Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe Quick & Delicious Dinner

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We all know the struggle: you want something delicious, satisfying, and easy to make. Enter Honey Garlic Chicken Bites! This recipe is a dietitian's dream come true – it's packed with protein from the chicken, flavored with simple, wholesome ingredients, and comes together in a flash. Plus, that sweet and savory honey garlic sauce? Irresistible.

So ditch the takeout menus and greasy spoons. Tonight, we're making restaurant-quality chicken bites that are good for you and good for your taste buds. Let's get cooking!

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner? Our Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are just what you need! These tender, juicy chicken bites are packed with flavor and come together in less than 30 minutes using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Perfect for busy nights, you can serve them over rice, pasta, or zucchini noodles. They're also great for meal prepping. Let's dive in!

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

Making these chicken bites is a breeze:

1. Prep the Chicken: Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. The cornstarch gives a nice crust that helps the sauce stick better.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. For extra flavor add a bit of butter. Sear the chicken bites on all sides until they're golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. You might need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

3. Make the Sauce: Add minced garlic, honey, lemon juice, and chicken stock to the skillet. If you like a bit of heat, throw in some hot sauce too. Stir everything together and let it simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

4. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the chicken bites with chopped fresh parsley and red chili pepper flakes. Serve them over your favorite side, like rice, and enjoy!

Ingredients You Need

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium chicken stock
• 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, we like Sriracha)
• 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, for garnish
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Add the chicken cubes and cook, turning to brown all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
3. Make the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic, honey, chicken stock, lemon juice, and hot sauce (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens and sticks to the chicken.
4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and red chili pepper flakes. Serve over rice, pasta, or zucchini noodles, and enjoy! ❤️

This dish is perfect for those nights when you want something quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!

Tips for the Chicken Bites Recipe

Here's a handy tip: cutting the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces ensures they cook quickly and evenly. In a hot skillet, these pieces will brown nicely in just 6-8 minutes. If your skillet isn't quite large enough, it's best to cook the chicken in two batches. This prevents overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than achieving that perfect golden sear we want.

Why We Love Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

Delicious and Healthy

1. Flavorful and Versatile: Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are a perfect blend of sweet and savory. The honey provides natural sweetness, while the garlic and lemon juice add depth and brightness to the dish. This balance makes it a hit for all taste buds.

2. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. With simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

3. Nutritious Ingredients: The chicken provides a lean source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. Garlic is known for its antioxidant properties, while honey offers natural energy and has antimicrobial benefits. Using olive oil and butter in moderation adds healthy fats that support heart health.

4. Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit dietary preferences or restrictions. For example, you can use gluten-free cornstarch or swap out the honey for a sugar-free alternative if needed.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites: Add extra heat by increasing the amount of hot sauce or incorporating diced jalapeños. This variation is perfect for those who love a spicy kick.

2. Citrus Honey Garlic Chicken Bites: Enhance the citrus flavor by adding a bit of orange zest along with the lemon juice. This adds a refreshing twist and extra vitamin C.

3. Vegetable-Packed Honey Garlic Chicken Bites: Include your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Simply add them to the skillet when cooking the chicken to create a one-pan meal that's rich in fiber and vitamins.

4. Asian-Inspired Honey Garlic Chicken Bites: Add a splash of soy sauce and a teaspoon of grated ginger to the sauce. Serve with steamed rice and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired twist.

5. Honey Garlic Tofu Bites: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu cubes. Follow the same steps to achieve a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish that's perfect for plant-based diets.

How to Make It

Here’s a quick recap of the steps to prepare our favorite Honey Garlic Chicken Bites:

1. Cut and Coat: Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and coat with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear: Cook the chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil and butter until browned.
3. Sauce: Add garlic, honey, lemon juice, chicken stock, and hot sauce. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and red chili pepper flakes. Serve over your preferred side.

By incorporating these variations and following the simple steps, you can enjoy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites that are not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits.

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

While serving honey garlic chicken over rice is a classic choice, don't hesitate to mix it up! These chicken bites pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try them with pasta, bulgur, couscous, zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or even a fresh salad. The versatility of this dish makes it easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

What to Do with Chicken Leftovers

Got leftovers? No problem! You can store the honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. These leftovers are great for tossing into salads or using for meal prep, giving you a delicious and convenient option for your next meal.