When you’re craving a snack or a fun dinner that’s bursting with sticky-sweet and smoky flavor, this Honey Barbecue Chicken Bites Recipe has got you covered. These tender, crunchy bites are perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something totally satisfying and easy to whip up.
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This
This Honey Barbecue Chicken Bites Recipe combines crispy, golden crusts with juicy, tender chicken inside, all coated in a luscious honey-sweetened barbecue glaze. It’s a crowd-pleaser that balances savory and sweet in every bite.
- Reliable Texture, Great Flavor: The mix of flour and crushed cornflakes creates a crunchy shell that holds up beautifully while baking.
- Crisp–Golden Finish: Baking at a high temperature ensures a toasty exterior without frying, making it a bit lighter but just as delicious.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: Most of what you need is probably already in your kitchen, so you can whip these up at a moment’s notice.
- Weeknight Easy, Weekend Worthy: It’s quick to prepare but impressive enough to serve when guests are over or just for a cozy night in.
Ingredient Snapshot
Choosing the right ingredients will make a noticeable difference in your Honey Barbecue Chicken Bites Recipe. I always go for fresh chicken and good-quality barbecue sauce to elevate the flavor.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh, firm breasts for even cooking and tender bites.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick and adds a light base crunch.
- Corn flakes cereal: Crushing these gives a crispy, flaky texture that’s way better than breadcrumbs.
- Spices (garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder): They bring subtle warmth and depth to the coating.
- Barbecue sauce and honey: Use your favorite barbecue sauce, and add honey for that perfect balance of sweet and smoky.
- Eggs and milk: Create a sticky barrier to hold the coating in place.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Honey Barbecue Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1 — Set Up & Season
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents sticking and helps the bites crisp evenly. While the oven warms, place the flour into a small bowl, and in a separate medium bowl, combine crushed corn flakes with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk the eggs with milk in another small bowl. This three-bowl setup streamlines the breading process, so you’ll move smoothly without making a mess.
Step 2 — Sear, Toast, or Mix
Now, take each chicken piece and get ready to coat. Dunk it into the flour first—this creates a dry base. Then dip into the egg mixture to moisten, and finally, press into the seasoned crushed cornflakes to coat thoroughly. I like to gently press the coating onto the chicken to make sure it sticks well—this helps get that signature crunch. Place each coated piece on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave a bit of space between them for even cooking.
Step 3 — Finish for Best Texture
Bake the chicken bites for about 8 to 10 minutes per side—flip halfway through—until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You’ll notice the crust turning toasty and fragrant, and the chicken inside juicy and tender. While they bake, gently warm the barbecue sauce and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until combined and glossy. Toss the hot, crispy chicken bites in the sauce until each piece is coated in that perfect sticky glaze. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Smart Little Tips
I’ve learned through making this Honey Barbecue Chicken Bites Recipe a few times that timing and temperature are your best friends here. A crisp exterior with juicy chicken inside takes just the right balance, and a little patience goes a long way.
- Doneness Cue: The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and feel firm but springy.
- Temperature Trick: Don't lower the oven temperature—high heat is key for that crunchy golden crust.
- Make-Ahead Move: You can bread the bites ahead and freeze them uncooked for an easy bake-and-eat meal later.
- Avoid This Pitfall: Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet; giving them space keeps them crisp rather than soggy.
Serving Ideas
Finishing Touches
To finish your Honey Barbecue Chicken Bites Recipe, I love a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing works beautifully for dipping, balancing the sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. The contrast in texture and flavor really elevates every bite.
Pair It With
These bites go especially well with simple sides like coleslaw, crisp garden salad, or roasted veggies. For something heartier, pair with classic mashed potatoes or a baked macaroni and cheese—comfort food takes on a fun twist here. Whatever you choose, you’ll enjoy a great harmony of textures.
Easy Plating Upgrades
For weeknights, I simply bowl them up with a colorful side and dipping sauce. But if you want to impress, serve the chicken bites stacked on a wooden board with small ramekins of different sauces—honey mustard, spicy mayo, or extra barbecue sauce. Garnish the plate with lemon wedges for a zingy finish, adding a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness.
Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The coating stays pleasantly crunchy, but for the crispiest texture, let them come to room temperature before reheating.
Freezing Tips
This Honey Barbecue Chicken Bites Recipe freezes wonderfully before baking. Arrange breaded but uncooked chicken bites on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating Honey Barbecue Chicken Bites Recipe Without Drying Out
To keep the chicken bites juicy and the crust crisp, I recommend reheating in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes. If you’re using a microwave, warm in short bursts with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out. An air fryer is also perfect—just 3–4 minutes at 350°F and you’ll have that fresh-from-the-oven crunch back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and moisture, and the cooking time will be similar. Just make sure to cut them into evenly sized bites for even cooking.
You can substitute with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers if needed, but cornflakes provide a unique crispiness that’s hard to replicate. Whatever you use, be sure to season it well for great flavor.
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornflakes or crushed gluten-free cereal. Double-check your barbecue sauce ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
Make sure to properly dredge the chicken in flour first to dry the surface, then dip into the egg wash thoroughly. Press the coating onto the chicken pieces firmly before baking to help it adhere better.
Final Thoughts
PrintPrint Recipe
Honey Barbecue Chicken Bites Recipe
Crispy and flavorful Honey Barbecue Chicken Bites made with bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a seasoned cornflake crust, baked to perfection and tossed in a sweet and tangy honey barbecue sauce. A perfect appetizer or snack that combines crunchy texture with irresistible taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 5 cups corn flakes cereal, crushed
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
Sauce
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup honey
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: Place the flour in a small bowl. In a separate medium bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In another small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, then roll it in the seasoned crushed corn flakes. Repeat this process for all chicken bites to get an even coating.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the breaded chicken bites evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken bites for 8-10 minutes on one side, then flip them over and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
- Prepare Sauce: While the chicken bakes, heat the barbecue sauce and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed and well combined.
- Coat Chicken Bites: Once the chicken bites are cooked, toss them gently in the warm honey barbecue sauce ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Serve: Serve the honey barbecue chicken bites immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For an extra crispy coating, double coat the chicken bites by repeating the egg and cornflake step.
- You can substitute corn flakes with crushed panko breadcrumbs for a different crunch.
- Adjust the chili powder to add more or less heat according to your preference.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a delicious dipping option.
Leave a Reply