1. Prepare the Chicken Bites

Start by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform pieces so that they cook evenly. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which will help them crisp up when cooked.

Season the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you want extra crispiness, you can also toss the chicken in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch before cooking. This step helps create a light, crispy crust on the chicken as it fries.

2. Cook the Chicken Bites

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pan. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. You want the chicken to become golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through on the inside. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. You can place the chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, it’s time to prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, grated ginger (if using), sesame oil, water, and cornstarch (if using). The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce, making it stick to the chicken and creating a glossy finish.

If you like a bit of heat, you can also add red pepper flakes to the sauce at this stage. This will give the dish a mild kick, balancing out the sweetness of the honey.

4. Simmer the Sauce

Once the ingredients are combined, pour the sauce mixture into the skillet that you used to cook the chicken. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning and to ensure the sauce thickens evenly.

As the sauce simmers, it will begin to reduce and thicken, becoming glossy and sticky. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add a little more honey for sweetness, more soy sauce for saltiness, or more vinegar for tang.

5. Toss the Chicken in the Honey Garlic Sauce

Once the sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the sauce, making sure each piece is evenly coated. The sauce should coat the chicken in a sticky, flavorful glaze. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

If you want the sauce to thicken further, you can let it simmer for an additional minute or two. Once the chicken is well-coated and the sauce has reached the desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat.

6. Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

Transfer the honey garlic chicken bites to a serving plate. If you like, you can garnish the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, green onions, or chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.

These chicken bites are best served immediately while the sauce is still sticky and hot. Enjoy them on their own, or serve them with your favorite side dishes.