Name: Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; ¼ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred); 3 tbsp honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp ginger, grated; 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tsp sriracha or chili flakes (optional, for heat); 2 tbsp cornstarch (for coating the chicken); 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying); 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish); 2 green onions, finely sliced (for garnish)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze. Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Bites are a delicious, easy-to-make dish that perfectly balances sweetness from honey and the salty depth of soy sauce. This versatile recipe works as an appetizer, a quick snack, or even a main course when paired with rice or noodles. The glaze is rich, glossy, and full of umami, while the chicken remains tender and flavorful. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting a gathering, these chicken bites will steal the show. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible dish.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
¼ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
3 tbsp honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp ginger, grated
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp sriracha or chili flakes (optional, for heat)
2 tbsp cornstarch (for coating the chicken)
2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 green onions, finely sliced (for garnish)

Preparation

Step 1:
In a bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch. Ensure that each piece is evenly coated. This will give the chicken a nice crispy exterior when fried and will help the glaze adhere better later on.

Step 2:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken pieces for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your pan.

Step 3:
While the chicken is frying, prepare the honey soy glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha (if using). Adjust the taste by adding more honey for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness.

Step 4:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and drain any excess oil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then pour the honey soy glaze into the same skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken and become sticky.

Step 5:
Return the chicken bites to the skillet, tossing them in the glaze until they’re evenly coated and glossy. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for another 2 minutes, ensuring it’s fully absorbed into the chicken.

Variation:

You can switch up this recipe by trying different proteins or adding vegetables. Swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian version. You could also stir-fry vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli with the chicken to make it a more complete meal. For added crunch, top the chicken with roasted peanuts or cashews before serving.

COOKING Note:

Make sure to control the heat while cooking the glaze. If the heat is too high, the honey may burn and give a bitter taste to the sauce. Keep it at medium-low and stir frequently to ensure the sauce thickens properly without caramelizing too quickly.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Bites with steamed jasmine rice, rice noodles, or a simple vegetable stir-fry. For a lighter option, these chicken bites can also be paired with a fresh Asian-style salad, featuring shredded carrots, cucumbers, and a sesame dressing. Sprinkle the chicken with sesame seeds and green onions for an extra pop of flavor and texture.

Tips:

For an extra crispy texture, try air-frying the chicken bites instead of pan-frying them.
Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes in the soy sauce mixture before cooking for an even deeper flavor.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce as it cooks. This will help the glaze thicken faster.
Adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha or chili flakes if you want a bit more heat.
For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

15 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 350
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 780mg

FAQs:

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken will take longer to cook than boneless pieces. Make sure to check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Q: How can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the chicken and glaze separately ahead of time. Fry the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken in a pan and toss it with the glaze.

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
A: Absolutely! To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then toss the baked chicken in the honey soy glaze.

Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Yes, it’s great for kids, especially if you skip the spicy elements like sriracha or chili flakes. The sweetness from the honey makes this dish a favorite among children.

Q: What can I substitute for soy sauce?
A: If you need a soy-free alternative, you can use coconut aminos or tamari. Both will give a similar salty flavor without the soy.

Conclusion:

Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Bites are an effortless yet impressive dish that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings. With minimal ingredients and preparation, this recipe can be whipped up in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The rich, sticky glaze clings to the tender chicken, offering bursts of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making these bites as an appetizer, serving them over rice for a hearty meal, or enjoying them as a snack, they’re sure to become a household favorite. Feel free to experiment with variations, and don’t forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds and green onions on top for that perfect finish!