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Crispy Sticky Garlic Soy Chicken Bites

Mouth-watering, crispy chicken chunks tossed in a dark, glossy, and sticky caramelized garlic soy and honey glaze. The perfect homemade alternative to takeout.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crispy Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch for coating
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil for pan-frying
Sticky Garlic Soy Glaze
  • 0.33 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 0.33 cup honey or packed brown sugar
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tsp sesame oil optional
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water for slurry

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Wok
  • Small Saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken chunks dry with paper towels. Toss with salt and pepper, then coat completely in 1/2 cup of cornstarch, shaking off the excess.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
  3. In a small saucepan, briefly sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger in a drop of oil for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the soy sauce, honey, chicken broth, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to the saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes.
  5. Whisk the cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and slowly pour it into the simmering sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze, about 1 minute.
  6. Place the crispy chicken in a large bowl, pour the hot sticky glaze over the top, and toss gently until every piece is perfectly coated. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add 1 tsp of red pepper flakes to the sauce. To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with Tamari.