Crispy Honey Chicken Bites (Sweet & Sticky)

Crispy Honey Chicken Bites is a perfect combination of crunchy, golden-brown chicken coated in a rich, sweet, and savory honey sauce.

This dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home and is quick enough for a busy weeknight meal. The balance of crispiness and sticky honey glaze makes it a favorite for both kids and adults.

Whether you pair it with rice, noodles, or vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Honey Chicken

• Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 30 minutes
• Perfectly crispy fried chicken tossed in a flavorful honey glaze
• Tastes better than takeout using simple, fresh ingredients
• Pairs well with rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crispy Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable or canola oil for frying

For the Honey Sauce:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (to thicken the sauce)
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

How to Make Crispy Honey Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a shallow bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
• Dip each piece of chicken into the whisked eggs, then coat thoroughly in the dry mixture for a double-dredge effect, ensuring maximum crispiness.

2. Fry the Chicken:

• Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
• Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Remove from oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

3. Make the Honey Sauce:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
• Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the cornstarch slurry.
• Cook for another minute, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a glaze-like consistency.

4. Toss and Serve:

• Add the crispy fried chicken to the saucepan and toss to evenly coat with the honey glaze.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
• Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Tips for the Crispiest Chicken

• Use cornstarch and flour for an ultra-crispy coating.
• Double-dredging helps create a thick, crunchy crust.
• Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain an even fry.
• Keep chicken crispy by tossing it in the sauce right before serving.

What to Serve with Crispy Honey Chicken

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Fried rice or lo mein noodles
• Stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas
• Spring rolls or egg rolls as a side dish

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Honey Chicken: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Air Fryer Version: Cook the coated chicken in an air fryer at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and replace flour with all cornstarch.
• Baked Version: Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat in an oven at 375°F or an air fryer for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
• Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and add more flavor to the dish.

Can I make this ahead of time?

For the best texture, fry the chicken fresh and toss it in the sauce just before serving. You can make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge.

Can I bake this instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.