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 soy sauce (low sodium recommended) - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level) - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Sesame seeds for garnish - Fresh chopped green onions for garnish To make spicy honey garlic chicken bites, start with fresh chicken. Use boneless and skinless chicken breasts for tenderness. Cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. This size helps them cook evenly and soak up the sauce. Next, gather your sauces and condiments. You will need honey for sweetness. Garlic adds a strong flavor that blends well. Low-sodium soy sauce gives saltiness without too much sodium. Apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang. For spice, use red pepper flakes. You can change the amount based on your heat preference. Add cornstarch to help thicken the sauce. Olive oil is key for cooking the chicken to a golden brown. Finally, for garnishes, use sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions. They add color and crunch to your dish. With all these ingredients, you will create a flavorful meal that’s easy to make! {{ingredient_image_1}} How to Prepare Chicken Start with 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easy to eat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. This simple step adds flavor right from the start. How to Make the Sauce In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, and cornstarch. Mix until smooth. This sauce is key to the dish. It gives the chicken its sweet and spicy kick. Cooking the Chicken Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they brown evenly. You want a nice golden color, which adds to the flavor. Simmering the Sauce Once the chicken is cooked through, lower the heat. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Stir well to coat the pieces evenly. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes. This thickens the sauce and makes it sticky. Serving Suggestions Remove the chicken bites from heat and transfer them to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. These add color and crunch. Serve on a large platter with toothpicks or over steamed rice. Enjoy your spicy honey garlic chicken bites! To control the heat, start with red pepper flakes. If you want less spice, use half a teaspoon. For more heat, add more flakes. You can also try hot sauce or cayenne pepper. Both add a nice kick to the dish. To ensure your chicken cooks evenly, cut it into small, uniform pieces. This helps all pieces cook at the same rate. Heat your skillet over medium heat before adding the chicken. This step is key for even cooking. To get that golden brown color, don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if you need to. Let each piece sear without stirring too much. This creates a nice crust that adds flavor. Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid burning. Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the heat. Marinate for Extra Flavor: For deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the honey garlic mixture for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. Use a Non-Stick Skillet: This will help prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure an even golden-brown color while cooking. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Pair your chicken bites with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for an extra layer of flavor. {{image_2}} Chicken Alternatives If you want to switch the chicken, try using turkey or tofu. Both options work well. Turkey gives a leaner choice, while tofu is great for a plant-based meal. Cut them into bite-sized pieces just like the chicken. Cook them the same way for tasty bites. Vegan or Vegetarian Options To make this dish vegan, use cauliflower or chickpeas. Cauliflower provides a nice texture. Chickpeas add protein and heartiness. For both, marinate in the same honey garlic sauce. This keeps the flavors strong and delicious. Adding Citrus You can brighten the dish by adding citrus juice. Lime or lemon juice adds freshness. Just squeeze some over the chicken before serving. This small change makes a big difference in taste. It balances the sweetness and spice well. Incorporating Other Spices Want to mix up the flavors? Try adding ginger or cumin. Ginger brings warmth and zest. Cumin adds earthiness. Just a pinch can enhance the dish. Experiment to find your favorite blend. Each spice creates a new taste adventure. To keep your spicy honey garlic chicken bites fresh, store them properly. - Refrigeration Tips: Let your chicken bites cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate any sauce to avoid sogginess. - Freezing Instructions: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the chicken bites. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can. They will stay good for about 2 months. You want your chicken bites to taste fresh when you reheat them. - Best Practices for Reheating: The best way is to use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken bites on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave if you’re short on time. Just warm them up in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir in between to ensure even heating. This way, your spicy honey garlic chicken bites stay tasty and juicy! You can prepare the chicken bites ahead of time. First, cook the chicken and sauce as directed. Once cooked, let the chicken cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can keep it for up to three days. For best results, reheat it in a skillet. This keeps it juicy and flavorful. Yes, you can use other sweeteners. Maple syrup is a great choice. Agave nectar works well too. If you want a sugar-free option, try stevia. Adjust the amount based on the sweetener's strength. Each option adds a unique flavor twist. Here are some tasty sides and drinks to pair with your chicken bites: - Side dish suggestions - Steamed rice: White or brown rice absorbs the sauce nicely. - Vegetables: Try stir-fried broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. - Noodles: Serve over rice noodles or soba for a hearty meal. - Drink pairing ideas - Iced tea: A refreshing option that cools down the spice. - Lemonade: The sweetness complements the heat. - Beer: A light lager or pale ale pairs well with the flavors. - Sparkling water: Add a slice of lemon for a refreshing sip. In this blog post, I covered how to make spicy honey garlic chicken bites. You learned the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking. Helpful tips for adjusting spice levels and proper cooking techniques were shared, along with variations for different diets. I also provided storage tips for leftovers and answered common questions about the dish. Enjoy making and sharing this tasty meal, and feel free to experiment with flavors to make it your own!$

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

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

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
0.5 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish sesame seeds
for garnish fresh chopped green onions

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth.
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Once the chicken is cooked through, lower the heat and pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and becomes sticky.
Remove from heat and transfer the chicken bites to a serving dish.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

Serve on a large platter with toothpicks or over steamed rice.

Keyword appetizer, chicken, honey garlic, spicy