If you’re craving a dish that brings together the perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and crispy textures, then you absolutely need to dive into this Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites Recipe. These little nuggets are bursting with flavor, coated in a crunchy corn flakes crust, and lovingly coated in a luscious honey BBQ sauce that’ll make your taste buds sing. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that works beautifully as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course when paired with your favorite sides. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of those go-to favorites you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites Recipe is both simple and rewarding. Each component plays an important role, from providing that satisfying crunch to delivering rich, saucy goodness that coats every bite.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that stays juicy and tender when baked.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates a light coating that helps the breadcrumbs stick perfectly.
- 5 cups corn flakes cereal: Crushed for an irresistible crispy crust with a golden color.
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce: The rich, smoky backbone of the sauce with a hint of tanginess.
- 1/4 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness that balances the BBQ flavor in the sauce.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Brings a little acidity and depth to round out the sauce’s profile.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as the adhesive to lock the crunchy coating onto each chicken bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of bite and warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory hint that’s impossible to resist.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives smokiness and a touch of color to the coating.
- 1/4 cup milk: Helps create a smooth egg wash for an even coating.
How to Make Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Baking Sheets Ready
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot for baking. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to make cleanup easier and to prevent the chicken bites from sticking. This step is crucial to getting that perfect crispy finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Coating
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Then coat them lightly in all-purpose flour; this dry layer helps the wet ingredients stick. Next, whisk together the eggs and milk, creating a luscious wash that will hold the crispy coating onto every chicken piece.
Step 3: Season and Coat with Crushed Corn Flakes
In a shallow dish, crush the corn flakes cereal until they resemble coarse crumbs. Mix in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to give the coating a burst of flavor and beautiful color. Dip each floured chicken piece into the egg wash, then roll it thoroughly in the seasoned corn flakes, pressing gently so the coating clings tightly.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken Bites
Arrange the coated chicken bites on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly to ensure they crisp up nicely. Bake for about 18 minutes, flipping them halfway through to brown both sides evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when the chicken is cooked through and the crust has turned a delicious golden brown.
Step 5: Make the Honey BBQ Sauce
While the chicken is baking, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, and ketchup in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture gently over low heat for about five minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s smooth and slightly thickened. This glossy sauce is the magic that brings everything together.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once the chicken bites are out of the oven, toss them in the warm honey BBQ sauce until each piece is generously coated. This step ensures every bite bursts with that signature sweet and smoky flavor that makes this Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites Recipe so irresistible.
How to Serve Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes can elevate these chicken bites instantly. Freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a pop of green and freshness, while a sprinkle of sesame seeds provides an unexpected textural contrast and a hint of nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
Side Dishes
These bites love company! Consider pairing them with classic coleslaw for a crunchy, tangy side that cuts through the sweetness. Roasted vegetables or baked sweet potato fries complement the smoky flavors perfectly and make for a complete, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual gathering, serve the chicken bites in mini paper cones or on skewers for easy grabbing. You can even arrange them around bowls of extra honey BBQ sauce for dipping. Presentation like this turns a simple snack into a finger food sensation your guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover chicken bites, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to four days, making for an effortless next-day snack or meal addition.
Freezing
Want to keep these bites on hand for longer? Lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze them individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This way, they won’t stick together, and you can pull out just what you need for a quick baked treat anytime within two months.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken bites on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method helps the crust regain its crispness, unlike microwaving, which can make them soggy. You can toss them again in warmed sauce if you like before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more juiciness and a bit of fattiness, which some people prefer. Just be sure to cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and adjust the baking time slightly if needed.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free corn flakes. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
How spicy is this dish?
This Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites Recipe is more sweet and smoky than spicy. If you want to add some heat, sprinkle a little cayenne pepper into the corn flakes or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
Can these chicken bites be made in an air fryer?
Definitely! Air frying is a great way to get an extra crispy coating with less oil. Cook them at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
What’s the best way to crush corn flakes?
The easiest method is to place the corn flakes in a ziplock bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. Aim for coarse crumbs, not powder, to keep that satisfying crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings joy, flavor, and simplicity all wrapped into one. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how such everyday ingredients come together to create something wonderfully special. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 33 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites feature tender chunks of chicken breast coated with a crunchy corn flakes crust and smothered in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, these bites are oven-baked for a healthier alternative to fried chicken without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Ingredients
Chicken Coating
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 5 cups corn flakes cereal, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Wet Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
Honey BBQ Sauce
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Coat the Chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and lightly coat each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip in Egg and Milk Mixture. Whisk together the eggs and milk in a bowl. Dip the floured chicken pieces into this mixture to moisten them thoroughly.
- Crust with Corn Flakes. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Roll each egg-dipped chicken piece in the seasoned corn flakes, pressing lightly to adhere the coating well.
- Bake the Chicken Bites. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 18 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping on both sides.
- Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce. While the chicken bakes, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, and ketchup in a saucepan. Heat the mixture gently over low-medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until warm and well blended.
- Toss Chicken Bites in Sauce. Once the chicken bites are fully cooked and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl and toss them with the warm honey BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve and Enjoy. Serve the honey BBQ chicken bites hot as an appetizer or snack. Enjoy the perfect balance of crunchy texture and sweet tangy sauce.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the corn flakes coating mixture.
- Ensure chicken pieces are evenly coated for maximum crispiness.
- Using parchment paper prevents the chicken from sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
- You can substitute corn flakes with crushed gluten-free cereal to make it gluten-free.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping if desired.
