Description
Deliciously crispy Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites coated in a crunchy cornflake crust and tossed in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish that is easy to prepare and bake in the oven for a healthier alternative to fried chicken bites.
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 (I like 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). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Coat Chicken in Flour: Place the bite-sized chicken pieces into a large bowl and add the flour. Stir to evenly coat each piece with flour, setting them aside once coated.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: 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.
- Coat Chicken in Egg and Cornflake Mixture: Dip each floured chicken piece into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then roll it generously in the cornflake mixture to coat well. Shake off the excess coating and place the chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheets. Repeat until all pieces are coated.
- Bake the Chicken Bites: Bake the coated chicken pieces in the preheated oven for 18 minutes, flipping them once halfway through the baking time to ensure even crisping. After baking, remove the sheets from the oven and let the chicken bites 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 to blend the flavors and warm the sauce.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Transfer the baked chicken bites to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and gently stir to coat all pieces evenly. Serve 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
- For extra crispiness, make sure to crush the corn flakes lightly to maintain some texture.
- Feel free to substitute the BBQ sauce with your favorite brand or make your own for a personalized flavor.
- Use silicone mats or parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Flipping the chicken halfway during baking ensures even browning on both sides.
- These chicken bites are great served with ranch dressing, blue cheese, or extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
- To keep leftovers crispy, reheat in an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
