Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a flavorful homemade sauce. These savory bites are perfect for game day, a family dinner, or even as a quick snack. With a crispy coating and a sweet and tangy glaze, this recipe will surely become a favorite among family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Unlike traditional fried chicken, baking these bites reduces the amount of oil used while still achieving a crispy texture. The combination of honey and BBQ sauce creates a perfect blend of sweetness and tanginess that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Plus, you can feel good about serving a dish that’s made with simple and wholesome ingredients. Let’s dive into how to make these delightful bites!

How to Make Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

Creating your own Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites at home is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps and enjoy the delicious results.

Ingredients:

2 pounds (907g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
5 cups (140g) corn flakes cereal, crushed lightly
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 large eggs
1/4 cup (60g/ml) milk
3/4 cup (222g) your favorite BBQ sauce (I like Sweet Baby Ray’s Original)
1/4 cup (85g) honey
1/4 cup (68g) ketchup

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
Place the bite-sized pieces of chicken in a large bowl. Add flour and stir to coat each piece. Set aside.
In another large bowl, combine the corn flakes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Set it aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
This next step gets your hands a little messy, so have paper towels nearby. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Then, generously roll the chicken in the cornflake mixture, checking to ensure you shake off any excess. Place the coated pieces onto the prepared baking sheets. Repeat this process for all chicken pieces.
Bake for 18 minutes, flipping them once about halfway through. During this time, you can make the sauce in step 7.
Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, and ketchup. Cook for about 5 minutes while whisking occasionally.
Carefully place the chicken bites into a large bowl. Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and gently stir to coat. Serve warm.

Pro Tips for Success Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

Ensure Even Coating: Make sure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated with the egg mixture before rolling it in the cornflake crust. This ensures maximum crispiness.
Space Out the Chicken: When placing the chicken on the baking sheet, leave some space between the pieces. This allows for even cooking and crisping, preventing them from steaming.
Flip Carefully: When flipping the chicken halfway through baking, use tongs gently to avoid knocking off the coating.
Make It Ahead: You can prepare the chicken bites in advance and refrigerate them before baking. They’ll stay crispy if coated and refrigerated for a couple of hours.
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfect results.

Flavor Variations Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

Spicy Kick: Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy version of your honey BBQ chicken bites.
Garlic Lovers: Increase the amount of garlic powder in the cornflake mixture for a more potent garlic flavor.
Citrus Zing: Mix a little lemon or lime juice into the BBQ sauce for a tangy twist.
Add Herbs: Mix in some dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the cornflake crust for an aromatic touch.
Cheesy Option: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar into the cornflake mixture for an added cheesy layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites can be served in various ways. Here are a few ideas to enhance your dining experience:

With Dipping Sauces: Serve these bites with additional BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo for dipping.
On a Salad: Toss the chicken bites on a fresh green salad for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Slider Style: Place the chicken bites on mini buns with lettuce and tomato to create delicious sliders that are great for parties.
Buffet Style: Arrange them on a platter and let guests serve themselves at gatherings or get-togethers.

Storage and Freezing Instructions Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

These chicken bites are great for meal prep!

Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through for an easy snack or meal.
Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked, coated chicken bites before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer for an extra 5-7 minutes.
Reheating Frozen Bites: If reheating already cooked chicken bites, you can place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until they are warmed throughout, which will help maintain their crispiness.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) —

Calories: 250
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 600mg

FAQ About Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and moisture to the dish. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time slightly, as dark meat may take a bit longer to reach the proper temperature.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can make Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free corn flakes. These adjustments will help maintain the texture and flavor of the dish while accommodating dietary restrictions.

How can I make these bites lower in calories?

To reduce calories, you can use less sauce when coating the chicken or opt for a low-sugar BBQ sauce. Instead of using corn flakes, consider using ground oats or almond flour for a lighter coating. You can also reduce the amount of honey in the sauce if you prefer a less sweet flavor.

What BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

The best BBQ sauce for Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites really depends on your flavor preference. Sweet Baby Ray’s Original is a fantastic choice for its balance of sweetness and tang. You can also try other flavors like smoky, spicy, or even mustard-based sauces for unique twists.

How do I keep the chicken bites crispy?

To ensure the chicken bites remain crispy, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet and allow space between each piece. Also, reheating them in the oven rather than the microwave helps keep the coating crunchy.

Final Thoughts

Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, they are sure to become a household favorite. Whether you whip them up for a family dinner or serve them at your next gathering, your guests will love them. Enjoy the delicious flavors and happy cooking!

Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

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Total Time: 38 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten-Free (with modifications)

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Description

Delightful tender chicken bites coated in a crispy crust and drizzled with a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

2 pounds (907g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
5 cups (140g) corn flakes cereal, crushed lightly
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 large eggs
1/4 cup (60ml) milk
3/4 cup (222g) your favorite BBQ sauce
1/4 cup (85g) honey
1/4 cup (68g) ketchup

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
Place the bite-sized pieces of chicken in a large bowl. Add flour and stir to coat each piece. Set aside.
In another large bowl, combine the corn flakes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Set it aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Then, roll the chicken in the cornflake mixture, checking to ensure you shake off any excess. Place the coated pieces onto the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 18 minutes, flipping them once about halfway through.
Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, and ketchup. Cook for about 5 minutes while whisking occasionally.
Carefully place the chicken bites into a large bowl. Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and gently stir to coat. Serve warm.

Notes

Ensure even coating for maximum crispiness. You can make the chicken bites ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American