Every time I make Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites with Cheese Balls and Fries, it floods me with nostalgia and warmth. This dish reminds me of cozy family gatherings on Friday nights when we would all gather around the dinner table, laughter ringing out and stories being exchanged. The aroma of fried chicken wafting through the kitchen created a comforting atmosphere that made our home feel alive with love. I know that once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished memory for you too, one that you’ll want to recreate with your loved ones time and again.
Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken tenders or boneless thighs: The heart of our meal. I prefer thighs for their juiciness, but tenders work just as well.
- 1 cup flour: This is essential for creating that perfect crispy coating.
- 1 cup cornstarch: A little secret to elevate the crunch factor of your chicken.
- 1 tsp salt: A must-have for flavor.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Just enough to give a mild kick.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Makes the chicken tender and flavorful. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
- Oil for frying: I typically use vegetable oil, but canola or peanut oil works great too.
- 1/2 cup honey: This adds a lovely sweetness to the dish that balances perfectly with the garlic.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: It brings a savory umami flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 tbsp garlic (minced): Garlic elevates this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- 1 tbsp butter: It enriches the sauce and makes it extra decadent.
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, this adds just the right amount of spice.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (cubed): The star of our cheese balls, providing that melty goodness.
- 1 cup flour: We’ll use this again for coating the cheese balls.
- 2 eggs (beaten): These act as glue for our cheese balls, helping the breadcrumbs stick.
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs: This will give our cheese balls that irresistible crunch.
- 3 large potatoes (cut into fries): Homemade fries are so much better than store-bought, and they complement our chicken perfectly.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds color and a hint of smokiness to the fries.
- 1/2 tsp salt: For seasoning the fries.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Because you can never have too much garlic!
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s get cooking!
First, let’s prepare the chicken. I like to season my chicken with salt and black pepper. This part is super simple, but it means a lot for flavor. After seasoning, dip the chicken pieces into a bowl of buttermilk. It’s such a game changer! This step not only tenderizes the chicken but infuses it with so much flavor.
Next, in another bowl, mix together the flour and cornstarch. Once the chicken has soaked in that buttermilk goodness—about 10-15 minutes is perfect—it’s time to coat it. Take each piece out of the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and roll it in the flour mixture. Make sure you coat it well; we want that crunchy texture!
You’ll want to heat the oil in a deep frying pan to about 350°F (175°C). I always keep a close eye on the temperature. If the oil is too hot, you risk burning the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Once the oil is at the right temperature, gently lower in your coated chicken and fry until it’s golden brown and crispy—about 5 to 7 minutes. Trust me; the sound of that sizzling chicken is music to my ears.
While the chicken is frying, let’s make our honey garlic sauce. In a separate pan, melt some butter and add the minced garlic. The aroma that fills your kitchen is simply divine! Once the garlic is fragrant, stir in the honey and soy sauce, and don’t forget a sprinkle of chili flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. This sauce is what makes the chicken magical, so don’t rush this part!
Now, for the cheese balls, we need to roll the mozzarella cubes. You’ll want to dip each cube in flour, followed by the beaten eggs, and then coat them in panko breadcrumbs. I can’t help but smile when I think about how crispy they’ll get! Heat that oil again and fry the cheese balls until they’re golden brown. Keep a watchful eye; they will cook quickly!
Let’s not forget about the fries! Cut the large potatoes into fry shapes and toss them in a bowl with paprika, garlic powder, and salt. You can either deep fry them until crispy or bake them. I love baking them for a healthier option. If baking, just lay them out on a baking sheet and pop them in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25 minutes. Either way, you’ll end up with some delicious crunchy fries.
Now that everything is cooked, mix the crispy chicken bites in the honey garlic sauce and watch as each piece gets coated in that sweet, sticky goodness! Serve everything out on a big platter—chicken bites, cheese balls, and fries. You can even serve it with a side of marinara or ranch dip for extra enjoyment.
Why do I love making this dish? For me, it brings everyone together. It’s not just about the food; it’s the laughter, the stories, and sharing moments that make it special. I cherish the times we sit around the table devouring this meal while catching up on our days.
For perfect results, here are a few personal tips. Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve that scrumptious crunch. If you prefer a tangier flavor, you might add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, why not toss some chopped scallions or sesame seeds over the finished chicken for some extra flair?
Serving suggestions? You can’t go wrong with a fresh garden salad or some coleslaw on the side. These sides are refreshing and balance out the richness of the chicken. Oh! And don’t forget about a good dipping sauce: honey mustard or ranch are both fantastic choices!
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge. You can reheat the chicken in the oven at a low temperature to keep it crispy. I always recommend avoiding the microwave for reheating fried foods, as it tends to make them a bit soggy.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about this dish.
Can I use boneless chicken? Yes, you can! However, I’ve found that bone-in chicken is generally juicier and more flavorful. I’ve tried both, and I always prefer the bone-in version!
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through? The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the honey garlic sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to use it.
This dish has become a family favorite in my home, and I’m so excited for you to try it. I know you’ll love it as much as I do! Your family will likely ask for seconds, just like mine does every time I serve it. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. Happy cooking!
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites with Cheese Balls and Fries
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken tenders or boneless thighs Thighs preferred for juiciness.
- 1 cup flour Essential for crispy coating.
- 1 cup cornstarch Elevates crunch factor.
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk Can make your own with vinegar and milk.
- Oil for frying Vegetable oil, canola, or peanut oil preferred.
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional) For those who like a little heat.
For the Cheese Balls
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (cubed)
- 1 cup flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
For the Fries
- 3 large potatoes (cut into fries)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
Preparation of Chicken
- Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
- Dip the chicken pieces in buttermilk for 10-15 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix flour and cornstarch.
- Coat the chicken in the flour mixture after soaking.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry coated chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Making Honey Garlic Sauce
- Melt butter and add minced garlic in a separate pan.
- Stir in honey and soy sauce, adding chili flakes if desired.
- Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Making Cheese Balls
- Roll mozzarella cubes in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry the cheese balls until golden brown.
Preparing Fries
- Cut potatoes into fries and toss with paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Deep fry or bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25 minutes.
Serving
- Mix the crispy chicken bites in the honey garlic sauce.
- Serve everything on a big platter with cheese balls and fries.