Description
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken cooked to golden perfection and coated in a glossy, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce. This quick and easy skillet recipe makes a delightful main dish that's perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
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 & Cooking
- 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
- Thinly sliced scallions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the 1 1/2 pounds of cut chicken pieces dry using paper towels. Season all sides evenly with 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari, and 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar until well combined to create a balanced sweet and tangy sauce.
- Cook first half of chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron or stainless steel skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add half of the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook undisturbed until the bottom is golden brown and the chicken releases easily from the pan, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook for about 2 more minutes until the second side is golden brown. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate; some pieces might still be undercooked.
- Cook second half of chicken: Add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil to the skillet. Repeat the browning process with the remaining chicken pieces, cooking until golden on both sides. Transfer these to the plate with the first batch.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return all chicken pieces and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Add the 4 minced garlic cloves and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Increase heat to medium-high.
- Simmer with sauce: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Cook while spooning sauce over the chicken, allowing it to thicken and reduce by about half, becoming glossy and coating the chicken nicely. This should take 3 to 4 minutes. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through before serving.
- Garnish and serve: If desired, sprinkle thinly sliced scallions on top for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color. Serve hot as a delicious main dish.
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Chicken cuts: Using a mixture of breasts and thighs adds a balance of lean and juicy textures.
- Soy sauce substitute: Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative for soy sauce.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while cooking.
- To keep chicken moist, avoid overcrowding the pan when browning; cook in batches as recommended.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
