Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
These Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether it’s game day or a simple weeknight dinner, these crispy bites satisfy every craving. They offer the perfect balance of crunch and a sticky-sweet glaze that everyone will love. Plus, they are baked rather than fried, making them a lighter yet flavorful option for your next gathering or family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Option – Baked instead of fried, these chicken bites have less fat while still being delicious.
- Packed with Flavor – The honey BBQ glaze is sweet, smoky, and irresistible, elevating the taste of each bite.
- Easy to Prepare – With simple ingredients and quick steps, even beginner cooks can master this recipe.
- Versatile Snack – Perfect for appetizers, game day snacks, or even as a main dish paired with sides.
- Great for Leftovers – These chicken bites keep well in the fridge and reheat beautifully for future meals.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Below are some tools that will help you create these delicious bites effortlessly.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Large mixing bowls
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheets – These provide a sturdy surface for cooking and ensure even heat distribution.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – These prevent sticking and make cleanup much easier.
- Large mixing bowls – Perfect for tossing ingredients together without mess.
- Whisk – Ideal for blending egg mixtures smoothly.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites
- 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
For the Honey BBQ Sauce
- 3/4 cup (222g) your favorite BBQ sauce (I like Sweet Baby Rays Original)
- 1/4 cup (85g) honey
- 1/4 cup (68g) ketchup
How to Make Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Place the bite-sized pieces of chicken in a large bowl. Add the flour and stir to coat each piece evenly. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Coating Mixture
In another large bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Pieces
This next step can get messy—so keep some paper towels nearby! Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then roll it generously in the cornflake mixture, shaking off any extra coating. Place each coated piece onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process until all chicken pieces are coated.
Step 5: Bake Chicken Bites
Bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time. While they’re baking, you can prepare the honey BBQ sauce in step 6. Once done baking, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Make the Honey BBQ Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine your preferred BBQ sauce with honey and ketchup. Cook for about 5 minutes while whisking occasionally to mix well.
Step 7: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Carefully transfer the baked chicken bites into a large bowl. Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over them and gently stir to coat all pieces evenly. Serve warm on their own or with dipping sauces!
Step 8: Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through when ready to enjoy again!
How to Serve Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these bites will impress everyone. Here are some creative serving suggestions.
As a Game Day Snack
- Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking while watching the game.
- Pair with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
In a Wrap
- Place the chicken bites in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado for a delicious wrap.
- Drizzle additional honey BBQ sauce inside for extra flavor.
On a Salad
- Toss the bites on top of mixed greens along with your favorite veggies.
- Add a light vinaigrette to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
With Veggie Sticks
- Accompany with carrot and celery sticks for a crunchy contrast.
- Serve with hummus or yogurt dip on the side.
As Sliders
- Place the chicken bites on mini buns with pickles and coleslaw.
- Perfect for creating tasty sliders that everyone will love.
How to Perfect Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
Perfecting your baked honey BBQ chicken bites is all about technique and timing. Follow these tips to ensure they come out crispy and flavorful every time.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality BBQ sauce make a noticeable difference in taste.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Space out the chicken bites to ensure they cook evenly and stay crispy.
- Flip halfway through baking: This promotes even cooking and helps achieve that golden-brown color on both sides.
- Adjust cooking time as needed: If your pieces are larger or smaller than suggested, check for doneness earlier or later than the recommended time.
- Cool briefly before saucing: Letting them cool slightly allows the sauce to stick better without making them soggy.
- Experiment with sauces: Feel free to mix different sauces or add spices to create unique flavors!
Best Side Dishes for Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
Pairing side dishes with your baked honey BBQ chicken bites can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement their sweet and savory flavor.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and balances the richness of the chicken bites.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These crispy fries offer a slightly sweet contrast that pairs perfectly with honey BBQ flavors.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac n’ cheese provides comfort alongside the crunchy chicken bites.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and an enjoyable texture to your meal.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Potato Salad: A chilled potato salad brings creaminess that complements the warm chicken bites.
- Mixed Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a light, sweet counterbalance to savory dishes.
- Baked Beans: Smoky baked beans enhance the barbecue theme while adding hearty flavor to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites, be mindful of these common mistakes to ensure the best results.
- Using Too Much Flour: Over-coating chicken with flour can make the bites dense. Use just enough to lightly coat each piece.
- Skipping the Egg Wash: Not dipping chicken in the egg mixture can prevent the cornflake coating from sticking properly. Always dip each piece before rolling it in the coating.
- Not Crushing Corn Flakes Enough: Large pieces of corn flakes won’t create that crispy texture. Crush them into smaller pieces for an even coating.
- Underbaking the Chicken: If you don’t bake them long enough, they may end up soggy. Make sure to bake until they are golden and crispy.
- Ignoring Sauce Timing: Making the sauce too early can lead to it cooling down and becoming thick. Prepare it right before you’re ready to toss with the chicken bites.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Keep in a single layer if possible to maintain crispiness.
Freezing Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but expect some loss of crunchiness.
- Stovetop: For a quick option, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites that might help clarify your cooking process.
Can I use different sauces for Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili for different flavors.
How do I make these bites spicier?
To add heat, try mixing hot sauce into your BBQ sauce or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the cornflake mixture.
Can I make Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them and store them unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
What sides pair well with Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites?
These bites complement coleslaw, fries, or a fresh garden salad beautifully.
Are these chicken bites healthy?
Baking instead of frying makes them a healthier option compared to traditional fried chicken bites while still being delicious!
Final Thoughts
Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are not only irresistible but also versatile. They work perfectly as appetizers or main dishes and can easily be customized with different sauces or seasonings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these delightful bites at your next gathering or as a simple weeknight dinner!
Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are a mouthwatering, healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. These crispy chicken bites are coated in a delightful honey BBQ glaze that offers the perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness, making them an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or looking for a quick weeknight dinner option, these bites are sure to satisfy your cravings. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, they can be enjoyed on their own, in wraps, or atop salads. Plus, they store well for delicious leftovers!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 5 cups corn flakes cereal
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, coat chicken pieces in flour.
- In another bowl, mix crushed corn flakes with seasonings. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Dip each chicken piece in egg mixture then roll in cornflake mixture before placing on baking sheets.
- Bake for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Meanwhile, combine BBQ sauce ingredients over medium heat for the glaze.
- Toss baked chicken bites with warm honey BBQ sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 chicken bites (85g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
