There’s something magical about a dish that comes together in less time than it takes to binge-watch a single episode of your favorite series. Imagine the sizzle of chicken bites in a pan—paired with the sweet, sticky allure of honey and garlic—filling the kitchen with warmth and comfort. Perfect for those nights when you crave something homemade yet uncomplicated, this dish feels like a culinary hug, making dinner feel both effortless and special.
Steps
- Coat the chicken cubes in cornstarch thoroughly, ensuring each piece is well-covered.
- Heat olive oil and melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are browned and cooked through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, red pepper flakes, honey, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to make the sauce.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken in the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and toss everything together. Let it cook for a few more minutes to blend the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, either over rice or alongside steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley for garnish
Nutritional Values
Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 483mg | Potassium: 468mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 369IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
- Absolutely, chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts in this recipe. They will work just as well and might even add a richer flavor due to their slightly higher fat content.
- What can I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Bites?
- These chicken bites are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. Popular choices include serving them over rice, noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables. You can also try serving them with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or in tacos.
- How do I store leftovers and how long will they last?
- Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the honey garlic sauce?
- Yes, the spiciness can be adjusted to your preference. You can add more or less red pepper flakes, or substitute them with sriracha or your preferred hot sauce to control the heat level.
- What is the purpose of using both butter and olive oil in this recipe?
- Butter is used for its rich flavor and to give the chicken a golden brown color, while olive oil helps to prevent the butter from burning too quickly during cooking.
Tips
- Ensure that the chicken pieces are uniformly cut to about 1-inch in size. This helps them cook evenly and within the allotted 7 minutes.
- Avoid overcrowding the chicken in the pan to maintain crispiness. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure each piece has enough space.
- For storage, keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer preservation, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Customize the heat level to your preference by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes or substituting with your favorite hot sauce.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – A high-quality large skillet is essential for cooking the chicken pieces and tossing them with the sauce.
- Airtight Containers – Useful for storing any leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Garlic Press – If you don’t already have one, a garlic press can make mincing garlic easier and quicker.
- Whisk – A whisk is helpful for combining the sauce ingredients smoothly.