Introduction
Sticky glazed chicken bites are tender pieces of chicken cooked until juicy and coated in a rich, glossy sauce that is sweet, savory, and slightly spicy. This dish is inspired by Asian-style glazed chicken and is perfect as an appetizer, party food, or main meal served with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
For the chicken
1 kg chicken wings or boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the glaze sauce
4 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For garnish
Chopped parsley or green onions
Sesame seeds
Method
Preparation
In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Add the chicken pieces and toss well until evenly coated.
Cooking the chicken
Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken pieces in batches and fry until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Making the sauce
In the same pan, add garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, vinegar, and oyster sauce. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Thickening the sauce
Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce while stirring continuously. Let it simmer until thick and glossy.
Coating the chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Toss well until all pieces are coated in the sticky glaze. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to absorb flavor.
Serving
Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with parsley or green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
History
Sticky glazed chicken dishes come from Asian-inspired cooking, especially Chinese and Korean cuisine, where sweet and savory sauces are commonly used to glaze meats. Over time, this style spread worldwide and became popular as party food and street food.
Benefits
High in protein for muscle strength
Provides energy from natural sugars in honey
Contains garlic and ginger which support immunity
Can be baked instead of fried for a lighter version
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
Calories 420
Protein 28 g
Fat 20 g
Carbohydrates 32 g
Sugar 18 g
Sodium moderate depending on soy sauce used
Tips
Use chicken thighs for juicier texture
Bake at 200°C for 25 to 30 minutes for a healthier version
Add pineapple juice or orange juice for fruity flavor
Adjust chili for more or less heat
Conclusion
Sticky glazed chicken bites are flavorful, comforting, and easy to prepare. With their glossy sauce and tender texture, they are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite whether served as a snack or a full meal.