Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Baked Sweet and Spicy Chili Garlic Chicken Bites are the perfect balance of bold flavor and simple preparation. This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky glaze that combines sweetness, heat, and garlicky depth without requiring complicated techniques or frying. I particularly appreciate how baking keeps the chicken lighter while still producing beautifully caramelized edges. The sauce clings to each bite, making them ideal as an appetizer, weeknight dinner, or protein addition to bowls and salads. I tested this recipe with different heat levels, and it adapts effortlessly depending on your spice tolerance. Whether you enjoy a gentle warmth or a noticeable kick, this dish can be adjusted without losing its signature flavor. It is also a crowd-pleaser that works equally well for casual family meals and entertaining, making it a reliable recipe to keep on hand.
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Easy Baked Sweet and Spicy Chili Garlic Chicken Bites That Everyone Loves
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Easy Baked Sweet and Spicy Chili Garlic Chicken Bites are juicy, oven-baked chicken pieces coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce made with chili garlic sauce, honey, and soy sauce—perfect as an appetizer or quick dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Season chicken bites with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Toss chicken with olive oil and spread evenly on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, whisk sweet chili sauce, chili garlic sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce.
- Remove chicken from oven and toss with the sauce.
- Return to oven and bake for another 10–12 minutes until cooked through and sticky.
- Broil for 2 minutes for extra caramelization if desired.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust chili garlic sauce to control spice level.
- Serve over rice or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breast
Chicken breast is ideal for this recipe because it bakes quickly and stays tender when cut into evenly sized pieces. It absorbs the sauce well, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
Olive Oil
Olive oil helps coat the chicken evenly and promotes browning in the oven. It also prevents the chicken from drying out during baking.
Chili Garlic Sauce
Chili garlic sauce provides the signature heat and robust garlic flavor. It forms the spicy backbone of the glaze and delivers depth without overpowering the dish.
Honey
Honey balances the heat of the chili garlic sauce with natural sweetness. It also contributes to the sticky, glossy finish once baked.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce adds savory umami and enhances the overall complexity of the sauce. It also deepens color as the chicken bakes.
Garlic
Fresh garlic intensifies the aromatic quality of the dish and reinforces the garlic notes already present in the sauce.
Rice Vinegar
Rice vinegar adds mild acidity that brightens the sauce and keeps it from tasting overly sweet.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch lightly coats the chicken, helping the sauce adhere while giving the bites a subtle crisp exterior.
Salt and Black Pepper
Seasoning ensures the chicken itself is flavorful before being coated in sauce.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the chicken into evenly sized bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, then toss with olive oil and cornstarch until evenly coated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together chili garlic sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic. Add the chicken to the sauce and mix until every piece is well coated. Arrange the chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space between pieces.
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly caramelized. For extra color, broil for one to two minutes at the end, watching closely. Remove from the oven and let rest briefly before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of about 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain texture. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the glaze.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is highly adaptable. For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. To reduce spice, use less chili garlic sauce and increase honey slightly. Chicken thighs can be substituted for a juicier result. I have also tested this recipe with maple syrup instead of honey, which added a deeper sweetness. For an Asian-inspired twist, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. Each variation preserves the sweet-spicy balance while offering a new flavor profile.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein (g) | 34 |
| Carbs (g) | 28 |
| Fat (g) | 18 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 3 |
| Fiber (g) | 1 |
| Sugar (g) | 16 |
| Sodium (mg) | 820 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as spacing helps caramelization. For a thicker glaze, brush extra sauce on during the final minutes of baking.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the chicken in sauce up to one day ahead.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It has moderate heat, but the sweetness balances it well.
Can I use an air fryer?
Yes, cook at 380°F for about 12 to 14 minutes, shaking halfway.
What can I serve with these chicken bites?
They pair well with rice, noodles, or a crisp salad.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Will this work with frozen chicken?
Fresh chicken is best, but fully thawed frozen chicken can be used.
Conclusion
Easy Baked Sweet and Spicy Chili Garlic Chicken Bites offer bold flavor, minimal effort, and versatile serving options. This recipe is a dependable choice when you want something satisfying, flavorful, and simple to prepare.
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