Spicy Bliss: Asian Style Chicken Bites
Hello, flavor enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to introduce a recipe that brings a burst of Asian-inspired flavors right to your kitchen—Asian Style Chicken Bites.
As a professional chef and nutritionist, I’ve crafted this recipe to balance the bold flavors of soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. These chicken bites are perfect for a quick dinner, an impressive appetizer, or a tasty snack. Let’s dive into the health benefits of these delicious ingredients.
Ingredients and their health benefits
Before the recipe, let’s dive into the benefits of each ingredient. These bite-sized chicken pieces are marinated in a fusion of Asian spices and sauces, creating a perfect snack or appetizer that’s bursting with flavor. Ideal for parties or as a tasty treat, Asian style chicken bites are sure to be a hit.
Chicken Breast
Chicken Breast
Chicken breast is a lean source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and maintenance. A 300g serving provides approximately 70g of protein and is low in fat, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain or build muscle while keeping calorie intake in check. Additionally, chicken breast is rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins and selenium, which support metabolism and immune function.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a staple in Asian cuisine, known for its rich umami flavor. It is low in calories and contains several beneficial nutrients, including manganese, iron, and antioxidants. Soy sauce can enhance the taste of your dishes while providing a small amount of protein. However, it’s important to use it in moderation due to its high sodium content.
Ginger
Ginger is well-regarded for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help with digestion, reduce nausea, and fight the flu and common cold. Fresh ginger root adds a unique, slightly spicy flavor to dishes and contains bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain.
Garlic
Garlic is known for its potent medicinal properties, which are attributed to the sulfur compounds that form when garlic is chopped, crushed, or chewed. Garlic is also beneficial for heart health, as it can help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Additionally, garlic has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can support overall health.
Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds are a great source of healthy fats, particularly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. They are also rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Sesame seeds provide a good amount of plant-based protein and are packed with essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
Step-by-Step
Let’s create these flavorful Asian style chicken bites together! Get the chicken and veggies diced and get ready for some magic!
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger piece (about 2cm), and 1 finely chopped red or green chili (if using). Add chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for a few hours or overnight for better flavor.
Cook the Chicken
Heat 30ml vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces (discarding excess marinade) and fry until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes depending on the size of the pieces.
Garnish and Serve
Transfer the cooked chicken bites to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish. Serve immediately, perhaps with a side of steamed rice or over a bed of salad greens.
Asian Style Chicken Bites
Course: Lunch, Snacks, BrunchCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes20
minutes310
kcalThese Asian Style Chicken Bites offer a burst of flavor with each bite, combining the savory depth of soy sauce with the sweetness of honey and the aromatic punch of garlic and ginger. They are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or part of a larger meal.
Ingredients
300g chicken breast, cut into small bite-sized pieces
30ml soy sauce
15ml honey
15ml sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 piece of ginger (about 2cm), minced
1 green chili, finely chopped (optional for heat)
30ml vegetable oil for frying
Sesame seeds for garnish
Green onions, sliced for garnish
Directions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and chopped green chili if using. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and stir to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for better flavor, leave it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces (discarding excess marinade) and fry until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes depending on the size of the pieces.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken bites to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish. Serve immediately, perhaps with a side of steamed rice or over a bed of salad greens.
Customization Ideas
Tailor these chicken bites to your taste and find your perfect combo.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chili or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Alternative Proteins: Try using tofu or shrimp for a different take on the recipe.
- Vegetable Additions: Include bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added nutrition and texture.
Nutritional Information
Based on the ingredients provided, here’s an approximate breakdown of the calories and nutrients in your Asian Style Chicken Bites:
Calories: About 430 calories per serving (300g chicken breast).
Nutritional Breakdown:
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 43g
- Sodium: 1450mg
Nutrient Sources:
- Chicken Breast (300g): Provides lean protein essential for muscle repair and maintenance.
- Soy Sauce (30ml): Adds umami flavor and provides small amounts of protein and iron.
- Honey (15ml): Adds natural sweetness and a small amount of carbohydrates.
- Sesame Oil (15ml): Provides healthy fats and adds a distinct flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Adds flavor and offers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Ginger (2cm piece): Aids digestion and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Vegetable Oil (30ml): Used for frying, adds fats.
- Sesame Seeds: Are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.
- Green Onions: Adds flavor and a small amount of vitamins and minerals.
FAQ’s
What can I serve with Asian Style Chicken Bites?
These chicken bites pair well with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them as an appetizer with dipping sauces like sweet chili or soy ginger.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken pieces in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken pieces in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Wrap-Up
These Asian Style Chicken Bites are a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making them a versatile dish for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a party appetizer, or a snack, these chicken bites are sure to impress. Experiment with different ingredients to make it your own, and enjoy the delicious blend of bold flavors.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out more of my healthy and delicious recipes on the blog.
See you soon, and remember, one bite at a time!
