Mediterranean Honey Garlic Chicken Bites with Pasta & Broccoli
These chicken bites are tender, flavorful, and coated in a sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce with a subtle Mediterranean touch. Served alongside pasta and broccoli, they make a balanced, comforting dinner that’s quick enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough for company.
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for light crust)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
⅓ cup honey
¼ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
1 tbsp soy sauce or 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for balance)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Pasta & Broccoli:
8 oz fusilli (spiral pasta) or preferred shape
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, to taste
Optional creamy sauce: ½ cup Alfredo sauce or a drizzle of olive oil with Parmesan
Instructions
Cook the pasta & broccoli
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the pot.
Drain and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. (If using Alfredo sauce, stir it in now.)
Prepare the chicken
Pat chicken dry and toss in cornstarch, if using, for a light crust.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the honey garlic sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in honey, chicken broth, and soy sauce (or vinegar).
Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine chicken & sauce
Return chicken to skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Cook another 2–3 minutes until the sauce clings to the chicken.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
Serve
Plate chicken bites over or alongside the pasta and broccoli.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips
Cornstarch coating: Tossing the chicken in cornstarch before searing helps create a light golden crust that holds the sauce better.
Control sweetness: Start with less honey, then add more if you like a sweeter glaze. The vinegar or soy sauce helps balance it.
Don’t overcook garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so sauté just until fragrant before adding the sauce.
Pasta water trick: If your pasta and broccoli feel dry, reserve a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen them up before serving.
Meal prep tip: Store the chicken and pasta separately to keep the sauce glossy and the pasta from getting soggy.
Variations
Protein swap: Use shrimp, salmon bites, or even tofu instead of chicken.
Grain base: Serve the honey garlic chicken over rice, couscous, or quinoa instead of pasta.
Add veggies: Mix in zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for more Mediterranean color and nutrition.
Make it creamy: Stir a spoonful of Greek yogurt or cream into the honey garlic sauce for a silky texture.
Spice it up: Add smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for a deeper flavor.
Nutty finish: Top with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for crunch.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this without cornstarch?
A: Yes. The cornstarch just helps create a light crust, but the chicken will still be delicious without it.
Q: What pasta works best for this dish?
A: Fusilli or penne work well because the sauce clings to the curves, but spaghetti or even orzo would also work.
Q: Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
A: Definitely. The honey garlic sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just warm it up and toss with fresh-cooked chicken.
Q: How do I keep the broccoli bright green and tender?
A: Add the florets in the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking. They’ll come out tender-crisp and vibrant.
Q: Can I make this dish healthier?
A: Yes—use whole wheat pasta, reduce the honey slightly, and serve with extra veggies.
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~480
Protein: 34g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: ~480mg
(Values are approximate and vary with portion size and sauce adjustments.)
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are a tasty balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors. Paired with pasta and broccoli, the dish becomes a wholesome and satisfying meal the whole family can enjoy. It’s quick enough for weeknights, flexible with substitutions, and easy to scale for meal prep. Whether you keep it light or make it creamy, this recipe delivers bold flavor with simple ingredients.