Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken Bites

$- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 tablespoons water - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds - 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste - Oil for frying To make Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken Bites, you need fresh, quality ingredients. The chicken breast is the star here. It should be cut into small pieces for even cooking. Honey adds a sweet touch that balances the savory soy sauce. Garlic and ginger bring depth and warmth to this dish. I like to use fresh garlic, as it has a strong flavor. The sesame oil gives a nutty taste that is key to the recipe. Cornstarch is used to create a thick sauce. It helps the sauce cling to the chicken. I also recommend using sesame seeds for crunch and a nice look. Green onions are perfect for garnish. They add color and a fresh bite. You can adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Don’t forget the oil for frying; it helps cook the chicken to a golden brown. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, start by mixing honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, fresh ginger, and sesame oil in a medium bowl. Whisk these together until they blend well. This mix gives the chicken its sweet and savory flavor. Marinating is key to great taste. Let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to seep deep into the chicken. You can even marinate it overnight for a richer taste. Next, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in batches. Avoid crowding the pan, as this can steam the chicken instead of frying it. Cook the pieces for about 5 to 6 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Use a meat thermometer if you want to be precise; the chicken should reach 165°F. After cooking, place the chicken on a plate lined with paper towels. This helps drain excess oil and keeps them crispy. Now, let’s thicken the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and pour the leftover marinade into the same skillet. Mix in the cornstarch slurry and stir constantly. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickening nicely. Once thickened, return the chicken bites to the skillet. Toss them in the sauce to coat fully. This adds a nice glaze to each piece. Cook for another minute to let the flavors meld. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish and add chopped green onions for garnish. This adds a nice crunch and color to your meal. To boost flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also mix in chopped bell peppers or snap peas for a crunchy twist. If you want a different taste, try maple syrup or agave syrup instead of honey. These sweeteners will give you a unique flavor. You can also swap soy sauce for tamari for a gluten-free option. When frying the chicken, ensure the oil is hot enough. This helps keep the chicken crispy. Avoid adding too many pieces to the pan at once. This can lower the oil temperature. Cook in batches if needed. To prevent overcooking, check the chicken's color. It should be golden brown and cooked through in about 5-6 minutes. Use a meat thermometer if you have one; it should read 165°F (75°C). Serve your chicken bites on a wooden board or a fun platter. Use small skewers for easy eating and a nice look. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions for color. Pair these bites with steamed rice or a light salad for a complete meal. This makes your dish not just tasty but also beautiful! Pro Tips Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Use High Heat: Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a crispy texture. Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch mixed with water until you reach your desired consistency. Garnish Creatively: Elevate presentation by garnishing with sliced chili peppers or crunchy fried garlic for added flavor and visual appeal. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken with other proteins. Try shrimp or tofu for a tasty twist. Both options cook quickly and soak up flavors well. If you want a vegetarian or vegan dish, use tempeh or seitan. These proteins will give you a satisfying bite. To make it spicy, add red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also use Sriracha for more heat. For unique twists, try different sauces. Teriyaki or sweet chili sauce can add new flavors. Each sauce gives the chicken a different vibe. Serve these bites with rice or a fresh salad. They pair well with steamed veggies too. For a fun meal, create a Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken wrap. Use a tortilla and add crunchy veggies. This makes a great lunch or dinner option! You can store leftover chicken bites in the fridge for up to three days. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. When you're ready to eat, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. This method warms the chicken and keeps it crispy, which is key for a great taste. If you want to freeze the chicken bites, let them cool first. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, take them out and thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This way, they will warm through and regain some crispiness. Get creative with leftover chicken bites! You can chop them up and add them to salads for extra flavor. They also work great in wraps or tacos. Simply mix with fresh veggies and your favorite sauce. You could even toss them into fried rice for a quick meal. These ideas keep the dish exciting while using up your leftovers. You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This time helps the chicken absorb the flavors. For a richer taste, you can marinate for up to 2 hours. Just keep it in the fridge while it marinates. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store it in the fridge. Reheat it when you're ready to serve. This saves time on busy days. Some great sides include: - Steamed rice - Light salad - Roasted vegetables - Noodles These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors. Yes, you can easily make it gluten-free. Just swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free soy sauce. Be sure to check all labels on your ingredients. Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They stay juicy and tender when cooked. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces like the breasts. In this blog post, we explored making delicious Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken Bites. We covered key ingredients, from chicken and honey to garlic and soy sauce. You now know how to prepare the marinade, fry the chicken, and present it nicely. Remember, variations let you swap proteins and experiment with flavors. Use leftovers in new dishes to reduce waste. Enjoy your cooking journey and share your tasty creations!$

Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken Bites

Delicious bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
0.25 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
3 pieces green onions, chopped (for garnish)
to taste salt and pepper
as needed oil for frying

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil until well combined.
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they are thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Set aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in batches (avoid overcrowding) and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and place on a plate lined with paper towels.
Reduce the heat to medium, and in the same skillet, pour in the remaining marinade. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
Return the chicken bites to the skillet, tossing them in the thickened sauce to ensure they are well coated. Cook for an additional minute.
Remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken bites and garnish with chopped green onions.

Notes

Serve on a wooden board or stylish platter. Use small skewers for easy eating and garnish with additional sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Pair with steamed rice or a light salad.

Keyword appetizer, chicken, honey garlic, sesame