Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work very well in this recipe and stay especially juicy. You can use all thighs or a mix of thighs and breasts without changing the cooking method. Just make sure the pieces are cut evenly so they cook at the same rate.

Why isn’t my sauce thickening?

The sauce thickens as it simmers and reduces, so it may just need another minute or two over medium heat. Make sure the pan isn’t overcrowded and that the sauce is gently bubbling. If needed, you can let it cook slightly longer until it turns glossy and coats the chicken.

Is it normal for the chicken to finish cooking in the sauce?

Yes, that’s exactly how this recipe is designed. The chicken is browned first for flavor, then finishes cooking once it’s returned to the pan with the sauce. This helps keep the chicken tender while letting it absorb the honey garlic flavor.

Can I make honey garlic chicken bites ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and cut the chicken a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated separately. For best texture, cook the chicken fresh just before serving. Leftovers reheat well, but freshly cooked bites will always be the juiciest.

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites a Flavorful Easy Skillet Dinner

Description

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are a comforting, skillet-cooked dinner made with tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. This easy recipe comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

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
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)

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Instructions

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt and black pepper.
Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then add half of the chicken in a single layer.
Cook the chicken until golden brown on the bottom and easily releases from the pan, then flip and cook the second side briefly before transferring to a plate.
Repeat the browning process with the remaining chicken and olive oil.
Reduce the heat slightly, add the minced garlic to the skillet, and cook until fragrant.
Return all the chicken and any juices to the skillet, pour in the sauce, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
Garnish with sliced scallions if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Cut the chicken into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning.
If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a small splash of water to loosen it.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 145 mg