Spicy Sweet Garlic Chicken Bites

These Spicy Sweet Garlic Chicken Bites are a perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. With a golden-brown crispy exterior and a tangy, garlicky sauce, this dish is packed with delicious flavors. Quick to prepare in just 20 minutes, it makes for a fantastic weeknight meal or an appetizer that will impress your guests. Serve it over rice, or enjoy it as-is for a satisfying bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The balance of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes in these Spicy Sweet Garlic Chicken Bites is nothing short of mouthwatering. The chicken is perfectly coated in a crispy layer from the cornstarch, and when mixed with the flavorful sauce, each bite is an explosion of deliciousness. This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an easy and fast meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Whether you serve it over rice or on its own, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• ¼ cup honey

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Place the chicken in a mixing bowl, season lightly with salt and pepper, and toss the chicken in the cornstarch to coat. Set aside.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, shaking off any excess cornstarch, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.

3. Add honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens.

4. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the chicken with fresh parsley.

5. Serve immediately, over rice if desired, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add more spice: If you like your chicken extra spicy, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add chopped fresh chilies to the sauce.

• Sweet and tangy: For a tangier flavor, increase the amount of lemon juice or add a dash of vinegar to the sauce.

• Add vegetables: Toss in some sliced bell peppers, onions, or broccoli when cooking the chicken to add more texture and flavor to the dish.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave for about 1-2 minutes. You may want to drizzle a little extra honey or soy sauce over the chicken when reheating to bring back the moisture and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. They’ll have a bit more fat and flavor than chicken breasts.

2. Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can substitute the olive oil with vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. Olive oil adds a nice flavor, but any neutral oil will work.

3. Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild to moderate level of heat from the red pepper flakes. If you prefer it spicier, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or fresh chilies.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh for maximum crispiness, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

5. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Coat the chicken with cornstarch and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

6. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.

7. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.

8. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, simply use olive oil instead of butter, and omit the butter in the recipe. The dish will still turn out delicious.

9. Can I serve these chicken bites with a side dish?

Yes, these chicken bites pair perfectly with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

10. How do I store the leftovers?

Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave when ready to enjoy.

Conclusion

These Spicy Sweet Garlic Chicken Bites are the perfect combination of flavors that will leave everyone craving more. They’re quick to make, full of bold taste, and incredibly versatile—whether you serve them on their own, over rice, or with your favorite side. With the right mix of sweetness, spice, and savory goodness, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!

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