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Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Bowls

crispy honey garlic chicken bites - featured image

Crunchy, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying, these crispy honey garlic chicken bites bowls feature golden-fried chicken tossed in a sticky honey garlic glaze and served over fluffy rice with veggies. This easy, crowd-pleasing dinner is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend if needed)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 cup oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 cups cooked white or brown rice (or quinoa or cauliflower rice)
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli florets (or snap peas, carrots, or edamame)
  • Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cube chicken into 1-inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Set up breading station: In one shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In a second bowl, beat eggs. In a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Dredge each chicken piece in flour mixture, then dip in beaten eggs, then coat with panko. For extra crunch, double dip: after panko, dip in egg again and re-coat with panko.
  4. Pour oil into a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Heat until shimmering (350°F).
  5. Add chicken in batches; fry 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining chicken.
  6. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2-3 minutes.
  7. If desired, whisk cornstarch with cold water and stir into simmering sauce; cook 1-2 minutes until glossy and thickened.
  8. Add fried chicken bites to a large bowl. Pour honey garlic sauce over and gently toss to coat.
  9. Spoon cooked rice into bowls. Top with honey garlic chicken bites and steamed broccoli or veggies. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
  10. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.

Notes

For extra crunch, double dip the chicken in egg and panko. To make gluten-free, use gluten-free flour, panko, and tamari or coconut aminos. For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken at 425°F for 18-22 minutes, flipping once. Leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness. The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Nutrition

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