These Crispy Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are delightful!  Enjoy them as an appetizer, a main dish, or even as a party favorite. No matter the occasion, this delicious honey garlic chicken thigh recipe is bound to be a hit.

So, whether it's a sunny summer day, a crisp autumn evening, or a cold winter night, these juicy Honey Garlic Chicken bites recipes can be enjoyed year-round. I especially love them as an easy weeknight meal or weeknight dinner.

This meal was inspired by another recipe on this site and goes perfectly with three fantastic sides. The Asian Coleslaw adds a zesty crunch, creating a nice balance with the juicy Air Fryer Steak Bites. Then, there's the comforting Garlic Cheese Bread, warm and cheesy and so so good! 

Jump to:

• Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
• How to make honey garlic chicken
• Substitutions
• Equipment
• How to reheat and store
• Honey Garlic Chicken Bites - FAQ
• Related
• What to serve with honey garlic chicken
• Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe - Easy, Sticky and Juicy 
• Food safety

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

• Chicken thighs
• Cornstarch
• Pinch of salt and black pepper
• Avocado oil
• Honey
• Garlic
• Red pepper flakes or red chili pepper flakes
• Butter
• Lime
• Soy sauce
• Cilantro 

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make honey garlic chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces of chicken.
• In a small bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  

2. Sear the Chicken:

• Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the juicy pieces of chicken and cook until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
  

3. Create the Glaze:

• In the same skillet, add honey, sliced minced garlic, and red chili pepper flakes.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly caramelized, in a couple of minutes.
• Add lime zest, lime juice, and soy sauce. Stir until the sticky sauce thickens slightly.
• Add the cold butter at the end to make the sauce glossy and delicious.
  

4. Serve and Garnish:

• Serve your Honey Garlic Chicken Bites with a bowl of rice and your favorite veggies.
• Garnish with finely chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Substitutions

• Chicken Thighs:
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken breasts, chicken wings, juicy chicken pieces, chicken tenders, or any other preferred chicken cut.
    
• Cornstarch:
  • Substitute all-purpose flour or potato starch in equal amounts for thickening purposes.
    
• Salt and Pepper:
  • Any preferred seasoning blend or spices that you like, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a premade seasoning mix will work.
    
• Avocado Oil:
  • Other cooking oils like vegetable oil, olive oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil, sesame oil, depending on your preference and availability. Any neutral oil is great.
    
• Honey:
  • Maple syrup, agave nectar, brown sugar, or a sugar syrup of your choice for sweetness.
    
• Garlic:
  • Garlic powder or garlic paste if fresh garlic is not available. Adjust the quantity based on your taste. However, fresh is best!
    
• Red Chili Pepper Flakes:
  • Cayenne pepper, paprika, hot sauce, or any preferred chili powder for heat and flavor.
    
• Butter:
  • Margarine, ghee, or a plant-based butter substitute if you prefer a non-dairy option.
    
• Lime:
  • You can use lemon juice or vinegar (such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar) for acidity and tanginess. You need acid to balance everything out.
    
• Low-sodium Soy Sauce:
  • You can use tamari or coconut aminos.
    
    
• Cilantro:
  • You can use fresh parsley, basil, or any other fresh herb you enjoy for a different flavor profile.

Equipment

• Non-stick skillet or a wok
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Plate or bowl

How to reheat and store

Storing:

• Allow to Cool: Let the honey garlic chicken bites cool down to room temperature.
• Refrigeration: Place the store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Label and Date: If you have a label, write down the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of freshness.
• Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:

• Stovetop Method:
  • For a crispier texture, reheat on the stovetop.
  • Warm a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil or melt butter.
  • Cook the chicken bites for a few minutes on each side until heated through.
• Microwave Method (for smaller portions):
  • Place the orange chicken bites on a microwave-safe plate.
  • Use the microwave at 50% power to avoid overcooking or drying out.
  • Low Heat in 30-second increments, checking for doneness after each interval.

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites - FAQ

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

What to serve with honey garlic chicken

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this delicious easy chicken recipe:

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.