Experience the perfect harmony of sweet and savory with these Honey Garlic Chicken Cubes coated in a luscious soy glaze. Tender chicken bites soak up a delicate marinade infused with fresh garlic and ginger, creating an irresistible dish that comes together in under 40 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights, this flavorful meal delivers a delightful Asian-inspired taste without extensive prep work.
The sauce’s sticky texture and depth of flavor make it an ideal complement to steamed rice or your favorite noodles, turning a simple chicken dinner into a comforting, restaurant-style experience that the whole family will love.
- Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients for busy schedules.
- The marinade tenderizes and flavors the chicken deeply for juicy bites every time.
- Balanced sweet and savory flavors with aromatic garlic and fresh ginger.
- Versatile dish perfect over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast (1 lb): Boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into uniform bite-sized cubes for even cooking and tender results.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Natural sweetener that adds a beautiful golden glaze and balances the salty soy sauce.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Provides the essential savory umami base and rich depth of flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves): Freshly minced to impart pungent, aromatic depth enhancing the overall taste.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon): Grated to add a subtle spicy warmth and bright fragrance.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Neutral oil used for cooking the chicken to a golden brown without overpowering flavors.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickening agent mixed with water to create a glossy, clingy sauce texture.
- Water (2 tablespoons): Combines with cornstarch to form the slurry for sauce thickening.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds mild heat and spice for balanced seasoning.
- Sesame oil (1/2 teaspoon): Finishing oil that lends a rich, nutty aroma typical of Asian dishes.
- Green onions (2 tablespoons): Finely chopped and sprinkled as garnish to add freshness and color.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted seeds for garnish, adding subtle crunch and visual appeal.
Instructions
- Combine marinade ingredients and marinate chicken
In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and sesame oil to create a balanced, flavorful marinade. Add the chicken cubes and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the marinade to tenderize and infuse the chicken with sweet and savory notes.
- Prepare the cornstarch slurry
Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth and free of lumps. This slurry will be added to the marinade later to thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy finish that clings beautifully to the chicken.
- Add slurry to marinade and mix thoroughly
Incorporate the cornstarch slurry into the honey-soy marinade and stir well. This will activate the thickening properties once heated, ensuring the final glaze coats each piece of chicken perfectly without being overly runny.
- Cook chicken cubes in hot skillet
Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the marinated chicken cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and develops a golden-brown exterior. Proper browning locks in moisture and adds delicious texture.
- Finish cooking with sauce reduction
Pour the prepared sauce from the marinade over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken. This step concentrates flavors and achieves that signature sticky glaze texture.
- Garnish and serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for freshness, crunch, and visual contrast. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles to enjoy the full comforting Asian-inspired experience.
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 2 hours to prevent the soy sauce from making the meat too salty or tough.
- Adjust cooking times slightly if chicken cubes are larger or smaller for optimum tenderness.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle spicy kick if desired.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to preserve the sauce’s texture without drying out the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these glazed chicken cubes over jasmine rice, brown rice, or your favorite noodles. Complement with steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for a well-rounded meal.
- Ensure chicken cubes are cut evenly for uniform cooking and tenderness.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the brightest flavors rather than pre-minced or powdered substitutes.
- To enhance the glossy sauce, avoid stirring excessively once the slurry is added to allow it to thicken properly.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and provide extra juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer.
- Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free while preserving the savory taste.
- Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Marinade can be mixed ahead of time and stored up to 24 hours. Marinate chicken up to 2 hours before cooking for best results.
- What can I serve besides rice or noodles?
The dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice, or even wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
- How do I get a thicker sauce?
Make sure to properly mix the cornstarch slurry and cook the sauce 2-3 minutes longer to allow it to thicken without burning.
- Is it okay to add more garlic?
Absolutely, garlic intensity can be adjusted to taste but be mindful of overpowering other flavors.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
It is possible to freeze cooked chicken with sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Honey Garlic Chicken Cubes
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons green onions chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and sesame oil.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, stir to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth, then add to the marinade and stir well.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and golden, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the sauce from the marinade over the chicken in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Adjust cooking time for thicker chicken cubes.
- Store leftovers refrigerated up to 2 days.
