These crispy honey BBQ chicken bites are baked, not fried, making them a lighter option. The coating stays crunchy under a sticky-sweet honey BBQ glaze that’s packed with flavor. They’re the kind of snack everyone loves—perfect for game day spreads or even an easy weeknight dinner.
I originally published this recipe in 2016 and have since added new photos and more success tips, as well as air fryer instructions.
Chicken fingers, or smaller “popcorn chicken,” is always a favorite, whether you’re serving it as a game day snack, party appetizer, or quick dinner. This version takes it up a notch with a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce that soaks right into the crunchy coating. They’re crisp on the outside, juicy inside, and don’t even need a dipping sauce (though you can certainly add one if you’d like).
Kids go crazy for them, and adults appreciate that bold sweet-and-smoky flavor.
Why You’ll Love These Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
- Baked, not fried
- Can be made in the air fryer
- Sticky-sweet glaze
- Crunchy coating made from corn flakes cereal
- Kid and adult-approved
- Simple ingredients
One reader, Veronica, commented: “Extremely good! Even the plain pieces without sauce were delicious! I’ve tried a lot of recipes for baked crispy chicken in the past, and these were one of the first to actually turn out nice and crunchy. I’ll definitely make these again with a variety of sauces. ★★★★★“
Here Are The Ingredients You Need & Why:
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and cut them into bite-sized pieces for quick, even baking.
- All-purpose flour: This is the first layer of the coating; it helps the egg mixture stick to the chicken.
- Corn flakes cereal: Lightly crushed for a crunchy, golden coating that rivals fried chicken.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika: Simple seasonings that add flavor right into the coating. The smoked paprika gives a subtle smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the BBQ glaze.
- Eggs and milk: Create the wet layer that helps the cornflake coating adhere to the chicken.
- BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand; it’s the base of the honey BBQ glaze.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and stickiness to the sauce.
- Ketchup: Rounds out the sauce with tang and extra flavor.
Plus, if desired, chopped chives for fresh flavor when serving!
Let’s Coat the Chicken: Here’s How
That coating on the chicken is easy, yet effective. It has 3 layers, including flour, to help the egg mixture stick; eggs and milk, to help the crunchy coating stick; and crushed corn flakes and spices. It’s a quick dredging station all working together!
Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. I usually use kitchen shears for this.
Toss chicken pieces in flour, then dip in egg mixture:
Then coat generously in the seasoned corn flakes:
Arrange the coated chicken on lined baking sheets:
Bake or Air Fry
Unlike fried versions (cooked in oil), these honey bbq chicken bites are baked in the oven until golden and crisp, usually around 15–20 minutes depending on size.
You can also cook the honey bbq chicken bites in the air fryer. Preheat to 400°F (204°C), arrange the pieces in a single layer, and lightly spray with oil. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping the chicken or shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
By the way, have you tried my pretzel crusted chicken bites? Another great baked not fried recipe to add to your list!
Toss in Honey BBQ Sauce
After cooking, toss the chicken bites in a warmed 3-ingredient sauce: bbq sauce, honey, and ketchup. The sauce clings to every bite, making them sticky, flavorful, and completely irresistible.
Ideas for Serving
- Game day or parties: Pile them high on a platter and serve with celery sticks. An excellent choice when choosing Super Bowl recipes!
- Weeknight dinner: Serve with sweet potato fries and/or roasted vegetables.
- Salads: Chop up and add to a green salad.
- Add to a wrap: Wrap up in a tortilla with crunchy lettuce and tomato, plus blue cheese or ranch dressing if desired.
If you love all things BBQ, be sure to try my BBQ chicken pizza, too!
Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: serves 8
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy honey BBQ chicken bites are baked, not fried, making them a lighter option. The coating stays crunchy under a sticky-sweet honey BBQ glaze that’s packed with flavor. They’re the kind of snack everyone loves—perfect for game day spreads or even an easy weeknight dinner. Air fryer instructions included below!
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
Easy 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
Instructions
- Preheat 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.
- Combine the corn flakes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a large bowl. Set aside. Whisk the eggs and milk together in a small bowl.
- This next step gets your hands a little messy so have paper towels nearby. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then generously roll in the cornflake mixture, shaking off any excess. Place onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all chicken pieces.
- Bake for 18 minutes, flipping once about halfway through. (During this time, I make the sauce in step 6.) Remove from the oven and cool chicken for 5 minutes.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the bbq sauce, honey, and ketchup, and cook for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally.
- Carefully place the chicken bites into a large bowl. Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce on top and gently stir to coat. Serve warm.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through.
Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: Prepare the chicken through step 4. Refrigerate for up to 1 day before continuing with step 5. You can also freeze the baked and cooled chicken before tossing in the honey BBQ sauce. Bake frozen chicken in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Special Tools (affiliate links): Baking Sheet | Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper | Glass Mixing Bowls | Wooden Spoon
- Plain Chicken Bites: You can leave the coated baked chicken plain. Simply add a little more seasoning (salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder) to the cornflake mixture and leave off the honey BBQ sauce.
- Air Fryer: Skip the oven. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C), arrange the pieces in a single layer, and lightly spray with oil. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping the chicken or shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Repeat until all chicken is cooked through.
Reader Comments and Reviews
My husband and I loved this chicken and were impressed by the crispy texture. We ate this chicken as the main dish for dinner, served with white rice and green onions. We used Japanese barbecue sauce (Bachan’s), and added Japanese mayo (kewpie) as an extra condiment. I will add this recipe to my regular rotation for dinners! Next time, we’ll try it with Japanese cucumber salad and furikake! I’m inspired to also try using the cornflake breading technique for French Toast in the oven! Thanks Sally!
This looks delicious! I can’t use dairy, any suggestions what I can used instead of milk?
Hi Sylvia, you can use a non-dairy milk like plain almond milk or soy milk instead.
These were a hit for my wife and I. They are better then any of the restaurants wings in our areas.
My picky 4 year old loved these! He doesn’t usually eat much at dinner time but he couldn’t get enough of these!
What did you serve with for sides?
Oh my, why did I wait so long to try this chicken recipe?! I love that this not only tastes wonderful but it is simple and BAKED with no oil or fat!! Who would have ever thought smashing up corn flakes (plus a few simple ingredients) would result in a winning chicken recipe? Sally, just to let you know how many age groups love what you do, I’m 78. So many recipes to try…
Anyone try to make these with an air fryer?
I was wondering the same thing. I think it would work.
We haven’t tested these in an air fryer but I’m sure it would work!
There are air fryer instructions in the updated version.
Do you have a gluten free corn flake substitute you recommend? I really want to make these for a large group, many of whom are gluten free.
Hi Heather, We haven’t tested any gluten free alternatives to corn flakes but let us know if you try anything!
Sprouts carries gluten free corn flakes
Easy and delicious. My whole family loved them!
Go with the Corn Flakes folks… it’s what makes it crispy! I followed a couple suggestions from previous reviews and added the spices in with the flour to coat the chicken. After baking I sauced the pieces and placed them back on the tray to bake an additional 5 minutes at 400F….Oh boy!!! So good!! I also used chicken thighs…about 1 1/2 pounds…made way more than I figured, but so yummy!!!
Came out sooo good! My family & I loved this recipe.
Hi,
Can I prepare through step 4 earlier in the day, put it in the refrigerator then bake it when I’m ready? Also how can I keep this warm?
Hi Linda, absolutely. You can prepare through step 4 and leave in the fridge for up to a day before continuing with step 5. The finished chicken stays warm for quite a while while serving, but feel free to reheat in the microwave to your liking while enjoying leftovers.
We all loved this recipe!!
One of my favourite recipes now, made this with egg fried rice on the side. It was amazing, and mouth-watering, definitely worth it, and will be making it again.
Hi Sally,
Thank you for your great recipes.
Will this recipe work if I use chicken drumsticks?
Thank you.
Yes, it should!
Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs?
Sure can!
These turned out amazing! I should have doubled the recipe because my family wanted seconds and thirds!! Will definitely be making again!
This is just wonderful…Hands down one of the best chicken recipes I’ve ever come across…This is a definite keeper…Thank you for sharing!
I saw these in your Super Bowl email and couldn’t wait until Sunday to make them! Had them for dinner last night and the whole family devoured them. Making them again this weekend. They’re pretty easy!. Thanks Sally!
Can I use regular paprika instead of smoked? Will it mess with the flavor? Thanks!
It will have a slightly different flavor but you can use it!
Good stuff! Husband said he liked these more than the ones we usually order from our favorite wing joint. Was less $$$ too! Thanks Sally!
Thanks so much for sharing this recipe! I would’ve never thought to use corn flakes. It was perfectly crispy and the sauce was delicious. Perfect wings for the Super Bowl.
Sally,
Thank you for another delicious recipe! My family of six, including some very picky, I mean selective, eaters, ALL ate this for dinner tonight. That’s a huge win for this mama. We’ve always loved your desserts. I can’t wait to try more of your dinner recipes.
Thank you so much!! God bless you!
I had to double the recipe but these were delicious! I actually poured the sauce over them and baked them with the sauce at 400 for 5 minutes! It thickened the sauce and gave the top an extra crispy coat! Yummy!
This chicken is very good. I was surprised how crispy it came out. My kids loved it. Plain or with sauce its very good.
Can you use bread crumbs instead of cornflake crumbs?
They won’t be as crunchy/crisp, but yes!
These are fantastic. I have made them almost weekly for the last 3-4 months. Definitely a staple in the meal rotation now. I serve with French fries and we like it better (and it is cheaper) than going out to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings. Thanks for the awesome recipe.
Made these for supper and had salads and mashed potatoes and that popcorn chicken was a hit! Thanks for a great savory recipe.