Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
These Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are an irresistible treat that combines a crispy coating with a sticky, sweet glaze. Perfect for any occasion, from game day gatherings to family dinners, these chicken bites are sure to please everyone. The unique aspect of this recipe is that they are baked instead of fried, making them a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, they are quick and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: The cornflake coating gives these chicken bites a satisfying crunch.
- Sweet and Savory Flavor: The honey BBQ glaze adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tangy flavor.
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a main course.
- Kid-Friendly: These bites are loved by both kids and adults, making them ideal for family meals.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Grab This Chef Knife Now - Almost Gone!
- Stays Razor-Sharp: Ice-hardened blade keeps its edge longer than ordinary knives
- Superior Grip Control: Unique finger hole design gives you perfect balance and safety
- Built to Last a Lifetime: Premium stainless steel blade with elegant beech wood handle
Customer Reviews ★★★★★
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Small saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheets: Provides an even surface for cooking the chicken bites evenly.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up easier.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for thoroughly combining ingredients without spills.
- Whisk: Perfect for mixing the egg and milk mixture smoothly.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Coating
- 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
For the Egg Mixture
- 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). While it heats up, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Place the bite-sized pieces of chicken in a large bowl. Add the flour and stir well to coat each piece evenly. Set aside while you prepare the coating.
Step 3: Make the Coating Mixture
In another large bowl, combine crushed corn flakes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Pieces
This step can get messy! Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture first. Allow excess liquid to drip off before rolling each piece in the cornflake mixture until fully coated. Place each coated piece onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken Bites
Bake in your preheated oven for about 18 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce
While your chicken bakes, make the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine BBQ sauce, honey, and ketchup. Cook for around 5 minutes while whisking occasionally until warmed through.
Step 7: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Transfer your baked chicken bites into a large bowl. Pour warm honey BBQ sauce over them and gently stir until all pieces are coated evenly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites warm. They also store well in the refrigerator for up to one week; simply reheat in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy leftovers.
How to Serve Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
These Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are perfect for any gathering or casual dinner. They can be served in various ways that enhance their delicious flavors and make them even more enjoyable.
As Appetizers
- Serve these bites on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
- Pair with extra honey BBQ sauce for dipping, allowing guests to customize their flavor.
In a Wrap
- Place the chicken bites in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado.
- Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce for a tasty twist on a wrap.
On a Salad
- Toss the chicken bites on top of mixed greens for a protein-packed salad.
- Add your favorite vegetables and a light dressing to complement the flavors.
With Sliders
- Use slider buns to create mini sandwiches filled with chicken bites and coleslaw.
- This makes for a fun and filling meal option.
For Game Day
- Serve alongside chips and veggie sticks during game day parties.
- Create a festive atmosphere with drinks and finger foods for everyone to enjoy.
How to Perfect Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
To ensure your Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and quality BBQ sauce will enhance the overall taste.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Leave space between each piece to ensure they bake evenly and stay crispy.
- Flip halfway through baking: This helps achieve an even golden color on all sides of the chicken bites.
- Adjust cooking time as needed: Depending on your oven, keep an eye on the chicken bites to avoid overcooking.
- Let them rest before serving: Allowing them to cool slightly lets the glaze set without making them soggy.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust seasoning levels or try different spices in the cornflake coating for varied flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
When serving Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the chicken bites.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These provide a sweet contrast that pairs beautifully with honey BBQ flavors.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds a classic touch that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac adds comfort and richness that goes well with crispy chicken.
- Potato Salad: A chilled potato salad can serve as a cool counterpart to warm chicken bites.
- Veggie Sticks and Dip: Fresh veggies offer crunch, while dips add flavor variety—perfect for snacking!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Skipping the Flour Coating: Failing to coat the chicken in flour can lead to a soggy texture. Make sure to coat each piece thoroughly for that crispy bite.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Baking your chicken bites in a cold oven will result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) before baking.
- Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Placing too many chicken pieces on one sheet can cause steaming instead of crisping. Arrange them in a single layer with space between each piece.
- Neglecting to Flip: Forgetting to flip the chicken halfway through baking can prevent even browning. Be sure to turn them for that golden color all around.
- Ignoring Sauce Timing: Adding sauce too early can make the coating soggy. Wait until after baking and then toss with the warm honey BBQ sauce for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites in an airtight container.
- They can be kept for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
- For longer storage, freeze the chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to freezer bags.
- They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken bites on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place bites on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a paper towel. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes.
- Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat and add chicken bites. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites?
Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are crispy, bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in crunchy corn flakes and tossed in a sweet honey BBQ sauce.
Can I make these chicken bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken bites ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer before baking.
How do I customize my baked chicken bites?
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or sauces! Try adding spicy mustard or hot sauce for an extra kick.
What should I serve with these Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites?
These delicious bites pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Final Thoughts
Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are not just tasty; they are also versatile! Perfect as an appetizer or quick weeknight dinner, you can easily customize them with your favorite flavors. Give this recipe a try and enjoy their crispy goodness today!
Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are a delightful twist on classic comfort food, combining tender chicken with a crispy cornflake coating and a sticky honey BBQ glaze. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to exciting game day gatherings. The best part? They are baked, not fried, making them a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Quick and easy to prepare, they can be served as appetizers, snacks, or even part of a main course. Expect smiles all around as everyone enjoys the sweet and savory goodness in every bite!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 5 cups cornflakes cereal
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, coat chicken pieces with flour.
- Mix crushed cornflakes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in another bowl. Whisk eggs and milk in a small bowl.
- Dip the floured chicken in the egg mixture, then roll in the cornflake mixture until fully coated.
- Arrange on baking sheets and bake for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While baking, combine BBQ sauce, honey, and ketchup in a saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Toss baked chicken bites in the warm sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 chicken bites (112g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
