Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Honey Chicken Bites are the perfect fusion of crunchy texture and sticky sweetness. These bite-sized pieces of chicken are lightly battered, deep-fried to golden perfection, and then coated in a luscious honey glaze. They’re ideal for weeknight dinners, game nights, or parties—guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser with their irresistible sweet and savory balance.

ingredients

Crispy Honey Chicken Bites (Sweet & Sticky)

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

boneless chicken breastscornstarchall-purpose flourbaking powdersaltpeppereggswatervegetable oil (for frying)honeysugarsoy saucesesame oilgarlic (minced)apple cider vinegarcornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water)green onions (optional, for garnish)sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

directions

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.

In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk eggs and a bit of water.

Dip chicken pieces into the dry mix, then egg wash, and back into the dry mix for an extra-crispy coating.

Heat oil in a deep pan and fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

In a separate pan, combine honey, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar. Heat until it begins to bubble.

Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Once thickened, add fried chicken and toss to coat evenly.

Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different sweetness profile.

Use chicken thighs for a juicier result.

Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a full meal.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 10 minutes to regain crispiness.Avoid microwaving to preserve the crunchy texture.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?

Yes, air-fry the coated chicken at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Is it okay to bake instead of fry?

Yes, bake at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping once for even browning.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

Arrowroot powder or potato starch are good alternatives.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Freshly cooked chicken is recommended for best texture, but you can use pre-cooked if time is short.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze the cooked chicken bites (without sauce) and reheat in an oven before tossing in freshly made sauce.

How can I make it less sweet?

Reduce the amount of honey and sugar slightly, and add a bit more vinegar for balance.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, about ½ teaspoon of garlic powder can substitute 1 clove of fresh garlic.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and reheated before tossing with the chicken.

Are sesame seeds necessary?

They’re optional but add a nice nutty flavor and a bit of crunch.

Conclusion

Crispy Honey Chicken Bites bring the perfect harmony of crispy, sticky, and sweet to your dinner table. Simple to make yet packed with flavor, they’re a surefire way to impress family and friends. Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.