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Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites with Easy Garlic Butter Rice

crispy honey garlic chicken bites - featured image
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Golden, ultra-crunchy chicken bites coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze, served over fluffy garlic butter rice. This comforting, crowd-pleasing meal is quick, easy, and delivers restaurant-style flavor at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • About 2 cups vegetable or canola oil for frying
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium is fine)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for slurry)
  • 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for rice), divided
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced (for rice)
  • Salt to taste (for rice)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, and remaining salt and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs.
  3. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then dip in the beaten eggs, and then back into the flour mixture, pressing gently to coat well.
  4. Pour about 2 inches of oil into a large skillet or Dutch oven. Heat to 350°F. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 4-5 minutes per batch, turning halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
  5. While chicken fries, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Stir in rice and cook for another minute. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and stir in remaining tablespoon of butter and parsley.
  6. For the sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 minutes. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then whisk into the sauce. Cook, stirring, until thickened (about 1 minute).
  7. Place crispy chicken bites in a large bowl. Pour over the hot honey garlic sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  8. Spoon garlic butter rice onto plates. Top with honey garlic chicken bites and drizzle with extra sauce if desired. Garnish with parsley or sesame seeds.

Notes

Double-dip the chicken for extra crunch. Keep oil at 350°F for best results. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and tamari. To reheat, use the oven or air fryer for crispiness. Sauce can be made ahead and used for stir-fries or veggies. For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes or sriracha.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, crispy chicken bites, garlic butter rice, comfort food, easy dinner, Asian chicken, family meal, weeknight dinner, fried chicken, sticky chicken

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/crispy-honey-garlic-chicken-bites-recipe-with-easy-garlic-butter-rice/