Crispy Korean Honey Butter Chicken Bites
Who says you can’t have crispy, sweet, and savory all in one bite?
These Crispy Korean Honey Butter Chicken Bites are your ticket to flavor town—perfectly golden on the outside, juicy on the inside, and smothered in a sticky-sweet honey butter glaze that’ll leave everyone begging for seconds!
How to Make It
Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering everything you need because cooking should feel like a party, not a scavenger hunt! Cut boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces—trust me, they stay juicier than breast meat.
2. Coat the Chicken
Toss those chicken bites in a mix of cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Why cornstarch? It’s the secret weapon for getting that extra-crispy exterior without deep frying. Shake off any excess before moving to the next step—it’s all about balance, my friend.
3. Fry ‘Em Up
Heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the chicken bites in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan (overcrowding = soggy bites). Fry each side until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Whip Up the Sauce
In another saucepan, melt butter and stir in honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar. Let it simmer until thickened slightly—it should coat the back of a spoon beautifully. Think glossy, amber goodness ready to hug your chicken bites.
5. Combine and Serve
Toss the crispy chicken bites in the honey butter sauce until every piece is glistening and coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color. Serve immediately while still warm because cold chicken bites just don’t hit the same way.
Pro Tips
- Use a thermometer : Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked without drying out.
- Double fry for extra crispiness : After the first fry, let the chicken rest for 2 minutes, then fry again briefly at a higher temp. Trust me, it’s worth it.
- Adjust sweetness : If you’re not a fan of super-sweet dishes, reduce the honey or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep ahead : You can make the sauce earlier in the day and reheat it when needed. Saves time and stress!
- Nonstick matters : Use a nonstick skillet to avoid sticking during frying.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to retain crispiness—microwaving makes them soggy.
- Freeze unglazed chicken bites for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Crispy Korean Honey Butter Chicken Bites
Description
These Crispy Korean Honey Butter Chicken Bites combine crunchy texture, savory depth, and a touch of sweetness for an irresistible appetizer or snack. Perfect for game nights, potlucks, or whenever you want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken :
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated. Shake off excess cornstarch.
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Fry the Chicken :
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken bites in batches for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Make the Sauce :
In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Combine and Serve :
Add the fried chicken bites to the saucepan with the honey butter sauce. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 280kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
- Sugars 12g
- Protein 22g44%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Double the sauce if you love saucy bites!
- For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust honey quantity based on your preferred level of sweetness.
These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.
