These chicken bites are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and smothered in a sticky honey BBQ glaze that’s impossible to resist. Since they’re baked instead of fried, they’re a lighter option without sacrificing any of the crunch. Great for both kids and adults, they’re versatile enough to serve as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
All-purpose flour
Eggs
Panko breadcrumbs
Cooking spray or oil (for baking)
BBQ sauce
Honey
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray with cooking oil.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip into the egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
Lightly spray the tops of the breaded chicken with cooking oil.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
While the chicken is baking, heat BBQ sauce and honey in a saucepan over medium heat until warm and combined.
Once the chicken is baked, toss the bites in the honey BBQ sauce until well coated.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or over rice for a meal.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
Spicy version: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the BBQ glaze for extra heat.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Air fryer method: Cook the breaded chicken bites in an air fryer at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Different sauces: Swap out the honey BBQ for buffalo, teriyaki, or sweet chili sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for 5-6 minutes for a crispier texture. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the breading soggy.
FAQs
What kind of chicken should I use for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs offer a juicier bite, while breasts provide a leaner option.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Wait to toss in the sauce until just before serving.
Can I freeze baked chicken bites?
Absolutely. Freeze after baking (before saucing) in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven or air fryer and toss in sauce before serving.
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Yes, store-bought BBQ sauce works great. Choose your favorite variety—sweet, smoky, or spicy—and mix it with honey.
How do I keep the breading crispy?
Make sure to lightly spray the chicken with oil before baking and flip halfway through. Also, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
Are these suitable for kids?
Yes, the sweet BBQ glaze is generally kid-friendly. You can leave out any spicy additions to make it even more mild.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
You can, but panko provides a crispier texture. Regular breadcrumbs will still work if that’s what you have on hand.
What can I serve with honey BBQ chicken bites?
They pair well with fries, coleslaw, mac and cheese, a side salad, or rice for a complete meal.
Is it possible to grill instead of bake?
Grilling is an option, though it may be tricky with breaded bites. You can grill the seasoned chicken pieces, then toss in sauce.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The coating should be golden and crisp, and the meat inside no longer pink.
Conclusion
Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are a simple yet irresistible dish that works for every occasion, from busy weeknights to casual gatherings. With a balance of crispy texture and sticky-sweet flavor, these chicken bites are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or stash some for later—they’re just as good the next day.
These Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce. Baked instead of fried, they’re a lighter, flavorful option perfect for dinner, parties, or game day.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
Cooking spray or oil (for baking)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
2 tbsp honey
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray with cooking oil.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip into the egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
Lightly spray the tops of the breaded chicken with cooking oil.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
While the chicken is baking, heat BBQ sauce and honey in a saucepan over medium heat until warm and combined.
Once the chicken is baked, toss the bites in the honey BBQ sauce until well coated.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or over rice for a meal.
Notes
Add cayenne or hot sauce to the BBQ glaze for a spicy version.Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.Cook in an air fryer at 375°F for 15-18 minutes for a quicker, crispier version.Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture.Freeze baked (unsauced) chicken bites for longer storage and sauce after reheating.
