Chef Mitchell preparing Glazed Grilled Chicken Bites
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this recipe while experimenting with different marinades for grilling chicken. After numerous attempts, I perfected the balance of sweet and savory flavors that make these bites irresistible. Over the years, they have become a family favorite and a go-to for gatherings. Every time I make them, they remind me of warm summer nights spent grilling with loved ones."

With over a decade of experience in the kitchen, I specialize in American cuisine, focusing on easy, approachable recipes for family dinners. My passion is to create dishes that are not only delicious but also simple enough for everyone to enjoy cooking at home. I love sharing my culinary knowledge to inspire others.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Glazed Grilled Chicken Bites served on a plate

Why This Glazed Grilled Chicken Bites Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because of its unique marinade that combines umami from soy sauce, sweetness from honey, and a hint of acidity from apple cider vinegar. This balance of flavors ensures that each bite is bursting with taste. Plus, the grilling process adds a delightful char that enhances the overall flavor.

The technique of marinating the chicken not only infuses it with flavor but also helps to keep it juicy during grilling. By skewering the chicken, you allow for even cooking, and the glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a delicious finish. The result is tender, flavorful chicken bites that are perfect for any occasion.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better for deeper flavor. Additionally, preheating the grill is crucial for achieving those beautiful grill marks and preventing sticking. Always let your chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to retain its juices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken up to a day in advance. Simply store the marinated chicken in the refrigerator until you're ready to grill. This will enhance the flavors and save time during your meal prep.

If you need a substitute for honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. Alternatively, brown sugar mixed with a small amount of water can also work in a pinch, adjusting to your desired sweetness.

To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken should also be white and juices should run clear when cut open. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.

Yes, you can freeze uncooked marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just ensure it's in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking. Cooked chicken can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

These chicken bites pair well with a variety of sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. For a fun presentation, serve them as skewers at a party with dipping sauces on the side.

Cooked Glazed Grilled Chicken Bites can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Ensure they are cooled to room temperature before storing to maintain freshness.

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken the night before and grill it just before serving. Alternatively, you can grill them ahead of time and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

To reheat, place the chicken bites on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps to retain moisture and keeps them juicy.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your chicken bites come out dry, it could be due to overcooking.

Solution: Ensure you use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and consider marinating for a longer time to retain moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the chicken bites are not crispy, they may not have been grilled at a high enough temperature.

Solution: Preheat the grill adequately and consider searing them for the first few minutes on high heat before lowering the temperature.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked chicken can become tough and chewy.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, monitor the internal temperature closely and take them off the heat as soon as they reach 165°F (75°C).

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the chicken is undercooked, this can pose health risks.

Recovery: Ensure that each piece of chicken is uniform in size to cook evenly, and use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior may occur if the heat is too high.

Prevention: Adjust the grill temperature and keep an eye on the chicken, turning regularly for an even cook.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the chicken is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If the chicken is too salty, serve with a side of unsalted rice or vegetables to help counteract the saltiness.

Bland: If the flavor is bland, consider adding more spices or a sprinkle of salt to enhance the taste.

Fresh ingredients for Glazed Grilled Chicken Bites

Essential Ingredients for Glazed Grilled Chicken Bites

The key to great Glazed Grilled Chicken Bites lies in the marinade. Soy sauce provides umami, while honey adds sweetness and helps form a beautiful glaze when grilled. Fresh garlic and ginger bring an aromatic flavor profile, and sesame oil adds a touch of nuttiness.

Using high-quality chicken is essential for tender bites; choose fresh, organic if possible. Fresh herbs like green onions not only enhance the flavor but also give a vibrant finish to the dish. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect bite.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the juiciest results. Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking on the grill.
  • Honey: Using pure honey will enhance the flavor and glaze of your chicken. Avoid processed honey, which may contain additives that alter the taste.
  • Soy Sauce: Choose a low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option, allowing for better control over saltiness without compromising flavor.
Cooking process for Glazed Grilled Chicken Bites

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Glazed Grilled Chicken Bites is simple yet rewarding. Start by marinating the chicken to allow flavors to meld, and then thread it onto skewers for grilling. The key is to ensure even cooking and a beautiful char.

Achieving perfect results requires attentive grilling. Keep an eye on the chicken as it cooks, turning it periodically for an even finish. The glaze will caramelize beautifully, creating a dish that is not only delicious but visually appealing.

Key Technique for Perfect Glazed Grilled Chicken Bites

Marinating is the cornerstone of this recipe. A good marinade allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Additionally, controlling the grill temperature is crucial to avoid burning while achieving that perfect caramelization.

Glazed Grilled Chicken Bites

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
    Packed
  • 2 tablespoons corn syrup
    Optional for extra shine
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    Adds depth
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    For a little heat

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 cup soy sauce
    Low sodium preferred
  • 1/2 cup honey
    Natural sweetener
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
    Adds acidity
  • 2 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger
    Grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    Adds nutty flavor
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    For seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade

    In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined.

  2. Marinate Chicken

    Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

  3. Preheat the Grill

    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.

  4. Skewer Chicken

    Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

  5. Grill the Chicken

    Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

  6. Glaze the Chicken

    In the last few minutes of grilling, brush the remaining marinade onto the chicken to create a glaze.

  7. Serve

    Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with lemon wedges, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.

  8. Enjoy

    Enjoy your glazed grilled chicken bites warm, paired with your favorite sides.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Glazed Grilled Chicken Bites, place them in an airtight container once cooled. They will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring to remove excess air.

Serving Suggestions

These chicken bites are perfect for serving with a variety of sides such as coleslaw, rice, or grilled vegetables. You can also serve them as appetizers with dipping sauces like ranch or sweet chili sauce.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with the marinade by adding spices like chili flakes for heat or using different sweeteners such as maple syrup. You can also incorporate vegetables onto the skewers for added flavor and nutrition.