Honey Mustard Chicken Bites Recipe
When I made these honey mustard chicken bites for dinner, I was blown away by how easy and delicious they turned out. They’re savory and tender with a perfect glaze that balances sweet and tangy flavors. I loved how versatile they were, not only perfect for appetizers but also a delightful addition to salads, rice bowls, or even as a main dish alongside veggies.
The best part? They come together so quickly that I barely had time to clean up before we were enjoying them. This recipe is now a regular in my kitchen, and I’m so excited to share it with you!
Credit: cupcakesandkalechips
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 to 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Note: This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Variations
This recipe is highly customizable. Here are a few ways you can adapt it to suit your preferences:
- Make it sweet: Replace honey with maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
- Adjust the spice: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Try another protein: Use shrimp or firm tofu for a different take.
- Herb swap: Replace dried thyme with fresh rosemary or parsley for a unique flavor twist.
- Vinegar alternatives: White wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar can be swapped in for a different depth of flavor.
You can also enjoy similar dishes like the Honey Mustard Chicken Bowl for a wholesome meal idea.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Cast-iron skillet (or any high-quality skillet): For even cooking and a golden sear.
- Small mixing bowl: To prepare the honey mustard glaze.
- Tongs: For flipping the chicken bites easily.
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Bites?
These honey mustard chicken bites may look fancy, but they’re incredibly simple to prepare. Here’s how to re-create this delicious dish.
Make the Glaze
Start by combining the honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and set it aside. This glaze will caramelize beautifully when added to the chicken later.
Season the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and place them in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme over the chicken. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Sear the Chicken
Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add olive oil and swirl it around to coat the surface. Carefully test the heat by dropping in one cube of chicken; if it sizzles, the pan is ready. Add all the chicken to the skillet in a single layer.
Cook the chicken cubes for about 3–4 minutes without stirring. This will allow the underside to achieve that beautiful golden-brown sear. Flip the cubes over using tongs and cook for another 3–4 minutes on the other side.
Add the Glaze
Once the chicken is cooked through and golden, pour the honey mustard glaze over the chicken. Toss it all together to ensure each piece is coated evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the glaze to thicken, stirring occasionally. This step takes around 5 minutes.
Serve Immediately
Remove the chicken from the skillet and serve hot. These juicy, flavorful bites are best enjoyed while still warm, making them perfect for appetizers, main dishes, or even salads.
Credit: cupcakesandkalechips
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish is packed with flavor and simplicity! Here’s why you’ll love it.
- Quick to make: It’s ready in under 20 minutes!
- Kid-friendly: A great alternative to fried chicken nuggets.
- Budget-friendly: Requires simple, affordable pantry staples.
- Healthy option: Naturally gluten-free and low in carbs.
For inspiration, check out this Honey Mustard Chicken and Rice recipe.
How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken Bites?
These bites are oh-so-versatile and pair well with several sides or as part of larger meals. Try these ideas for serving them:
- Party bites: Serve on a platter with toothpicks for a quick appetizer.
- Over rice or quinoa: Add them to a bowl with cooked grain and steamed vegetables.
- Salad topping: Use the chicken bites to add protein and tangy flavor to a fresh green salad.
- With sides: Pair them with roasted potatoes or air-fried veggies for a full dinner.
- Stuffed in wraps: Wrap them in a tortilla with lettuce, cucumber, and a bit of extra honey mustard sauce.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of honey mustard chicken bites contains approximately:
- Calories: 261
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 8g
Make Ahead and Storage
These chicken bites are as great for meal prepping as they are for a quick dinner. The recipe stores and reheats beautifully!
If you have leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or quickly warm it up in a skillet over medium heat.
If you’re planning to freeze extras, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips for Making the Recipe
To make the most of this recipe, here are some helpful tips from my own kitchen experience:
- Preheat your skillet well: This ensures a crisp, golden sear on the chicken.
- Cut chicken evenly: Uniformly sized pieces cook evenly and look nicer when served.
- Double the glaze: Extra sauce is great for serving or drizzling over your sides.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in a single layer ensures consistent browning.
- Be careful with heat: Medium-high heat prevents burning while still achieving caramelization.
These tips have helped me perfect the recipe, and I hope they help you too!
With its easy preparation, bold flavors, and versatility, these honey mustard chicken bites are a fantastic option for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. They’re quick, delicious, and sure to impress your family or guests. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to serve them with your favorite sides or sauces. Enjoy!
For more creative ideas, you might enjoy exploring Steak Recipes that offer bold flavors and variety.
