Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add an extra layer of flavor and color, garnish the finished dish with thinly sliced green onions along with the sesame seeds. The fresh, mild onion flavor provides a nice contrast to the richness of the honey. You can also serve these chicken bites over a bed of steamed white rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables to round out the meal and soak up any remaining glaze.

If you find the sauce is becoming too thick before the chicken is fully coated, add a small splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out slightly.

Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, continue to simmer it for an additional minute or two until it reaches the desired consistency. The key is to keep the heat moderate to ensure the honey caramelizes without reaching the smoke point.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic: Add one tablespoon of chili garlic sauce to the glaze mixture for a pleasant kick that balances the sweetness of the honey.
• Ginger Infused: Stir in one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger along with the garlic to introduce a warm, zesty aromatic note to the glaze.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through or in the oven at 350°F until hot.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep in mind that the texture will soften over time due to the moisture in the sauce.

For the best experience, consume the chicken bites soon after cooking. If you need to store them, keep the chicken and any extra sauce separate if possible, though this is usually not feasible once the chicken is glazed.

You can cut the chicken and prepare the sauce ingredients in advance, storing them in separate containers in the refrigerator. However, for the best results, sear the chicken just before you intend to serve.

Preparing the chicken too far in advance can lead to a loss of texture. Always cook fresh for the best quality and to ensure the glaze remains perfectly sticky and glossy.

Serving ideas

These chicken bites are best served immediately while the glaze is warm. They work exceptionally well as a main course when served over jasmine rice or quinoa, which helps balance the sweet and savory flavors. You can also serve them as a party appetizer with toothpicks, making them a convenient finger food for guests to enjoy at their leisure.

Pair this dish with a side of steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy to add freshness and texture to your plate. The vibrant colors of the vegetables will contrast beautifully with the golden-brown chicken.

Ensure that the chicken is served hot and that any extra glaze from the pan is drizzled over the top just before bringing it to the table to maintain that glossy, appetizing appearance.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

Prep 10 minCook 15 minTotal 25 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• sesame seeds, for serving

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken thighs into uniform bite-sized pieces. Ensure the meat is clean and ready for the pan. Keep the chicken refrigerated until you are ready to cook to maintain food safety standards.
2. Place the chicken pieces in a hot skillet. Cook the chicken, turning occasionally with tongs, until the exterior is golden brown and the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Add the honey and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Toss the pieces continuously until the sauce reduces into a thick, glossy, and sticky coating. Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Contains: sesame

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

26 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

11 g

Fiber

0.2 g

Sugar

25 g

Sodium

120 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.