Description
These baked honey BBQ chicken bites are a delicious and healthier alternative to fried snacks. Made with bite-sized pieces of chicken breast coated in a crunchy cornflake mixture and baked until golden, these bites are then tossed in a sticky-sweet honey BBQ glaze. Perfect for game day, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner, they deliver crispy texture and rich flavor without the excess oil of frying. Air fryer cooking instructions provide an even quicker and easy option.
Ingredients
Chicken and 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
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60g/ml) milk
Easy Honey BBQ Sauce
- 3/4 cup (222g) your favorite BBQ sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Rays Original)
- 1/4 cup (85g) honey
- 1/4 cup (68g) ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Coat Chicken with Flour: Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a large bowl and toss with the all-purpose flour until evenly coated. Set aside for the next step.
- Prepare Cornflake Mixture and Egg Wash: In another large bowl, combine crushed corn flakes, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and milk to make the egg wash.
- Coat Chicken with Egg and Cornflakes: Dip each floured piece of chicken into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat with the cornflake mixture, shaking off any extra. Arrange the coated pieces on the prepared baking sheets. This step can get messy, so keep paper towels nearby.
- Bake Chicken Bites: Bake the chicken bites for 18 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crispness. After baking, remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- Make Honey BBQ Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, and ketchup in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally until warm and combined.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Place the baked chicken bites in a large bowl and pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over them. Gently toss to coat evenly, then serve warm.
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat in the microwave until just warmed through.
Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing: Prepare chicken through the coating step and refrigerate up to 1 day before baking. Alternatively, freeze cooked and cooled chicken before saucing. Reheat frozen chicken in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 20 minutes or until hot throughout.
- Special Tools: Baking sheets, silicone baking mats or parchment paper, glass mixing bowls, and wooden spoon are helpful for preparation.
- Plain Chicken Bites: To enjoy without sauce, omit the honey BBQ glaze and add extra seasoning (salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder) to the cornflake coating.
- Air Fryer Instructions: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Arrange chicken in a single layer and spray lightly with oil. Cook for 6–8 minutes, turning halfway or shaking the basket, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cook in batches if needed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American