Honey Chili Crisp Chicken Bites: A Sweet and Spicy Delight

Looking for a savory and sweet dish that packs a punch? Honey Chili Crisp Chicken Bites are the perfect combination of crispy, tender chicken and a sweet, tangy chili sauce. Whether you’re preparing for a game day, party, or just a quick weeknight dinner, these chicken bites will have everyone coming back for more. The crispy coating combined with the spicy and slightly sweet sauce creates an irresistible flavor that’s hard to resist.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients and instructions for making these Honey Chili Crisp Chicken Bites, provide tips to perfect your dish, offer storage and maintenance suggestions, and explore dietary substitutions. Plus, we’ll answer frequently asked questions to ensure this dish turns out perfectly every time.

For more chicken bite recipes, check out these crispy chicken tenders or this honey garlic chicken for more delicious ideas.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Honey Chili Crisp Chicken Bites: Sweet, Spicy, and Crispy

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Honey Chili Crisp Chicken Bites are an irresistible fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The crispy, tender chicken is coated in a perfectly balanced sauce made with honey, chili crisp, and lime juice, creating a dish that’s full of flavor with just the right amount of kick. Topped with fresh green onions, they make an excellent appetizer, snack, or main dish!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Bites:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, or chicken thighs
2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Sweet Chili Crisp Sauce:

1/4 cup chili crisp
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon lime juice

For Garnish:

3 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, lime juice, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until the chicken is evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally. (You may need to cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your skillet.)
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine the chili crisp, honey, and lime juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is well combined and slightly warmed.
Toss the Chicken in the Sauce:
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sweet chili crisp sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Toss the chicken bites in the sauce until they are fully coated.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the chicken from the heat and transfer it to a serving dish.
Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, flavorful touch.
Serve:
Serve the Honey Chili Crisp Chicken Bites immediately with rice, a side salad, or as an appetizer.

Notes

Chili Crisp: Chili crisp can be found in most Asian markets or online. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with chili garlic sauce or a spicy oil-based sauce for a similar flavor.
Spicy Level: Adjust the amount of chili crisp to suit your desired spice level. If you like things spicier, you can add extra chili flakes to the sauce.
Chicken Option: While chicken breasts are often used, chicken thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful option, and both work great in this dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Category: Main Course, Appetizer
Method: Pan-fried, Tossed in Sauce
Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: 350
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 740mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Honey Chili Crisp Chicken Bites

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the sesame oil, lime juice, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chili crisp, honey, and lime juice until smooth and well combined.
Toss the Chicken in the Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Pour the sweet chili crisp sauce over the chicken and toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serve: Remove the chicken bites from the skillet and transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy your Honey Chili Crisp Chicken Bites with steamed rice or your favorite dipping sauce!

Advanced Techniques

While the recipe is fairly straightforward, here are some advanced techniques to help you elevate your Honey Chili Crisp Chicken Bites even further:

1. Double Fry for Extra Crispiness

To achieve an extra crispy texture, consider double frying the chicken. After the first fry, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a minute. Then, reheat the oil and fry the chicken again for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will ensure an even crispier exterior while maintaining tenderness inside.

2. Adjust the Sweetness and Spice Level

If you like your dishes a little spicier, you can add a few teaspoons of chili flakes or extra chili crisp to the sauce. For those who prefer a sweeter taste, increase the honey by a tablespoon or two. This balance of sweet and spicy can be adjusted to suit your personal taste.

3. Infuse the Oil with Extra Flavor

For an added depth of flavor, try infusing your sesame oil with aromatics like ginger, garlic, or star anise before cooking the chicken. Simply heat the oil with the aromatics, and then remove them before cooking the chicken. This will add a richer, more complex flavor to the overall dish.

4. Serve with a Dipping Sauce

Pair your Honey Chili Crisp Chicken Bites with a refreshing dipping sauce on the side. A simple lime aioli or a tangy soy-sesame dipping sauce would be great options to complement the sweet-spicy chicken.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Here’s how to store and maintain your Honey Chili Crisp Chicken Bites to enjoy later:

Storage:

In the Refrigerator: Allow the chicken bites to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. The chicken can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the chicken or heat it in a skillet over low heat.
In the Freezer: You can freeze the chicken bites by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To prevent the pieces from sticking together, layer them with parchment paper. The chicken will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual.

Reheating Tips:

Microwave: For quick reheating, microwave the chicken bites for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Skillet: For a crispier result, reheat the chicken bites in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they crisp up on all sides.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

While Honey Chili Crisp Chicken Bites are delicious as is, you can make adjustments to accommodate various dietary preferences or restrictions:

Gluten-Free Version:

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so long as the chili crisp you use is free from gluten. Make sure to double-check the ingredients on any pre-made chili crisp sauces you purchase. For a gluten-free alternative to cornstarch, use arrowroot powder or potato starch.

Dairy-Free Version:

Since this recipe doesn’t include dairy, it is already suitable for a dairy-free diet. Just ensure that any sauces or condiments you use (like the chili crisp or dipping sauces) are dairy-free.

Low-Carb/Keto Version:

For a keto-friendly version, replace the honey with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or stevia. You can also reduce the amount of chili crisp or use a sugar-free alternative to ensure the dish remains low-carb.

Paleo Version:

For a paleo adaptation, replace the cornstarch with arrowroot powder and use a paleo-friendly chili crisp sauce. Opt for a natural sweetener like raw honey or maple syrup for the best results.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use chicken wings instead of breast or thighs?

Yes! You can use chicken wings for a more indulgent version of this dish. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the wings cook all the way through, and then toss them in the sauce as directed.

Can I prepare the chicken bites ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken bites ahead of time by coating them in the seasoning and cornstarch mixture and refrigerating them for up to 4 hours before cooking. However, the sauce is best made fresh to preserve the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

What can I serve with Honey Chili Crisp Chicken Bites?

These chicken bites are great with steamed rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or a side of roasted vegetables. For extra flavor, serve them with a fresh cucumber salad or a tangy dipping sauce like soy sauce or ranch.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Honey Chili Crisp Chicken Bites are a flavorful, sweet, and spicy dish that combines crispy chicken with a rich, tangy sauce. Perfect for any gathering or just a weeknight treat, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With easy-to-follow instructions and customization options, you can tailor the flavors to your liking and dietary preferences. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual dinner or serving it at a party, these chicken bites are bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

So, grab your ingredients and get ready to savor the sweet, spicy goodness of these irresistible Honey Chili Crisp Chicken Bites!