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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast - 1/4 cup organic honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 3 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 tablespoons vegetable or sesame oil - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - Garnishes: sesame seeds, green onions When making Honey Garlic Sticky Chicken Bites, you need simple yet flavorful ingredients. You start with 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast. This is key for juicy bites. Next, you use 1/4 cup of organic honey. Organic honey adds a rich flavor that shines through. You also want 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce. This gives your chicken the perfect umami kick without being too salty. For that extra punch, don’t skip the flavor enhancers. You need 3 cloves of garlic, minced finely. Garlic brings warmth and depth to the dish. Add in 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger. This adds a zesty note that pairs well with honey. Finally, include 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This helps thicken your sauce and makes it sticky. Now, for cooking, use 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or sesame oil. Sesame oil gives a nutty taste that elevates the dish. You also need 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. It adds a mild heat that balances the sweetness. For garnishing, grab some sesame seeds and green onions. A sprinkle of these will make your dish look appealing and fresh. These ingredients come together to create a delightful taste you’ll love. {{ingredient_image_2}} In a medium bowl, start by whisking together these ingredients: - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper Mix them well until the blend is smooth and even. This mix will be both your marinade and sauce. Now, take 1 lb of diced chicken breast. Place the chicken in a resealable bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over it, making sure every piece gets coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl. Put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating for up to 2 hours gives better flavor. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the marinated chicken pieces. Make sure to save the marinade for later. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Turn the pieces often to cook evenly. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the reserved marinade into the same skillet. Let it simmer gently. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. It should coat the chicken beautifully. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the chicken bites rest for a minute before serving. To get that perfect sticky texture, marinating is key. I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, two hours brings even better flavor. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavor it absorbs. Cooking temperature is also very important. You want to cook the chicken on medium-high heat. This helps it brown nicely and cook through without burning. A quick check with a meat thermometer ensures it reaches 165°F (75°C). If you want to switch things up, consider different sweeteners. Maple syrup or agave nectar work well instead of honey. Each adds its own twist while keeping that sweet base. For soy sauce alternatives, try tamari or coconut aminos. They give a similar taste and can fit various diets like gluten-free. Experiment with these options to find your favorite flavor. When plating, aim for a vibrant look. Serve the chicken on a nice platter or individual plates. Drizzle some extra sauce over the top for added shine. For garnish, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This not only adds color but also a fresh crunch. As for side dishes, fluffy steamed rice pairs perfectly. A crisp garden salad also complements the rich flavors of the chicken. Enjoy your meal with these simple yet effective serving tips! Pro Tips Marinating Time Matters: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for 2 hours. This helps the chicken absorb the sweet and savory notes of the marinade. Use High Heat: Cooking the chicken on medium-high heat allows for a good sear, creating a caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Just ensure to turn the chicken for even cooking. Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with a bit of water and add it to the simmering sauce. This will give you a glossy finish that clings perfectly to the chicken. Garnish for Flavor: Don't skip the garnish! A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a delightful crunch and freshness to the dish. {{image_4}} You can turn these bites into skewers for grilling fun. Start by marinating the chicken as usual. Then, thread the chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers. This helps keep them from burning. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them often for even cooking. You want them to get nice grill marks. Brush some reserved marinade on during grilling for extra flavor! If you like heat, add chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes. Mix it in with the other marinade ingredients. For a stronger kick, add a tablespoon of sriracha. Marinate the chicken as before. The heat pairs well with the sweet honey. You’ll get a perfect balance of flavors in every bite! Add colorful veggies to your chicken for a complete meal. Great choices include bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Sauté the veggies in the skillet before adding the chicken. Cook them until they are crisp-tender. Then, add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Follow the cooking steps as usual. The veggies will soak up that tasty sauce too! To store your cooked honey garlic sticky chicken bites, first let them cool. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled chicken bites in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Heat it in a skillet until warm. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. For meal prep, you can store uncooked marinated chicken. After you coat the chicken with the marinade, place it in a resealable bag. Squeeze out the air and seal it tightly. This method keeps the chicken fresh for up to two days in the fridge. You can also freeze the uncooked marinated chicken for up to three months. When you’re ready to cook, just thaw it in the fridge overnight, then cook as directed. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They have more fat, which adds flavor. Thighs stay juicy and tender. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, just like breast meat. Cook them the same way. Adjust the cooking time if needed, as thighs may take a bit longer. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days. Keep them in an airtight container. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water to keep them moist. You can also microwave them for quick heat. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. You can find it in most grocery stores. Also, check the honey to ensure it’s pure. Using cornstarch is already gluten-free, so that’s perfect. Enjoy your meal without gluten! This blog post covered all the key steps to make honey garlic chicken. You learned about ingredients, marinade preparation, cooking methods, and tips for the best flavor. Remember to marinate for the right time and cook on the correct heat. You can also try fun variations like skewers or adding veggies. Storing your chicken properly can keep it fresh for later. I hope you feel ready to make this dish and enjoy every bite!

Honey Garlic Sticky Chicken Bites

Delicious bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup honey, preferably organic for richer flavor
  • 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 2 green onions finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, cornstarch, and black pepper until you achieve a smooth, homogenous mixture.
  • Place the diced chicken pieces into a resealable plastic bag or a deep bowl. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl securely, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  • In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet, reserving the marinade for later use.
  • Allow the chicken to cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally for an even golden-brown appearance and ensuring the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for approximately 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and glistens.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the chicken bites to rest for a minute before plating.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or a garden salad for a complete meal.
Keyword appetizer, chicken, honey garlic, sticky