or garlic and ruin the glaze.
Adjust spice to your taste
Sriracha gives a nice kick, but you can easily dial it up or down. Want it completely mild? Leave it out and add a pinch of smoked paprika instead.
Double the sauce for rice bowls
Love extra sauce to spoon over rice or noodles? Simply double all the sauce ingredients — the base recipe is easy to scale.
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
These sticky chicken bites are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Whether you’re planning a quick lunch or a family dinner, here are some simple and satisfying options:
Steamed or Jasmine Rice
The classic choice. The rice absorbs the sweet and savory sauce, making each bite even more flavorful.
Stir-Fried or Steamed Vegetables
Broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas, or bok choy add color, crunch, and a fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Noodles or Rice Noodles
Toss noodles with a little soy sauce and sesame oil, then top them with the chicken for a complete meal.
Asian-Style Slaw
A crisp slaw made with cabbage, carrots, green onions, and a sesame-lime dressing brings brightness and balance.
Lettuce Wraps
For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the chicken in butter lettuce cups with a sprinkle of chili flakes or sesame seeds.
Looking for something different? Try pairing these with our Canned Chicken Pizza Crust for a fun twist on weeknight dinner.
Flavor Variations to Try
One of the best things about this honey garlic chicken recipe is how adaptable it is. With a few small changes, you can tailor the flavor or ingredients to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.
Make it milder
Leave out the sriracha completely or reduce it by half for a less spicy glaze that’s still full of flavor.
Add sesame flavor
Drizzle in a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil right at the end, or sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts
Boneless, skinless thighs are slightly juicier and work just as well. They’re also more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
Add ginger for extra depth
Grate in some fresh ginger (about 1 teaspoon) when making the sauce for a subtle warmth that complements the garlic.
Swap in maple syrup for honey
If you’re out of honey or want a deeper sweetness, pure maple syrup makes a great alternative.
Air fry the chicken
For a lighter texture, skip the skillet and use an air fryer. Coat the seasoned chicken in cornstarch and air fry at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make honey garlic chicken bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove and toss together just before serving.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For best texture, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. If the sauce has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken and pat it dry before cutting and seasoning. Excess moisture can prevent proper searing and make the sauce watery.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the sriracha and red chili flakes, but you can easily reduce or omit both to make it kid-friendly or milder.
Storage and Reheating
How to Store
Let the chicken cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you made extra sauce, store it separately to preserve texture.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow the chicken to cool fully, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Best Way to Reheat
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best results. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Microwaving works in a pinch but may affect the texture of the glaze.
Meal Prep Tip
Make a double batch and portion it into individual containers with rice or vegetables. It’s a quick, flavorful option for lunch or weeknight dinners.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful dinner that feels like takeout but tastes even better, these honey garlic chicken bites are the answer. With crispy edges, a sticky-sweet glaze, and just the right hint of spice, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Whether you’re serving it over rice, stuffing it into lettuce wraps, or enjoying it straight out of the skillet, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Looking for more delicious chicken dinners? Be sure to check out our full Chicken Recipes category for easy, flavorful ideas your whole family will love.