One-Pan Honey Chili Chicken Bites – Sweet & Spicy Dinner Fix

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to bring a little sweet heat into your kitchen tonight? This One-Pan Honey Chili Chicken Bites – Sweet & Spicy Dinner Fix is everything a busy home cook dreams of: fast, flavorful, deeply comforting, and made with love in a single pan. 🍯🌶️

In many traditional homes, weeknight meals were crafted from whatever was on hand—simple ingredients transformed with bold spices, warm sweetness, and a touch of creativity. That spirit lives beautifully in this dish. These chicken bites, coated in a glossy honey-chili glaze, are the perfect balance of comforting and exciting: tender pieces of chicken seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a sticky sauce that clings lovingly to every bite.

And the best part? This is truly a weeknight hero. Maybe you’ve had a long day at work, the kids are wired, you’re tired, or dinner just snuck up on you. We’ve all been there! This one-pan recipe saves the evening. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, fragrant skillet of sweet-spicy goodness ready to spoon over rice, wrap in warm flatbreads, or serve with roasted veggies.

The aroma alone—garlic sizzling, chili blooming in the pan, honey caramelizing into a glossy glaze—feels like a warm welcome home. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish brings joy and comfort with every bite. Let’s get that pan heating and create some magic! 🍯🔥

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

For the Honey Chili Sauce:

• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp chili paste (such as sambal oelek or chili garlic sauce)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lemon juice)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Sliced bell peppers
• Steamed broccoli
• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds
• Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Pat the chicken pieces dry and place them in a bowl.
2. Sprinkle cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder on top. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes without moving it.
5. Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 3–4 minutes until golden.
6. Reduce heat to medium and remove chicken from the pan; set aside.
7. In the same skillet, melt the butter.
8. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
9. Stir in honey, chili paste, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Mix well.
10. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it thicken for 1–2 minutes.
11. Return the chicken to the pan, tossing to coat every piece in the glossy sauce.
12. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce is sticky.
13. Taste and adjust: add more honey for sweetness, more chili paste for heat, or more vinegar for tang.
14. Sprinkle with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
15. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or inside warm tortillas. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information:

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 15 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 25 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: approx. 420 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️