Honey Garlic Sticky Chicken Bites

Honey garlic sticky chicken bites became one of my favorite quick dinner solutions after a long, chaotic day when I had very little left in my fridge but a pack of chicken and a few pantry staples. I remember tossing everything into a pan with hope and hunger – and what came out was absolute magic. It hit that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and sticky that makes every bite irresistible.

Because honey garlic sticky chicken bites cook quickly and pack such bold flavor, I now make them when I want something crowd-pleasing without spending hours in the kitchen. The glaze clings beautifully to each piece, and whether I serve them over rice or pile them up for game night, they’re always the first to disappear!

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Chicken breast – Cut into bite-sized pieces, it cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce.
• Cornstarch – Helps the chicken get crispy and golden on the outside.
• Eggs – Used to coat the chicken so the starch sticks well.
• Honey – Adds sweetness and helps create that glossy, sticky glaze.
• Garlic – Brings sharp, aromatic depth to balance the honey.
• Soy sauce – Adds saltiness and umami to the sauce.
• Rice vinegar – A splash of acidity that brightens the glaze.
• Sesame seeds – Sprinkled on top for nutty crunch and presentation.
• Fresh parsley – Adds color and freshness right before serving.
• Vegetable oil – Used for frying the chicken bites to golden perfection.
• Tools You’ll Need
• Mixing bowls – For coating the chicken and mixing the sauce separately.
• Frying pan or skillet – I use a heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even cooking and crisp results.
• Tongs – Great for flipping chicken pieces and keeping things mess-free.
• Paper towels – To drain the chicken after frying and keep it from getting soggy.
• Whisk – Helps blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Essential for balancing sweet, salty, and acidic flavors.
• Garlic press or grater – Makes prepping fresh garlic fast and easy.

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better.

Step 2:

In one bowl, I beat the eggs. In another, I add the cornstarch. Then, I dip the chicken pieces in the egg first and coat them well in cornstarch.

Step 3:

I heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, I carefully add the coated chicken in batches and fry until golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side.

Step 4:

After frying, I transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess oil.

Step 5:

While the chicken rests, I make the sticky sauce. In a small bowl, I whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and minced garlic.

Step 6:

I pour the sauce into a clean pan and let it simmer over medium heat for about 2–3 minutes, until it starts to thicken slightly.

Step 7:

Then I toss the fried chicken back into the pan, stirring to coat each piece evenly in the glossy, sticky sauce.

Step 8:

Just before serving, I sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped fresh parsley on top for a final touch.

Tips

If I want to make these a bit spicier, I’ll add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a lighter option, I sometimes bake the chicken bites at 400°F for about 20 minutes instead of frying. And if I have leftovers (rare!), they reheat beautifully in a hot skillet the next day.

Ways to Serve

I love serving these bites over steamed rice or in lettuce wraps for a fun, lighter twist. They’re also great on skewers for parties or tossed into a salad with an Asian-inspired dressing. When game day rolls around, I pile them high on a platter with toothpicks – and watch them vanish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Honey Garlic Sticky Chicken Bites?

Yes, chicken thighs work great and tend to be juicier! Just make sure they’re boneless and cut into small, even pieces.

Can I make Honey Garlic Sticky Chicken Bites ahead of time?

Yes! Fry the chicken ahead, then toss in the sauce right before serving for the best texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan to keep them crispy.

Can I air fry the chicken instead of deep frying?

Absolutely. Air fry at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter version.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these honey garlic sticky chicken bites a try! They’re packed with flavor and so simple to pull together, whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends. Let me know how they turn out for you – and feel free to share your favorite ways to serve them!

Happy Cooking!

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