Sticky, sweet, garlicky, and done in just 15 minutes—these Honey Garlic Chicken Bites have become one of my favorite quick-fix meals. The chicken gets a light cornstarch coating, sears up crispy and golden, and then simmers in a glossy honey garlic sauce with just the right amount of heat. I love how it pairs perfectly with rice or noodles and always satisfies my craving for something comforting and flavorful without needing a ton of ingredients or time in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love that this recipe comes together so fast—it’s on the table in less time than it takes to order takeout. The ingredients are pantry staples I usually have on hand, and the sauce is both simple and packed with flavor. It’s easy to tweak the heat level or swap in different proteins, making it incredibly versatile. Whether I’m cooking for myself or serving family dinner, these chicken bites never disappoint. The crispy texture from the cornstarch coating and the sweet-savory balance of the sauce always hit the spot.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, to lightly coat the chicken and give it a crispy finish

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying the chicken

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, adds rich flavor and helps brown the chicken

• 3 garlic cloves, minced finely for bold flavor

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, for a gentle kick of heat (optional, adjust to taste)

• ¼ cup honey, the base of the sweet glaze

• ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth, to thin out the sauce and add savory depth

• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish and freshness

Directions

1. I start by cutting the chicken into even, 1-inch cubes so everything cooks evenly. Then, I toss the pieces with cornstarch until they’re well coated. This step helps create that crispy exterior I love.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, I heat the olive oil and melt the butter. Once the pan is hot, I add the chicken pieces and cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes. I make sure they get golden brown and are fully cooked through.

3. While the chicken cooks, I whisk together the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, honey, chicken broth, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

4. After the chicken is cooked, I pour the sauce into the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and toss everything together. I let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to come together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

5. Once the sauce coats the chicken nicely, I remove the pan from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Servings And Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. From start to finish, it takes just 15 minutes—5 minutes to prep the ingredients and around 10 minutes to cook everything. It’s the kind of meal I turn to when time is tight but I still want something homemade and satisfying.

Variations

I often use chicken thighs instead of breasts when I want something a little juicier. They cook the same way and absorb the sauce beautifully. For more heat, I sometimes add a splash of sriracha or even a diced chili. If I’m going low-carb, I skip the rice and serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or inside lettuce wraps. This honey garlic sauce also works great on shrimp, tofu, or even tossed with vegetables for a quick stir-fry.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I’m ready to reheat, I prefer using a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce smooth and glossy. It reheats well in the microwave too, though the chicken won’t be quite as crispy. I can also freeze the cooked chicken bites for up to 3 months. To use, I just thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

FAQs

Can I Make This Recipe Without Cornstarch?

Yes, but the chicken won’t have that same crisp coating. I’ve used flour in a pinch, but I find cornstarch gives the best crispy texture.

What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?

When I’m out of broth, I use water with a pinch of salt or mix in a bit of soy sauce for flavor. Vegetable broth also works just fine.

Is This Recipe Very Spicy?

Not at all. The red pepper flakes add just a hint of heat. If I want it spicier, I add more flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the sauce.

Can I Double The Sauce?

Absolutely. If I’m serving this with rice or noodles, I usually double the sauce so there’s plenty to soak into the sides.

How Do I Know When The Chicken Is Done?

I always make sure the chicken is golden brown on the outside and white (no pink) on the inside. If I’m unsure, I cut open a larger piece or use a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F (74°C) in the center.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites have earned a permanent spot in my weekly meal rotation. They’re fast, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable to whatever I have on hand. I love that I can whip them up in 15 minutes and serve something that tastes like it took much longer. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy dinner for myself, this dish never lets me down.