Sweet Citrus Honey Chicken Bites
Delight your taste buds with these Sweet Citrus Honey Chicken Bites, a mouthwatering dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a flavorful feast. This recipe features tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken perfectly coated in a sticky-sweet glaze with hints of zesty orange and rich chili. It's a crowd-pleaser, adored by family and friends alike, and makes for a fantastic weeknight meal or impressive dish for gatherings. Serve these scrumptious chicken bites over fluffy white or brown rice, or nutritious egg noodles, and feel free to jazz them up with steamed broccoli for some freshness. To add an elegant touch, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds right before serving.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
2 (Cut into bite-sized pieces)
Chili Sauce
1/3 cup
Orange Marmalade
1/3 cup
Dijon Mustard
2 teaspoons
Honey
4 tablespoons
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted (plus 1 tablespoon for cooking))
Dark Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the chili sauce, orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, melted butter, dark brown sugar, and honey. Mix well to create a smooth glaze and set aside.
2
In a large skillet or electric frying pan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
3
Once the chicken is browned, pour the glaze mixture over the chicken. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
4
Reduce the heat and let the chicken simmer uncovered for about 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally and basting the chicken with the glaze. The chicken should be tender and the glaze thickened. For a crispier texture, increase the heat during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
5
If you prefer extra crispy chicken, coat the chicken pieces in flour and deep fry them in hot oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels before adding to the skillet and coating with the glaze.
6
Serve the Sweet Citrus Honey Chicken Bites over rice or noodles, adding steamed broccoli if desired, and garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet Citrus Honey Chicken Bites?
They are tender, bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a sticky-sweet glaze featuring orange and chili flavors.
What ingredients are used in the glaze?
The glaze consists of chili sauce, orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, melted butter, dark brown sugar, and honey.
How do I prepare the chicken for this recipe?
Take two boneless skinless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces before cooking.
How long should I cook the chicken in the skillet?
Cook the chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes over medium heat until they are golden brown on all sides.
When do I add the glaze to the chicken?
Pour the glaze over the chicken once the pieces have been browned in the skillet.
How long does the chicken simmer in the sauce?
The chicken should simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until it is tender and the glaze has thickened.
Can I make the chicken extra crispy?
Yes, you can coat the chicken pieces in flour and deep fry them before adding them to the skillet with the glaze.
What are the recommended serving options?
This dish is best served over fluffy white or brown rice, or nutritious egg noodles.
Which vegetable pairs well with this dish?
Steamed broccoli is a great addition to provide freshness to the meal.
What garnish is suggested for this recipe?
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds an elegant touch and extra flavor right before serving.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted if you prefer a juicier meat.
Is the chili sauce in the recipe very hot?
The chili sauce provides a rich flavor with a hint of zest, but it is balanced by the sweetness of the honey and marmalade.
How much honey is required?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of honey.
What type of mustard should I use?
The recipe specifies using 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
Can I use light brown sugar?
Yes, while dark brown sugar is recommended for its deep flavor, light brown sugar can be used as a substitute.
How much butter is used for the glaze?
Two tablespoons of melted butter are mixed into the glaze ingredients.
How much butter is needed for cooking the chicken?
One tablespoon of butter is used to melt in the skillet for browning the chicken.
Should the pan be covered while simmering?
No, the chicken should simmer uncovered to allow the glaze to thicken properly.
How can I achieve a thicker glaze?
Basting the chicken and simmering uncovered will help reduce the liquid into a thick glaze.
Can I cook this in an electric frying pan?
Yes, the recipe is suitable for either a large skillet or an electric frying pan.
How many chicken breasts are needed?
You will need 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe.
What is the role of orange marmalade in the recipe?
The marmalade provides the signature citrus flavor and contributes to the sticky texture of the glaze.
Is garlic powder necessary?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder is used to add a savory depth to the sweet glaze.
How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Basting the chicken with the glaze while it simmers on reduced heat helps keep it tender.
Can I increase the heat at the end of cooking?
Yes, if you prefer a crisper texture, you can increase the heat during the final 5 minutes of cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknights?
Yes, it is designed as a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy.
What type of flavor profile does this dish have?
It features a sweet and savory flavor profile with citrus and mild chili notes.
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of marmalade?
Marmalade is preferred for its thickness and sugar content, but juice could be used if reduced significantly with extra sugar.
Is this dish Asian-inspired?
Yes, the use of honey, chili sauce, ginger-like citrus notes, and sesame seeds gives it an Asian-inspired flair.
How do I know when the glaze is ready?
The glaze is ready when it has thickened enough to coat the chicken pieces thoroughly and stick to them.