These crispy honey BBQ chicken bites are baked, not fried, making them a lighter option. The coating stays crunchy under a sticky-sweet honey BBQ glaze that’s packed with flavor. They’re the kind of snack everyone loves—perfect for game day spreads or even an easy weeknight dinner.
I originally published this recipe in 2016 and have since added new photos and more success tips, as well as air fryer instructions.
Chicken fingers, or smaller “popcorn chicken,” is always a favorite, whether you’re serving it as a game day snack, party appetizer, or quick dinner. This version takes it up a notch with a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce that soaks right into the crunchy coating. They’re crisp on the outside, juicy inside, and don’t even need a dipping sauce (though you can certainly add one if you’d like).
Kids go crazy for them, and adults appreciate that bold sweet-and-smoky flavor.
Why You’ll Love These Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
- Baked, not fried
- Can be made in the air fryer
- Sticky-sweet glaze
- Crunchy coating made from corn flakes cereal
- Kid and adult-approved
- Simple ingredients
Here Are The Ingredients You Need & Why:
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and cut them into bite-sized pieces for quick, even baking.
- All-purpose flour: This is the first layer of the coating; it helps the egg mixture stick to the chicken.
- Corn flakes cereal: Lightly crushed for a crunchy, golden coating that rivals fried chicken.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika: Simple seasonings that add flavor right into the coating. The smoked paprika gives a subtle smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the BBQ glaze.
- Eggs and milk: Create the wet layer that helps the cornflake coating adhere to the chicken.
- BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand; it’s the base of the honey BBQ glaze.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and stickiness to the sauce.
- Ketchup: Rounds out the sauce with tang and extra flavor.
Plus, if desired, chopped chives for fresh flavor when serving!
Let’s Coat The Chicken: Here’s How
That coating on the chicken is easy, yet effective. It has 3 layers including flour to help the egg mixture stick, eggs and milk to help the crunchy coating stick, and crushed corn flakes and spices to coat the chicken. It’s a quick dredging station all working together!
Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. I usually use kitchen shears for this.
Toss chicken pieces in flour, then dip in egg mixture:
Then coat generously in the corn flakes:
Arrange the coated chicken on lined baking sheets:
Bake or Air Fry
Unlike fried versions (cooked in oil), these honey bbq chicken bites are baked in the oven until golden and crisp, usually around 15-20 minutes depending on size.
You can also cook the honey bbq chicken bites in the air fryer. Preheat to 400°F (204°C), arrange the pieces in a single layer, and lightly spray with oil. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Toss In Honey BBQ Sauce
After cooking, toss the chicken bites in a warmed 3-ingredient sauce: bbq sauce, honey, and ketchup. The sauce clings to every bite, making them sticky, flavorful, and completely irresistible.
Ideas for Serving
- Game day or parties: Pile them high on a platter and serve with celery sticks. An excellent choice when choosing Super Bowl recipes!
- Weeknight dinner: Serve with sweet potato fries and/or roasted vegetables.
- Salads: Chop up and add to a green salad.
- Add to a wrap: Wrap up in a tortilla with crunchy lettuce and tomato, plus blue cheese or ranch if desired.
If you love all things BBQ, be sure to try my BBQ chicken pizza, too!
More Appetizers & Dinners
Description
These crispy honey BBQ chicken bites are baked, not fried, making them a lighter option. The coating stays crunchy under a sticky-sweet honey BBQ glaze that’s packed with flavor. They’re the kind of snack everyone loves—perfect for game day spreads or even an easy weeknight dinner. Air fryer instructions included below!
- 2 pounds 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 (60ml) milk
Easy 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
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
- Place the bite-sized pieces of chicken in a large bowl. Add flour and stir to coat each piece. Set aside.
- Place the corn flakes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika into a large bowl. Set aside. Whisk the eggs and milk together in a small bowl.
- This next step gets your hands a little messy so have paper towels nearby. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then generously roll in the cornflake mixture, shaking off any excess. Place onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all chicken pieces.
- Bake for 18 minutes, flipping once at the 9-10 minute mark. (During this time, I make the sauce in step 6.) Remove from the oven and cool chicken for 5 minutes.
- Heat the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally.
- Carefully place the chicken bites into a large bowl. Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce on top and gently stir to coat. Serve warm.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through.
Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: Prepare the chicken through step 4. Refrigerate for up to 1 day before continuing with step 5. You can also freeze the baked and cooled chicken before tossing in the honey BBQ sauce. Bake frozen chicken in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Special Tools (affiliate links): Baking Sheet | Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper | Glass Mixing Bowls | Wooden Spoon
- Plain Chicken Bites: You can leave the coated baked chicken plain. Simply add a little more seasoning (salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder) to the cornflake mixture and leave off the honey BBQ sauce.
- Air Fryer: Skip the oven. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C), arrange the pieces in a single layer, and lightly spray with oil. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Repeat until all chicken is cooked through.
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