Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Honey Chicken Bites are the perfect combination of crunchy, tender chicken and a luscious sweet-and-sticky honey glaze. These bite-sized delights are ideal as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish with rice. The contrast between the crispy coating and the glossy, flavorful sauce makes every bite irresistible.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces)cornstarchall-purpose floursaltpeppergarlic powdereggsvegetable oil (for frying)honeysoy saucesriracha (optional, for heat)rice vinegarbrown sugarwatercornstarch (for slurry)
directions
In a large bowl, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs. In another bowl, combine flour and cornstarch.
Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing to coat well.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sriracha (if using). Bring to a simmer.
In a small bowl, mix a bit of cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add to the sauce and stir until thickened.
Toss fried chicken bites in the warm honey sauce until evenly coated.
Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes
Variations
Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
Stir in a bit of grated ginger for a spicier kick.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a full meal.
Add chopped bell peppers or broccoli for a stir-fry twist.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through.For best results, reheat without sauce and toss freshly before serving.
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be as crispy but still tasty.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Is the sriracha necessary?
No, it’s optional and only adds heat. Omit for a milder flavor.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
You can, but freshly battered and fried chicken works best for texture.
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Toss with sauce just before serving and avoid covering the dish to prevent steaming.
What oil is best for frying?
Use neutral oils with high smoke points like canola or vegetable oil.
Can I air-fry the chicken?
Yes, air-fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Conclusion
Crispy Honey Chicken Bites are a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing dish that balances crunch with sweetness in every bite. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, these bites are sure to become a go-to favorite for parties, weeknight dinners, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and savory.
PrintCrispy Honey Chicken Bites (Sweet & Sticky)
Crispy Honey Chicken Bites are tender chunks of chicken coated in a crunchy batter and tossed in a sweet and sticky honey sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these bites are packed with flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add egg and water gradually to create a thick batter.
- Dip chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring they are well coated.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Toss the fried chicken bites in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double fry the chicken.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier bites.
- Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg