Description

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites feature tender, juicy chicken pieces seared to a perfect golden brown and coated in a glossy, sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. This quick and easy stovetop recipe balances the richness of honey and soy with a hint of tangy apple cider vinegar, delivering a flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or a combination, cut into 1-inch pieces
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Sauce

1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced

Garnish

Thinly sliced scallions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a good sear. Season evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar until combined. Set aside.
Brown the First Half of Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron or stainless steel skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Arrange half of the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook without stirring until the underside is golden brown and the chicken releases easily from the pan, about 4 minutes. Flip the pieces and cook another 2 minutes until browned on the second side. Transfer browned chicken to a plate.
Brown the Remaining Chicken: Add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil to the skillet. Repeat the browning process with the rest of the chicken pieces, cooking each side as before. Transfer to the plate with the cooked chicken.
Cook Garlic and Combine Chicken: Return all the browned chicken along with any juices to the skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add and Reduce Sauce: Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the prepared honey soy sauce. Cook, stirring and spooning the sauce over the chicken pieces, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens to a slightly reduced, glossy consistency, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with thinly sliced scallions if desired. Serve immediately, enjoying the rich, sticky, and flavorful chicken bites.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before cooking is essential for achieving a golden crust.
Use a large skillet to avoid overcrowding, which helps prevent steaming instead of searing.
Adjust sweetness or saltiness by tweaking honey and soy sauce amounts to taste.
For gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or sautéed vegetables.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken, Chicken Bites, Quick Chicken Recipe, Easy Dinner, Stovetop Chicken