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.