When you cook a lot, it’s rather satisfying about discovering a dish that looks impressive but turns out to be surprisingly easy to prepare, cook and enjoy. That was exactly my experience with these Sticky Chicken Bites. I had been looking for something a little different to serve as a starter, and I wanted to experiment with flavours from another cuisine without making things too complicated. The combination of tender chicken, honey and soy sauce seemed like a good place to begin, and thankfully, it turned out to be a very tasty decision.
These Sticky Chicken Bites are made from small, bite-sized pieces of chicken that become wonderfully coated in a glossy honey and soy sauce. The finished result is sticky, savoury, slightly sweet and incredibly moreish. In fact, I quickly discovered that putting a bowl of these on the table creates a problem. They tend to disappear much faster than expected!
I originally thought these would make a pleasant starter before a larger meal. However, they have also proved useful when friends come round for a more relaxed evening. A serving dish placed in the middle of the table seems to attract everyone almost immediately. Perhaps it is the shiny coating that catches the eye, or maybe it is simply the wonderful smell. Either way, people usually reach for one before I have even finished explaining what they are.
One of the things I particularly enjoy about trying dishes from other cuisines is discovering how familiar ingredients can create something completely different. Honey is something I have used countless times in baking and desserts, while soy sauce has often appeared in my cooking as a seasoning. Put the two together with chicken, though, and they become something altogether more exciting. The sweetness of the honey balances the salty depth of the soy sauce beautifully.
Of course, I am still very much experimenting in the kitchen. I am not someone who claims to have mastered every style of cooking, so recipes like this are a great way to learn. They encourage me to try flavours that I might not normally put together. Moreover, they have given me a little more confidence when preparing food for other people. There is nothing quite like receiving compliments from guests to encourage another kitchen experiment!
The texture is another reason these chicken bites work so well. The chicken should remain tender inside, while the outside becomes covered with that delicious sticky coating. As a result, every mouthful has plenty of flavour without needing a complicated collection of ingredients. The small size also makes them particularly suitable for serving as finger food, although I would happily eat them as part of a larger meal.
I think presentation makes a difference here too. Rather than simply piling the chicken onto a plate, I like serving the bites in a shallow bowl or attractive dish. That way, everyone can help themselves. A few finely sliced spring onions or some sesame seeds can also add a little colour and make the dish look even more inviting. They are small touches, but they can make a homemade starter feel much more special.
These Sticky Chicken Bites have also taught me not to overlook simple combinations. Sometimes, when experimenting with different cuisines, I find myself searching for unusual ingredients when the answer is already sitting in the cupboard. Honey and soy sauce might sound straightforward, but together they create a sauce with plenty of character.
Most importantly, this is the sort of dish that makes me want to keep experimenting. I can imagine serving these at a casual dinner party, adding them to a sharing platter or simply making a batch when I fancy something tasty. They are also a great introduction to trying different flavour combinations without feeling as though I have taken on an enormous cooking project.
For a new home cook like me, that is exactly what makes them appealing. The dish feels a little adventurous while still being familiar enough to feel comfortable. Furthermore, the reaction from friends and family makes the effort worthwhile. When the serving dish comes back to the kitchen almost empty, accompanied by requests for more, I know that another experiment has gone rather well.
This starter combines tender chicken with a wonderfully sticky, sweet and savoury coating, these Sticky Chicken Bites are certainly worth trying. They have become one of my favourite little discoveries while experimenting with different cuisines, and I suspect they will be making plenty more appearances at my table.
Sticky Chicken Bites
Equipment
- large frying pan or wok
- wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
Chicken Ingredients:
- 500 g chicken breast boneless skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp cornflour
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Honey and Soy Sauce:
- 4 tbsp runny honey
- 3 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger finely grated
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp water
Topping Ingredients:
- 2 medium spring onions finely sliced
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 pinch chilli flakes optional
Instructions
- Place the diced chicken in a mixing bowl and season with the salt and black pepper. Add the cornflour and toss thoroughly until every piece is lightly coated.500 g chicken breast, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp cornflour
- Mix the honey, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil and water together in a small bowl. Stir until the honey has combined with the other ingredients.3 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp fresh ginger, ½ tsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp water, 4 tbsp runny honey
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over a medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. If necessary, cook the chicken in two batches rather than overcrowding the pan.1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Cook the chicken for approximately 6–8 minutes, turning regularly. The outside should become lightly golden while the chicken cooks through completely.
- Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat slightly and pour in the honey and soy mixture. Stir well so the sauce coats all the chicken pieces.
- Allow everything to bubble gently for approximately 3–5 minutes. Keep stirring as the sauce reduces and becomes thicker and glossy.
- Continue cooking until the chicken is completely coated in the sticky sauce. Take care not to cook it for too long, as the honey can catch on the bottom of the pan.
- Transfer the Sticky Chicken Bites to a serving bowl or platter. Scatter over the sliced spring onions and sesame seeds.2 medium spring onions, 1 tsp sesame seeds
- If you enjoy a little heat, finish with a small pinch of chilli flakes before serving.1 pinch chilli flakes