This honey BBQ chicken bites recipe is one of those dishes that disappears faster than I can set the plate down. You know the kind of food I’m talking about, right? The ones you make for a party or game night, and before you even grab a piece for yourself, everyone’s already hovering with their hands full. That’s exactly what happened the first time I tested these little beauties in my kitchen, and honestly, I wasn’t even mad about it.

Here’s the thing. These bites aren’t fried, but you’d never guess it. The chicken comes out perfectly crunchy, thanks to a super simple cornflake coating. And then there’s that sticky-sweet honey BBQ glaze that clings to every piece. Oh my goodness, the sauce is everything. It hits that sweet, tangy, smoky balance that keeps you reaching back for “just one more.”

I’ve made plenty of chicken recipes over the years, but this one has earned a permanent spot in my family’s rotation. It’s weeknight friendly, game day worthy, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Stick with me, and I’ll show you exactly how to make these little bites of happiness.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Crunch without the fryer – The chicken bakes up beautifully crisp thanks to the cornflake coating. You’ll get all that satisfying crunch you love without standing over a pot of hot oil or dealing with the mess.
Sticky, sweet, and smoky flavor – The honey BBQ glaze is the real star here. It clings to every bite, giving you that irresistible balance of tangy barbecue, rich honey, and just a touch of smoke.
Kid and adult approved – My kids devour these just as quickly as the grown-ups. They’re mild enough for picky eaters but still loaded with flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Perfect for any occasion – These bites work for game day spreads, potluck tables, or even a casual weeknight dinner. They’re versatile enough to fit just about anywhere.
Simple ingredients, big payoff – Nothing fancy here, just pantry staples and a couple of fresh basics. It proves that you don’t need a long grocery list to make something seriously delicious.

INGREDIENTS FOR HONEY BBQ CHICKEN BITES

Chicken

2 pounds (907 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Coating

1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
5 cups (140 g) corn flakes cereal, lightly crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Egg wash

2 large eggs
1/4 cup (60 ml) milk

Honey BBQ sauce

3/4 cup (222 g) halal-friendly BBQ sauce
1/4 cup (85 g) honey
1/4 cup (68 g) ketchup

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1) Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
STEP 2) Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl, sprinkle the flour over them, and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
STEP 3) In a separate bowl, stir together the crushed corn flakes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
STEP 4) In a smaller bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk until the mixture is smooth.
STEP 5) Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, let the extra drip off, then roll it in the cornflake mixture, shaking off any loose crumbs, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
STEP 6) Repeat with all the chicken, then bake for 18 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through, until the chicken is golden and crisp.
STEP 7) While the chicken bakes, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, and ketchup in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes, whisking occasionally until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
STEP 8) Let the baked chicken cool for 5 minutes, then move it into a large bowl, pour the warm sauce on top, and gently stir until every piece is coated.
STEP 9) Serve the chicken bites warm, or store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week and reheat in the microwave until heated through.

EXPERT COOKING TIPS

Crush the cornflakes just right. Don’t grind them into powder, but don’t leave them in big chunks either. You want a mix of small crumbs and a few flakes for the best crunchy texture.
Use a wire rack if you have one. Placing the coated chicken on a rack set over the baking sheet helps hot air circulate so the bites stay extra crisp. If you don’t have one, parchment works fine too.
Flip with care. When you turn the chicken halfway through baking, use tongs and be gentle so the coating stays on. If a little comes off, don’t sweat it, the sauce will cover it up.
Warm the sauce, don’t boil it. If you cook the honey BBQ mixture too hard, it can thicken too much or burn. Keep it at a steady medium heat and whisk often for a smooth finish.
Coat just before serving. If you plan to make these ahead, keep the chicken and sauce separate until right before you serve. That way, the coating stays crunchy and doesn’t get soggy.

RECIPE FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken through the breading step, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. You can also bake them ahead, store in the fridge, and just reheat and sauce right before serving.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless skinless thighs work great and tend to stay even juicier. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces the same way you would with breasts.

What if I don’t have corn flakes?

You can swap in panko breadcrumbs or even crushed plain crackers. The crunch will be a little different, but it still works really well.

Can I freeze these?

Yes. Freeze the baked but unsauced chicken bites in a single layer, then move to a freezer bag once solid. Reheat at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through, then toss with fresh sauce.

MAKE-AHEAD AND STORAGE TIPS

If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to plan ahead so these bites are ready to roll when the craving strikes. Luckily, this recipe is super forgiving when it comes to prep. You can bread the chicken the night before, keep it covered in the fridge, and then bake it off when you’re ready. That little bit of head start makes life easier, especially on busy days.

Leftovers hold up really well too. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat in the microwave or pop them in the oven for a few minutes if you want to bring some of the crunch back. If you’re freezing, skip the sauce until after you reheat so the coating stays crisp. Trust me, that makes all the difference.

SERVING IDEAS FOR CHICKEN BITES

These little bites are more versatile than you might think. Sure, they’re perfect for game day or movie night, but don’t stop there. I’ve tossed them on top of salads for a crunchy, protein-packed twist, and they make an awesome filling for wraps too. Just add some lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of ranch or extra BBQ sauce, and you’ve got a quick lunch that tastes way better than takeout.

They also play well with sides. Pair them with roasted veggies, mac and cheese, or even a pile of fries if you’re going all in. And if you want to get fancy, serve them with toothpicks as an appetizer and watch how fast they vanish. Basically, if you put these on the table, you won’t have to worry about leftovers.

I have to admit, these honey BBQ chicken bites are one of those recipes I can’t stop making. Every time I pull a tray out of the oven, the smell alone has people drifting into the kitchen to see what’s going on. They’re crunchy, saucy, and just downright fun to eat. Whether you serve them as a family dinner, a party snack, or a weekend treat, they’ll always feel like a win. Go ahead and give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your new go-to crowd pleaser.

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