Honey Fried Chicken Bites

These honey fried chicken bites are crispy, golden, and coated in a sticky-sweet honey glaze that makes them completely irresistible. I love making them when I want a fun, shareable meal or snack that delivers bold flavor and crunch in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these chicken bites come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The honey glaze adds a glossy, sweet finish with just the right amount of richness. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or even weeknight dinners with a side of rice, salad, or veggies.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken bites:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• All-purpose flour

• Cornstarch

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Garlic powder

• Paprika

• Eggs (beaten)

• Oil for frying

For the honey glaze:

• Honey

• Soy sauce

• Garlic (minced)

• Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

• Cornstarch + water (to thicken, optional)

Directions

1. I season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

2. I prepare two bowls: one with beaten eggs and one with a mix of flour and cornstarch.

3. I dip each chicken piece into the egg, then coat with the flour mixture.

4. I heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C) and fry the chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per batch.

5. I transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

6. In a saucepan, I mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar, bringing it to a simmer.

7. If I want a thicker glaze, I stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook until slightly thickened.

8. I toss the fried chicken bites in the warm glaze until evenly coated and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
It takes 20 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook—ready in 40 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I add chili flakes or hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy-sweet kick. I also like garnishing with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for extra flavor and texture. For a lighter version, I air-fry or bake the chicken instead of deep frying.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) to keep them crispy. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the coating will be softer.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, I bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy but still delicious.

Can I make them ahead?

I prep and fry the chicken in advance, then reheat and glaze just before serving.

What oil is best for frying?

I usually use vegetable oil or canola oil because they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, they stay juicy and flavorful—sometimes I even prefer them over chicken breast.

Is the glaze too sweet?

The honey is balanced by the soy sauce and vinegar, but I adjust the sweetness to taste by adding more acid or a splash of water.

Conclusion

These honey fried chicken bites are my go-to when I want something crispy, sticky, and totally satisfying. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for dinner, game night, or any time I’m craving a sweet-savory bite.

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