Description
These Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser – golden-brown nuggets with an irresistible crunchy exterior and juicy interior, all coated in a sweet, sticky honey garlic glaze. Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or even tucked into wraps for lunch, these addictive bites deliver restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients. The contrast of textures and perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Honey-Garlic Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow dishes: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for panko breadcrumbs.
- Working in batches, dredge seasoned chicken pieces in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, then press firmly into panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Place breaded chicken on a sheet pan.
- Heat about 1½ inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (or until a breadcrumb sizzles and floats when added).
- Fry chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd) for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon.
- For the sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Place fried chicken bites in a large bowl, pour the warm sauce over top, and gently toss until every piece is coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: You can prep and bread the chicken up to 4 hours ahead; keep chilled on a baking sheet until ready to fry.
- For extra crispy results that stay crispy even with sauce, double-dredge the chicken (flour-egg-panko-egg-panko).
- If cooking in batches, keep early batches warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- For a healthier version, these can be baked at 425°F for 15-20 minutes or air-fried at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.
- Sauce variations: Try maple syrup instead of honey or add sriracha for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: crispy chicken bites, honey garlic chicken, fried chicken nuggets, panko chicken, sweet and savory chicken, Asian-inspired chicken, appetizer chicken, party food, kid-friendly chicken recipe