Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken Bites recipe features tender, juicy chicken breast cubes coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce with a hint of heat. Pan-seared to golden perfection and simmered in a flavorful mixture of garlic, honey, chicken stock, lemon juice, and optional hot sauce, these bites make a quick and delicious meal perfect for serving over rice or your favorite side dishes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce and Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 or 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Sriracha), optional
Garnish
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large salad bowl, combine the chicken breast cubes with cornstarch (if using), kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat all the pieces, which helps create a slightly crisp exterior when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt into the oil. Place the chicken cubes in the skillet, spacing them out to avoid overcrowding. Cook the chicken on all sides until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Work in batches if necessary to prevent steaming.
- Make the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the minced garlic, honey, low-sodium chicken stock, lemon juice, and hot sauce if using. Stir the mixture to coat the chicken evenly. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors and reduce slightly until it thickens and sticks to the chicken bites.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chicken bites with fresh chopped parsley and red chili pepper flakes for a touch of heat and vibrant color. Serve hot over cooked rice or your preferred side dish. Enjoy your flavorful honey garlic chicken bites!
Notes
- Using cornstarch is optional but helps create a crispy texture on the chicken pieces.
- If you prefer a less spicy dish, omit the hot sauce and chili flakes.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for the breast for juicier bites, adjusting cook time as needed.
- Serve the chicken bites over steamed rice, quinoa, or even alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan to ensure the chicken browns rather than steams.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg