Description
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken cooked to golden perfection and coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. This quick and easy skillet recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a delightful appetizer, garnished with fresh scallions for a pop of color and freshness.
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 and Season Chicken: Pat 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season the chicken evenly with 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to enhance the 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. Set aside.
- Brown the First Half of Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add half of the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook without moving them until the bottom is golden brown and the chicken releases easily from the pan, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 2 minutes. Transfer browned chicken to a plate.
- B raise the Remaining Chicken: Add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil to the skillet. Brown the remaining chicken pieces using the same method. Transfer cooked chicken to the plate with the first batch.
- Cook Garlic and Combine: Return all chicken and any juices from the plate back to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Increase heat to medium-high and pour in the prepared honey garlic sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken as it cooks, allowing it to thicken and reduce by about half for 3 to 4 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and coated in a glossy, flavorful glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with thinly sliced scallions if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for better heat retention and browning.
- Adjust garlic amount to taste for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Serve with steamed rice or roasted vegetables to make a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
