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).
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
Honey BBQ Chicken Bites. Instead of corn flakes could I use crushed French’s Fried Onions?
Hi Eileen, we can’t speak to the results of that change, but would love to hear how it goes if you give it a try!
I have not made them yet, but definitely will. I only hope that I can find a barbeque sauce with much less sugar. I just want to commend you for answering so many questions because I have noticed on so many sites that there are many, many questions asked, and I don’t see any answers. How long does it usually take to get an answer from you? I follow you all the time and congratulations on your new newest book!
Hi Carole, thank you! I have a team who helps respond to questions. We try to reply within 24 to 48 hours, and usually much sooner. Due to the volume of comments, especially on weekends when many are not working, it can take a little longer. It just depends on the volume!
This recipe is perfect for parties! I love collecting appetizer ideas on Pinterest, and these baked chicken bites are going straight into my list.
These were so easy to make and were delicious. I won’t be buying the frozen ones ever again. My husband and I really enjoyed them. We had leftovers and they were also very tasty cold.
So happy to read this, Cathy! Thanks for giving these a try.
I haven’t tried these yet, I don’t have corn flakes. Do you think rice Krispies would work?
Hi Sylvia, we haven’t tested it, but we fear they won’t keep their crunch quite as well as cornflakes. We’d recommend sticking with corn flakes for best results.
Hello. I’m planning on making these for 4th of July.
I have always had bad luck with baked chicken being soggy on the bottom. Which is why I very rarely even make it. But, these sound easy as delicious. I’m planning on preheating my baking sheet to help with that. What do you think?
Hi Camilla, you certainly could! Let us know if you give the recipe a try 🙂
What can I use instead of the corn flakes?
Hi De, we haven’t tried any substitutes here. Let us know if you try anything!
We use corn chex
I am a mom of 4 and always have everyone’s children at my house. As an easier alternative could you use a bag of precooked popcorn chicken n?
Absolutely!
Can I use cornflake crumbs, or do they need to be coarser than that?
Hi Jill, Cornflake crumbs should work great here!
This busting BBQ chicken was the bomb thanks sally
Do you think you could make these with cauliflower? I’m on my first trimester and the thought of chicken makes me (ugh) but I’m craving honey bbq!
Hi Pickles, we haven’t tested it, but let us know if you do!
I’m curious, did the cauliflower work?
These turned out great!!
There are just 2 of us, so 2lbs. is a lot. Can I halave this recipe and still have it come out well? I would think so.
Hi Kathy, you can halve this recipe, no problem. Enjoy!
This recipe is delicious. I used Sweet Baby Ray’s and with the ketchup and honey, it is amazing! My 9 year loves it also.
Hi! What can I use instead of milk since I’m dairy-free?
Hi Abi, you can use a dairy-free milk instead.
Can gluten free flour be used instead of wheat flour?
Hi LaRae, that shouldn’t be an issue, but do note that corn flakes are not gluten free.
You can buy gluten free corn flakes. Gefen original corn flake crumbs contain corn and salt.
Can you substitute panko for cornflakes
Hi Angela! The crunchy texture comes from the cornflakes cereal. You wouldn’t have the same exact result if breading with Panko.
Perfectly crunchy! Very flavorful both ways: plain and coated in the honey BBQ. The corn flakes coating reminded me of chicken McNuggets from McDonald’s in both aroma and taste. Yum!
18 minutes wasn’t enough to cook the chicken, I ended up putting them in the air fryer for a few extra minutes. Next time I’ll crush the corn flakes a little more and add more seasoning.
I was wondering if these would be crispier on the bottom if cooked on a rack rather than sitting on a pan or silpat. Thoughts?
You can certainly give it a try, but we’d recommend placing a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips. Let us know if you try it!
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.
Even drenched in BBQ sauce, the chicken itself is bland. The breading needs some serious spicing up.
How do you like your induction burner?
I made these today and they were a hit. So flavorful and crispy. My husband and toddler loved them.
Could I used bread crumbs instead of cereal?
Hi Bridget, They won’t be as crunchy/crisp, but yes, you can make that swap.
Can I use a oil friyer
Hi Michelle, we haven’t tested it that way, but let us know if you do.
Is it possible to cook them in an air fryer?
I’m sure you could! I haven’t tested it though.
these are so good! kid favorite in my house. my pickier kids enjoy them plain, they’re still really good plain actually. yum! thanks for the winner winner chicken dinner.
can i skip the milk and just use egg?
Hi Leah, it’s best not to skip the milk. You can use a dairy-free milk if needed.
These nuggets are so good. I used what I had, Rice Crisps. Still very crunchy. Picky husband approved. Definitely will be making again. Thank you.