Description
Succulent honey garlic chicken bites dance with sweet and savory flavors from a simple marinade that elevates weeknight dinners. Crispy edges and juicy centers make this dish irresistible for families craving quick, delicious meals you’ll want to devour again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Coating and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Garnish:
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Mix flour, salt, pepper, and paprika in a shallow dish, creating a seasoned coating for the chicken pieces.
- Roll each chicken bite thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the surface shimmers and appears slightly rippled.
- Carefully place the coated chicken bites into the hot skillet, allowing them to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on the first side.
- Flip the chicken bites and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring they’re crispy and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add minced garlic, stirring quickly to prevent burning.
- Pour honey and soy sauce into the skillet, coating the chicken bites and creating a glossy, caramelized glaze.
- Stir and toss the chicken in the sauce for 1-2 minutes, allowing the honey to thicken and adhere to each piece.
- Transfer the honey garlic chicken bites to a serving plate, ensuring they’re evenly coated with the sticky sauce.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and the glaze is still glistening.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Pat chicken dry before coating to help flour mixture adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature and prevent overcooking, which can make chicken tough and dry.
- Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste or crunch.
- Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan alternative that maintains the sweet glaze.
- Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for an extra kick of heat if you enjoy spicier flavor profiles.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and controlling salt in the initial flour coating.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain moisture and prevent sauce separation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg