If you’re looking for the perfect combination of sweet and savory in a bite-sized snack, this Honey BBQ Chicken Bites recipe is your answer. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal, planning a party appetizer or craving a snack, these delicious chicken bites hit the spot.

The combination of honey’s natural sweetness with smoky BBQ sauce creates an irresistible glaze that coats every piece of chicken, making this a recipe you’ll want to bookmark. Best of all, it’s an easy and quick chicken recipe that anyone can make. So let’s dive right in!

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Why You’ll Love Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are the perfect finger food, offering juicy tender chicken coated in a sticky flavorful sauce. The sweetness of the honey balances the tangy and smoky flavors of the BBQ sauce, creating a harmony of tastes that makes these bites perfect for any occasion. They are:

• Easy to Make: This chicken recipe uses simple ingredients and minimal prep work, so you can whip up these bites in no time.
• Perfect for Parties: Whether it’s game day, a family gathering or a casual dinner, these chicken bites make the perfect appetizer or main dish.
• Highly Versatile: You can adjust the level of sweetness or spice depending on your preference, making this recipe customizable to your taste.

Ingredients for Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

This recipe calls for ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. With just a few basic items, you can create a dish bursting with flavor.

For the Chicken Bites:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying (or baking option)

For the Honey BBQ Sauce:

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
• Sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

This honey BBQ chicken recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Below, we’ll walk you through how to prepare, fry or bake these chicken bites and create that amazing honey BBQ glaze.

1. Prepare the Chicken Bites

To get started with the recipe, you’ll need to coat your chicken pieces in a crispy breading that will hold up well under the sticky honey BBQ sauce.

• Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size.
• In one bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper.
• In a second bowl, beat the eggs.
• In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs (this will create the crispy coating for the chicken).
• Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then the egg wash, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Ensure each piece is well-coated before setting it aside on a plate.

2. Cook the Chicken

You have two options for cooking these Chicken Bites, frying or baking. Both methods work well, but frying will give you a crispier coating, while baking offers a healthier alternative.

Option 1: Frying the Chicken Bites

• Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot (around 350°F), carefully place the chicken bites in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
• Fry each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F).
• Remove the chicken bites from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Option 2: Baking the Chicken Bites

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the breaded chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil for extra crispiness.
• Bake the chicken bites for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and fully cooked.

3. Make the Honey BBQ Sauce

While the chicken bites are cooking, it’s time to make the star of this recipe, the honey BBQ sauce. The sweetness of the honey paired with the tangy BBQ sauce creates a perfectly balanced glaze that coats each chicken bite.

• In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic and cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of heat).
• Simmer the sauce over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens slightly.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more honey for sweetness or more cayenne for heat.

4. Toss the Chicken Bites in Honey BBQ Sauce

Once your chicken bites are cooked, it’s time to toss them in that delicious honey BBQ glaze.

• Place the cooked chicken bites in a large bowl.
• Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken bites and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. The sauce will stick beautifully to the crispy breading, creating a mouthwatering glaze that enhances every bite.

Serving Suggestions for Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

These Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are incredibly versatile, making them a great addition to any meal. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delicious chicken recipe:

• As an Appetizer: Serve these bites with toothpicks for a party-friendly snack. Pair with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
• Over Rice: Serve the Honey BBQ Chicken Bites over a bed of jasmine rice or quinoa to make a complete meal. The rice will soak up the extra sauce for added flavor.
• With Veggies: Balance the richness of the chicken with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or sweet potatoes. This is an easy and healthy way to round out the meal.
• In a Wrap: For a fun twist, wrap these chicken bites in a tortilla with some fresh greens, avocado, and extra sauce for a quick and tasty wrap.

You can also garnish the chicken bites with fresh parsley, cilantro or sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for Making the Best Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

To ensure your Honey BBQ Chicken Bites come out perfect every time, here are some helpful tips:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

When frying the chicken bites, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, making the chicken less crispy. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary.

2. Keep the Chicken Bites Warm

If you’re frying the chicken in batches, you can keep the cooked chicken warm by placing it in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish cooking the remaining bites.

3. Adjust the Sauce to Taste

If you like your chicken recipe sweeter, add more honey to the BBQ sauce. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.

4. Make It Gluten-Free

To make this chicken recipe gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Variations of Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

If you love the flavors of Honey BBQ Chicken Bites, here are some ways to change things up and customize the recipe to your liking:

1. Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

If you enjoy a bit of heat, add more cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the honey BBQ sauce. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the chicken bites for an extra kick.

2. Honey Mustard BBQ Chicken Bites

For a tangy twist, mix some Dijon mustard into the honey BBQ sauce. This variation adds a sharp, zesty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the honey.

Storing and Reheating Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

If you have leftovers from this recipe, here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Storing: Place any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, bake the chicken bites in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the oven will help retain the crispy texture.

This Honey BBQ Chicken Bites recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, making it a go-to dish for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing them as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack, these chicken bites are sure to be a hit. The best part is that this chicken recipe is simple, quick, and highly customizable, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

With their sticky honey BBQ glaze and crispy texture, these Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are irresistible, and once you try them, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. So the next time you’re craving something sweet and savory, give this easy chicken recipe a try and you won’t be disappointed!