Chicken Bites in Sweet Garlic Sauce
30 min
|
easy
|
high-protein,
Mediterranean diet
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 15 min | 30 min |
Introduction
These chicken bites in sweet garlic sauce are tender, juicy, and coated in the most irresistible sticky glaze.
The buttery honey, soy sauce, and garlic combo gives you that takeout-style flavor with simple pantry ingredients.
They are perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or as a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
Ingredients (4 servings)
Ingredients for the Chicken
Ingredients for the Sweet Garlic Sauce
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How to Make Chicken Bites in Sweet Garlic Sauce
-
Prep the chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels so the seasoning and cornstarch stick well.
Place the chicken in a large bowl for easy tossing.
-
Season and coat
Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and paprika evenly over the chicken.
Add the cornstarch and toss until every piece looks lightly coated and no dry pockets remain.
-
Brown the chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if needed so the pieces do not steam.
Cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and keep it warm while you make the sauce.
-
Start the sweet garlic sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet.
Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, stirring often.
-
Finish the sauce and coat the chicken
Whisk in the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
In a small bowl, stir the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water until smooth, then pour it into the skillet.
Simmer, stirring, until the sauce looks glossy and thick enough to coat a spoon, 1 to 2 minutes.
Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet and toss until every piece is coated in sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or more honey, if you like.
-
Serve
Serve the chicken bites hot over rice, noodles, or a salad, spooning extra sauce over the top.
Garnish with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds, if you want a little crunch and color.
Substitutions
- Chicken breasts -> boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Thigh meat stays juicier and more forgiving, giving you extra tender bites with richer flavor and slightly more fat.
- Honey -> maple syrup
- Maple syrup adds a deeper caramel note and keeps the sauce glossy, with a slightly less sticky finish.
- Soy sauce -> tamari or coconut aminos
- Tamari keeps the salty, savory punch with less or no gluten, while coconut aminos give sweetness and a gentler flavor.
Tips
- Dry the chicken well
- Excess surface moisture keeps the chicken from browning, so blot it with paper towels before seasoning and coating.
- Use medium-high heat
- Medium-high heat gives you caramelized edges without drying the chicken, so avoid dropping the heat unless the pan smokes.
- Prep the sauce ingredients first
- Garlic and butter cook quickly, so have the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar measured and ready beside the stove.
- Scale the heat level
- For spicy bites, add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce while it simmers.
- Choose the right pan
- A nonstick or well seasoned skillet helps prevent sticking once the honey hits the pan and starts to caramelize.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 451 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 47 | g |
| Total Fat | 20 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- How do I keep the chicken from turning tough or dry?
- Do not overcook the pieces; pull them off the heat as soon as the centers turn opaque and firm. Smaller pieces cook faster, so keep them similar in size and avoid leaving them in a hot pan unattended.
- Why is my chicken not browning nicely?
- If the pan is overcrowded, the chicken steams instead of browning, so cook in two batches if needed. Make sure the oil is hot and the chicken is dry before it goes into the skillet.
- What if my sauce turns too thick or sticky?
- If the sauce thickens too much, whisk in a tablespoon of water at a time until it loosens. Warm it gently over low heat while stirring, so the honey does not scorch on the bottom.
- Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
- Yes, cook the chicken and sauce, cool them, then store together in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water until the sauce loosens and the chicken warms through.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet garlic chicken bites bring that sticky, saucy restaurant feel straight to your own kitchen.
Try serving them with steamed rice and roasted broccoli, or tuck them into lettuce cups for a lighter, crunchy twist.
For a fun party platter, sprinkle with chopped peanuts and serve with cucumber slices for a fresh contrast.
More pairings:
Reviews
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Esther: Tried it with rice and broccoli as you suggested and it was soooo good! ❤️
: Happy it hit the spot, Esther! Rice and broccoli are such a great pairing with that sweet garlic sauce. 😊
Made this recipe? How did it go?
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