Honey Garlic Chicken Bites – Crispy and Spicy
Hey there, foodie! Ready for a mouthwatering treat that’ll leave you craving more? Spicy Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites. Get ready to experience a tantalizing blend of flavors that I’m sure will make you hooked!
These bite-sized pieces of heaven start with tender chicken, seasoned to perfection. We’ll give them a crispy coating that’ll make you go “wow” with every bite. The sauce is a perfect balance between heat and sweetness. It’s a taste explosion you won’t want to miss
Whether you’re planning a gathering with friends or simply treating yourself to a satisfying snack, these chicken bites are the answer. They’re addictive, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to make you the star of any food-loving crowd.
So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! This recipe is straightforward, yet it delivers big on taste. Get ready to savor the crispy exterior, the spicy kick, and the sticky honey garlic goodness.
Honey Chicken Bites Recipe
-1 lb. boneless and skinless chicken breasts/thighs pat dry and cut into cubes
-salt
-ground black pepper
-2 large eggs beaten
-1 cup panko breadcrumbs
-1 cup cornstarch powder
-white sesame seeds for garnishing
-chopped scallions or chives for garnishing
Honey Garlic Sauce
-2 tsp finely minced garlic
-4 tablespoons honey
-2 tablespoons soy sauce
-Thai red chili (optional)
-1/4 cup water
-1/2 tbsp of cornstarch
– 2 tbsp gochujang powder
How to make the best crispy honey garlic chicken bites
- Season the chicken cubes with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Prepare the batter with beaten eggs, panko breadcrumbs, and cornstarch powder in separate bowls. Also, heat up the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer while you’re preparing the batter.
- Dip each chicken cube into cornstarch, beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then coat it with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying. Carefully add the coated chicken cubes to the hot oil, working in batches if needed. Fry them on high heat until golden brown and crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes per batch. Once cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a small saucepan, saute the minced garlic, and add honey, soy sauce, Thai red chili (adjust the amount according to your spice preference), water, gochujang and cornstarch. Stir well to combine.
- Cook the mixture until it thickens, stirring constantly. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the fried chicken cubes with the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve the crispy spicy honey garlic chicken on a platter. Garnish with white sesame seeds and chopped scallions or chives.
Why substitute flour with cornstarch when frying chicken?
Cornstarch is commonly used as a coating or thickening agent in Asian cooking.
- Cornstarch produces a lighter and crispier coating compared to flour. Flour tends to create a thicker and denser crust, while cornstarch creates a delicate and airy texture.
- Cornstarch is gluten-free, which makes it suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Cornstarch has a lower cooking temperature compared to flour. It reaches its thickening and crisping point faster, which means the chicken will cook more quickly. This can be beneficial if you want to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the cooking time relatively short.
Using cornstarch as a substitute for flour will result in a different flavor and texture profile. Flour provides a slightly nutty and more substantial coating, while cornstarch offers a lighter and delicate crispness. The choice between flour and cornstarch ultimately depends on your preference and dietary needs.
What goes best with your honey garlic chicken?
Honey garlic chicken pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some options that complement the flavors of honey garlic chicken:
- Rice: Serve your honey garlic chicken with steamed rice or fried rice. The mild, fluffy rice helps balance the sweetness of the honey and the savory garlic flavors.
- Vegetables: Stir-fried or roasted vegetables make a nutritious and delicious side dish. Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, and bok choy are some vegetables that work well with honey garlic chicken.
- Noodles: Egg noodles or rice noodles tossed with some sautéed vegetables make a great side dish. The noodles absorb the flavors of the honey garlic sauce and add a satisfying texture.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw, made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing, can provide a cool and crunchy element to balance the savory of the chicken.
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless and skinless chicken breasts/thighs pat dry and cut into cubes
- 1/2 tsp pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup cornstarch powder
- white sesame for garnishing
- chopped scallions for garnishing
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 2 tsp finely minced garlic
- 4 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Thai red chili (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp gochujang powder
Instructions
- Season the chicken cubes with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Prepare the batter with beaten eggs, panko breadcrumbs, and cornstarch powder in separate bowls. Also, heat up the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer while you’re preparing the batter.
- Dip each chicken cube into cornstarch, beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then coat it with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying. Carefully add the coated chicken cubes to the hot oil, working in batches if needed. Fry them on high heat until golden brown and crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes per batch. Once cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a small saucepan, saute the minced garlic, and add honey, soy sauce, Thai red chili (adjust the amount according to your spice preference), water, gochujang and cornstarch. Stir well to combine.
- Cook the mixture until it thickens, stirring constantly. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the fried chicken cubes with the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve the crispy spicy honey garlic chicken on a platter. Garnish with white sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
