These super sticky Asian chicken bites are an easy, delicious alternative to takeout. Tender cubes of chicken are pan-seared until golden, then tossed in a glossy, sweet-and-tangy sauce with a touch of heat. Serve them as an appetizer or pair with rice or noodles to make a full meal. With a simple homemade sauce and minimal prep, this recipe comes together in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
If you enjoy Asian-style chicken dinners, try other favorites like Black Pepper Chicken, Chicken Chow Mein, Teriyaki Chicken, or Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry.
Asian Chicken Bites
These sticky Asian chicken bites are loaded with flavor: a balanced blend of sweet, tangy, and a hint of spice from sriracha. Making this dish at home lets you control the sweetness and saltiness so it suits your taste. They’re excellent served with fried rice to soak up every bit of sauce.
The process is straightforward: marinate the chicken briefly while you prepare the sauce, then shallow-fry the pieces over high heat until golden. Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce and serve immediately.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into cubes. Chicken thighs are a flavorful alternative.
- Soy sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce to season the chicken.
- Cornstarch: Helps tenderize and slightly shield the chicken while cooking—a simple velveting technique.
Asian Sauce:
- Neutral cooking oil: For shallow frying (vegetable, canola, or similar).
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic for aroma and depth. Use powdered garlic only if needed.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami and salt—use low-sodium to better control seasoning.
- Rice wine vinegar: Balances the sweetness with bright acidity.
- Sweet Thai chili sauce: Brings sweet, tangy flavor and texture to the sauce.
- Sriracha: Provides a gentle heat—adjust to taste.
- Sesame oil: A small amount adds a toasty, nutty finish.
How to Make Sticky Asian Chicken Bites
- Marinate the chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Toss to coat and let it sit for 15 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
- Cook the chicken: Heat about 3 tablespoons of neutral oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked through. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
- Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant and just beginning to brown. Stir in honey, soy sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, sweet Thai chili sauce, and rice wine vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk together 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water until smooth, then slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Assemble and serve: Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Serve with white or brown rice to soak up the sauce. For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice.
- When breading or handling the chicken, use one hand for wet ingredients and one for dry to keep things tidy.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and extra sesame seeds for texture and color.
- To increase heat, add fresh chilies, crushed red pepper flakes, or a chili garlic sauce. To reduce spice, omit the sriracha.
What to Serve With These Sticky Asian Chicken Bites
These chicken bites pair well with many sides. Some popular options:
- Chow mein or lo mein noodles
- Chinese-style fried rice or vegetable fried rice
- Zucchini noodle stir fry for a lighter option
- Air-fryer fried rice for a quick weeknight side
More Asian Chicken Recipes
-
Honey Garlic Chicken -
20 Minute Sriracha Chicken
-
Hoisin Chicken Lettuce Wraps
-
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
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Super Sticky Asian Chicken Bites
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Asian Chicken Bites
- 3 tbsp neutral cooking oil
- green onions for garnish, if desired
- sesame seeds, if desired
Sauce
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1-2 tsp sriracha, to taste
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp sweet Thai chili sauce
- 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
Marinade
- Add the cubed chicken, soy sauce, and cornstarch to a medium bowl and toss to coat. Allow to marinate for 15 minutes while you prep other ingredients.
Asian Chicken Bites
- Heat 3 tbsp oil in a large skillet with high sides. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side or until cooked through and golden.
Sauce
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a small saucepan and cook garlic 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add honey, soy sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, sweet Thai chili sauce, and rice wine vinegar. Bring to a simmer. Whisk cornstarch and water until smooth, then slowly whisk into the sauce and cook until thickened.
Assemble
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Nutrition Information
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Protein: 26 g
Fat: 21 g
Sugar: 8 g
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