Gather ’round, my culinary adventurers! Today, we’re embarking on a flavor-filled journey with my Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites with Tangy Dip. These bite-sized morsels are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and irresistibly crispy – a dish that’s sure to have your taste buds singing with delight.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites with Tangy Dip
These juicy, golden-brown chicken bites are coated in a sticky-sweet honey garlic glaze that packs a delightful punch of flavor. Paired with a tangy, creamy dip, this dish is a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main that’s sure to leave your guests craving more. From the satisfying crunch to the indulgent, velvety sauce, every element of this recipe is designed to deliver a cozy, comforting, and utterly craveable dining experience.
Ingredients
To make these Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites with Tangy Dip, you’ll need a simple list of pantry-friendly ingredients, including juicy chicken, a honey-garlic glaze, and a lush, zesty dipping sauce. Let’s gather everything and get ready to create a flavor explosion in your kitchen!
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup – All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp – Salt
- 1/4 tsp – Black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Protein: Crispy tofu or tender pork bites (for a different texture and flavor profile)
- Dietary: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a wheat-free version
How to Make Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites with Tangy Dip
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for creating these irresistible Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites with Tangy Dip:
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour until they’re evenly coated.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the fried chicken bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, garlic, and a splash of water. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the honey is melted and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the crispy chicken bites to the honey garlic glaze and toss to coat evenly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For the tangy dip, simply stir together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Serve the Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites warm, with the tangy dip on the side for dipping.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Smoky or Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chipotle powder, cayenne, or your favorite hot sauce to the honey garlic glaze for a kick of heat.
- Festive Flair: Sprinkle the chicken bites with toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
- Swap the Protein: Use crispy tofu or tender pork bites instead of chicken for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the all-purpose flour to make this dish wheat-free.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: The Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with fluffy white rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken bites can be reheated in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy again.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken bites in advance by frying them and storing them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in the oven or air fryer, and toss with the warm honey garlic glaze.
Nutrition Information
Packed with lean protein, these Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites with Tangy Dip offer a balanced and wholesome meal option. The crispy, golden exterior and the creamy, zesty dip provide a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making this dish both indulgent and nourishing.
- Serving Size: 4-5 chicken bites
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbs: 16 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these chicken bites in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken bites in advance by frying them and storing them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in the oven or air fryer, and toss with the warm honey garlic glaze.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes, you can definitely experiment with different proteins for this recipe. Crispy tofu or tender pork bites would also work well, and they’d provide a different texture and flavor profile to the dish.
How long will the leftovers keep?
Any leftover Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken bites can be reheated in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy again.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the all-purpose flour in the recipe.
What should I serve these chicken bites with?
The Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with fluffy white rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Try These Next
- crispy garlic parmesan pretzel bites with zesty dip
- crispy garlic herb chicken thighs with roasted potatoes
- crispy maple bacon chicken bites with sweet heat glaze
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites with Tangy Dip
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that will impress your guests. Tender chicken bites are coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, making them irresistible. Serve with a tangy dip for an extra kick!
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Oil for frying
Instructions
1.
2. 1. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
3. 2. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then coat in flour.
4. 3. Dip chicken in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
5. 4. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
6. 5. Fry chicken pieces until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side.
7. 6. Drain on paper towels and toss in honey garlic sauce.
8. 7. Serve warm with a tangy dip.
Notes
– You can add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
– These chicken bites can be baked instead of fried for a healthier option.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, appetizers, fried chicken, honey garlic