Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites: Sweet, Spicy, and Unbelievably Easy for Any Weeknight!
Get ready for a flavor explosion with these incredibly delicious Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites! Perfectly tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken are quickly cooked and then coated in a glossy, irresistible sweet and spicy glaze. This dish is not just a crowd-pleaser; it’s a speedy solution for those busy weeknights when you crave something extraordinary without spending hours in the kitchen. In mere minutes, you’ll have a delightful meal that balances fiery Sriracha with golden honey, creating a taste sensation that will have everyone reaching for more.
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmonious blend of flavors. The robust heat of Sriracha meets the comforting sweetness of honey, creating a sticky, savory, and subtly spicy glaze that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience. It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a true weeknight dinner dream come true. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these disappear from the plate!
This fantastic recipe has been a favorite since its original share in 2015 by my dear friend Mary from Barefeet In The Kitchen. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its deliciousness and ease of preparation. Over the years, countless home cooks have fallen in love with these chicken bites, and it’s easy to see why – they deliver big on flavor with minimal effort.
If you have a soft spot for the classic sweet and spicy combination, these chicken bites are destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Honey and Sriracha are undoubtedly the superstars here, forming the backbone of the incredible glaze. While a few other key ingredients contribute to the overall depth of flavor, the beauty of this dish truly lies in its elegant simplicity and the impactful punch these two primary components deliver.
As the chicken pieces simmer in the luscious glaze, they transform, absorbing the vibrant flavors and developing a wonderful, sticky texture. The sauce beautifully thickens, clinging to every piece of chicken, ensuring each bite is packed with that perfect sweet-heat balance. One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. You can effortlessly adjust the spice level to your preference – dial up the Sriracha for an extra kick, or reduce it for a milder, family-friendly heat. As written, the recipe offers a delightful mild warmth, serving as an excellent starting point for customization.
Essential Ingredients for Your Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites
Before you start cooking, gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients. You’ll find the complete, printable recipe card with exact measurements at the very bottom of this post.
- Chicken – While I highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor, chicken breasts are also a great option if you prefer. Ensure they are cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Honey – The essential sweetness that balances the heat. Use good quality honey for the best flavor.
- Sriracha – The star of the spice show! This chili sauce adds its signature heat and a touch of tang.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic depth that is crucial to the sauce.
- Ginger – Freshly grated ginger adds a warm, zesty, and slightly pungent note, complementing the other flavors beautifully.
- Oil – A neutral cooking oil like olive oil or vegetable oil is needed for browning the chicken.
- Chives – Fresh chives, or green onions, are perfect for garnishing and add a fresh, mild oniony finish.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites
Making these chicken bites is incredibly straightforward, perfect for novice and experienced cooks alike. Follow these simple steps for a flawless, flavor-packed meal:
- Chop the Chicken. Begin by cutting your chicken (thighs or breasts) into roughly 1/2-inch to 1-inch bite-sized pieces. The key here is consistency; aim for pieces that are all approximately the same size. This ensures that every piece cooks through evenly and at the same rate, preventing some from being overcooked while others are still raw.
- Prepare the Sauce. In a small bowl, combine the honey, Sriracha, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well blended and form a cohesive sauce. This is where the magic starts to happen, creating the perfect sweet and spicy foundation.
- Cook the Chicken. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add a tablespoon of oil and let it shimmer. Add the cubed chicken to the hot oil, spreading it out in a single layer if possible to encourage even browning. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to brown beautifully on all sides. This browning step adds depth of flavor.
- Glaze and Thicken. Now, pour the prepared honey Sriracha sauce over the browned chicken in the skillet. Increase the heat slightly to high and stir constantly, ensuring every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in the luscious sauce. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for a few more minutes. The sauce will begin to bubble, reduce, and thicken, becoming wonderfully sticky as the chicken finishes cooking through. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce coats the back of a spoon and glistens on the chicken.
- Garnish and Serve. Once the chicken is perfectly glazed and cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the chicken bites to a serving dish and generously sprinkle with fresh minced chives or sliced green onions. The fresh herbs add a lovely pop of color and a subtle aromatic finish. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Handy Tools for Your Kitchen
Having the right tools can make cooking even easier and more enjoyable. Here are a few recommendations that can help with this recipe:
- My Favorite Non-Stick Skillet: Essential for preventing sticking and ensuring easy cleanup with sticky sauces.
- Silicone Coated Tongs: Perfect for tossing chicken in the hot pan without scratching your skillet.
- Garlic & Ginger Grater: Makes quick work of mincing garlic and grating fresh ginger for maximum flavor.
Pro Tips & Recipe Suggestions for Perfect Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites
Unlock the full potential of this recipe with these helpful hints and customization ideas:
- Craving Extra Sauce? If you’re someone who loves their chicken extra saucy, perhaps for serving over rice or noodles, don’t hesitate to double the sauce portion of this recipe. The extra glaze will get wonderfully thick and sticky, offering plenty for coating your chicken thoroughly or for dipping.
- Uniformity is Key. To ensure your chicken cooks perfectly evenly, it’s crucial to cut all your chicken pieces into approximately the same size. This prevents a situation where some pieces are cooked through and tender, while others are still underdone, or worse, overcooked and dry.
- Adjust the Heat. As written, this recipe falls into the mild-to-moderate spice category, making it broadly appealing. If you prefer more heat, there are several ways to kick it up:
- Add an extra tablespoon (or more!) of Sriracha directly to the sauce mixture.
- Serve additional Sriracha on the side for individual dipping, allowing everyone to customize their spice level.
- For an extra layer of heat and texture, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce while it simmers, or garnish with finely chopped fresh jalapeño or serrano peppers.
- Scale Up for More. This recipe is incredibly adaptable and scales up beautifully. If you’re cooking for a larger family, entertaining guests, or simply want to ensure you have delicious leftovers, feel free to double or even triple the ingredients. When scaling up, you might find that the sauce takes a minute or two longer to thicken, and the chicken may require slightly more time to cook through. However, the overall process remains quick and easy, yielding a generous batch of these delectable bites.
- Leftovers & Storage. Should you be fortunate enough to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While the sauce won’t be quite as thick and sticky upon reheating, the incredible sweet and spicy flavor will remain just as delicious. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Make it a Meal Prep Staple: Cook a larger batch at the beginning of the week and portion it out for quick, flavorful lunches or dinners. Pair with pre-cooked rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal ready in minutes.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites
These versatile chicken bites are so quick and easy to prepare, and their dynamic flavors mean they complement a wide array of side dishes. Whether you’re aiming for a light meal or a hearty dinner, these chicken bites fit right in:
- For a classic and satisfying pairing, serve them over a bed of fluffy White Rice, allowing the sticky sauce to meld with the grains.
- If you’re a fan of potatoes, they are absolutely fantastic alongside Crispy Smashed Potatoes and a fresh green vegetable like vibrant Roasted Asparagus or steamed broccoli.
- For a lighter, more refreshing option, these chicken bites are excellent in lettuce wraps. They offer a quicker and easier alternative to more involved Chicken Lettuce Wraps, providing a delightful crunch and fresh contrast to the rich chicken.
- Consider serving them with a simple Asian-inspired cucumber salad or a fresh coleslaw to add a cool, crisp element.
- Toss them with cooked noodles (like ramen or rice noodles) and some stir-fried vegetables for a complete and flavorful noodle bowl.
- As an appetizer, arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They make a fantastic party snack!
Explore More Effortless Chicken Dinners
If you loved the ease and flavor of these Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites, you’re in for a treat! We have a treasure trove of simple yet incredibly satisfying chicken recipes that are perfect for any night of the week. Expand your repertoire and discover new family favorites:
- Baked Ranch Chicken: A cheesy, savory classic that’s always a hit.
- Crispy Chicken Fries: Fun for kids and adults, perfect for dipping!
- Flavorful Orange Chicken: A homemade take on the takeout favorite.
- Tender Baked BBQ Chicken: Sweet, smoky, and irresistibly comforting.
- Classic Bourbon Chicken: A rich, savory, and slightly sweet dish that’s easy to master.
Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, or 4 small thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha hot sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
Instructions
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Carefully cut the chicken (thighs or breasts) into uniform, approximately 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Ensuring consistent sizing is key for even cooking.
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In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together the honey, Sriracha hot sauce, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
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Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to get hot and shimmering. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, spreading them out, and brown for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden on all sides.
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Pour the prepared honey Sriracha sauce over the chicken. Increase the heat to high and stir continuously to ensure every piece of chicken is coated. Continue cooking, tossing frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky, and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
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Once the sauce has reached a glossy, sticky consistency and the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the chicken bites to a serving dish, sprinkle generously with fresh minced chives, and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites
Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making these delicious chicken bites:
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work just as well. Just ensure they are cut into uniform bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes) and be mindful that breasts tend to cook a little faster and can dry out if overcooked.
- How can I make this recipe less spicy? If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of Sriracha hot sauce to 1/2 tablespoon or even a teaspoon. Alternatively, you can omit the Sriracha in the sauce entirely and serve it on the side, allowing everyone to add heat to their individual taste.
- What if I don’t have fresh ginger? While fresh ginger provides the best flavor, you can substitute it with ground ginger. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger for every 1/2 inch of fresh ginger specified in the recipe. Add it to the sauce mixture.
- Can I prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can definitely do some prep work in advance! Cut the chicken into pieces and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also mix the honey Sriracha sauce ingredients together and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This makes cooking dinner even faster!
- Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Cooked Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The sauce might be slightly less sticky after freezing and reheating, but the flavor will still be great.
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