Description
These Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are crispy, flavorful, and coated in a delicious homemade honey BBQ sauce. Perfect as a party appetizer or a family-friendly meal, this recipe uses a crunchy cornflake coating and baking for a healthier alternative to frying while still delivering great taste and texture.
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
Honey BBQ Sauce
- 3/4 cup (222g) your favorite BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s Original recommended)
- 1/4 cup (85g) honey
- 1/4 cup (68g) ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside to use later.
- Coat Chicken in Flour: Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a large bowl and add the all-purpose flour. Stir until each piece is evenly coated. Set this aside for the next step.
- Prepare Cornflake Coating and Egg Wash: In another large bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk to create an egg wash.
- Coat Chicken in Egg and Cornflakes: Dip each floured chicken piece in the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then roll generously in the cornflake mixture until well coated. Shake off any excess crumbs and place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheets. Repeat with all pieces.
- Bake the Chicken Bites: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes, flipping the chicken bites halfway through to ensure even crispness. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Make the 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 everything is well combined and warmed through.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce and Serve: Place the baked chicken bites in a large bowl, pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over them, and gently stir to coat all pieces evenly. Serve immediately while warm.
- Storage and Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through before serving.
Notes
- Using baking instead of frying keeps these chicken bites healthier without sacrificing crispiness thanks to the cornflake coating.
- For extra smoky flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to your BBQ sauce before heating.
- Make sure to flip the chicken bites halfway through baking for even browning and crispiness.
- These chicken bites reheat well and make great leftovers for quick meals or snacks.
- If you want to make this gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free corn flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American